Dog Diarrhea Symptoms – Part 1
After learning the different causes of dog diarrhea, it is appropriate to learn what dog diarrhea symptoms one can learn in order to keep an eye out for this common intestinal problem in canines. While the degree and form may vary from one dog to another, arming yourself with this knowledge as a dog owner will certainly provide for a much better care and environment for our beloved pets.
In most cases, dogs will suffer from diarrhea when they experience some form of intestinal irritation. For example, if their intestinal absorption is affected adversely – be it too little or overworked – this will lead to an unwanted or unexpected internal bodily response, much like how we humans also experience at times.
One of the first symptom of dog diarrhea is the consistency of the fecal matter being purged by the dog from its body. This may vary from being very watery with mostly liquid and little amounts of fecal matter, to soft and formed fecal matter. However, one condition may not necessarily mean a lighter problem than another. For example, a more watery diarrhea could lead to dehydration as too much moisture is lost by the dog, while more fecal matter during diarrhea may also mean most of the food the dog has consumed is being rejected, which could lead to a distinct lack of nutrition being needed by the body being absorbed.
The contents and color of the diarrhea is also another source to look out for symptoms. Is there blood, mucus, abnormal color or parasites such as worms being excreted by the dog? They all point to various states, conditions and illnesses which you as the dog owner can use to diagnose and treat your pet.
For most lighter cases of dog diarrhea, the canine may suffer from the condition a handful of times within a day and the stool may not show too much abnormalities. Meanwhile, the dog may also remain or look healthy and in good condition despite the problem.
On the other end of the spectrum, severe dog diarrhea often leaves the dog looking lethargic, dehydrated, not wanting to eat or drink and depressed with regular bouts of diarrhea. In the most extreme cases, the dog may also vomit and you may find blood in its stool.
Most causes of dog diarrhea are usually from intestinal upset resulting from bad food, poison and ingesting disagreeable objects. Parasites may also cause the same problem.
If your dog is experiencing diarrhea symptoms, be on the lookout for signs of dehydration. Such a condition can be life-threatening for the canine if left unchecked, as a quick and sudden loss of bodily liquids from the dog can leave it sick and dead within a short period of time.
If you find parasites in your dog’s fecal matter during diarrhea, a trip to the vet is necessary. If possible, bring a sample of your dog’s stool that contains evidence of parasites, although the vet may also carry out a similar examination for fecal screening if the pet owner is unable to produce such a sample. Medication and other treatments will be meted out accordingly thereafter.
In Part 2 of our series of the symptoms of dog diarrhea, you will find out in greater detail on a common virus which can affect canines and lead to diarrhea. We will also explain more on a common, but equally dangerous, parasite that is known to cause this condition in dogs and have dire consequences.