Puppy Diarrhea - a Common Problem That Can Have Serious Consequences
Posted: Thursday, August 02, 2007
by Susan Koranki
MyWay LLC
When you're a puppy owner, the chances are good that you'll encounter puppy diarrhea sooner or later! It's a fairly common problem which can have several different causes, some minor, and some very serious.
Diarrhea in puppies can be one of the first, major symptoms of some very nasty, contagious and even, potentially fatal, illnesses. However, it can also be the result of a simple change in diet or too much excitement! Knowing how to tell the difference, and when to seek help without delay, could literally be a lifesaver for your puppy.
A soft, ‘melted ice-cream to chocolate pudding' stool
This could be the result of a sudden change in diet. Such as when a puppy goes to his new home and is given a different brand of dog food. To avoid this, always make the change over a gradual one. Replace some of the familiar food with the new one, and slowly (over a period of a week or so) increase the new while decreasing the old.
This kind of diarrhea in puppies can also be caused by exposure to stress, such as traveling, visiting the veterinarian or adjusting to a new home. Or maybe your pup's been snacking on left-over's from the trash can…it's a pretty safe bet that a midnight snack of cold pizza or banana peel is going to result in puppy diarrhea tomorrow.
With this sort of puppy diarrhea, and in the absence of any other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy or loss of appetite, your best course of action is usually to withhold food for 24 hours to allow your pup's little tummy to settle down. Do make sure that you give him access to plenty of fresh water though. If his condition deteriorates or is not improved by the next day, call your vet immediately.
Young puppies can become seriously dehydrated in as little as 24 to 48 hours , so it's vital to keep the fluids coming. You can add some unflavored Paedialyte (available in the baby section of your local grocery store or pharmacy) to his drinking bowl if you'd like. If your puppy won't/can't drink, or is vomiting, you need to get in touch with your veterinarian for advice right away.
The water-jet variety
Puppy diarrhea that's watery, or contains mucous, could be a symptom of one of several very serious and potentially fatal dog illnesses. Although there are often accompanying symptoms, such as vomiting or lethargy, this kind of diarrhea shouldn't be ignored even if seen on it's own.
A bad case of worms (such as roundworms) or a parasitic infection, such as Coccidia or Giardia are all possibilities. As are serious, infectious diseases such as Corona Virus, Hepatitis and others. These conditions are very potentially very dangerous, and need immediate veterinary attention. Treatment usually involves the administration of fluids to combat dehydration, and anti-biotics to treat the disease or secondary infections.
If the puppy diarrhea shows any indication of blood (often seen as red or brown streaks), emergency veterinary care is a must…even if it means driving 40 miles to the 24 hour emergency clinic! This is a classic symptom of the deadly disease, Parvovirus, which can literally kill a puppy within a day (or less). If you're in ANY DOUBT at all, call your veterinarian, or go to an ‘after hours' clinic. Some breeds such as Dobermans, Rottweilers and Pitbulls are more susceptible to Parvo, so be extra vigilant with them. You can learn more about Parvo and Rottweilers at this website www.a-love-of-rottweilers.com
It's important to realize that puppy diarrhea, although not an unusual occurrence, has the potential to be the sign of a serious disease. If, after further investigation, you find that your puppy's upset tummy is just the natural consequence of eating stolen meatloaf, be grateful (and find a more secure trash can lid!).
You can find lots of free information and user-friendly articles on puppy health issues (including more on diarrhea in puppies) at http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com/puppy-health.html
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More commentsI brought home a 3 month old lab puppy from the local shelter last thursday. He eats everything!!! He was being fed beef flavored pedigree puppy food but when I went to the store all that was left was the chicken kind. He has also been taking daily doses of Albon because one of his sister's had coccidia. He has diarrhea and has had it since friday morning. Could this just be stress from coming to our home? Im a little worried because besides him, I have a white german shepherd that is 5 yrs old and I don't want him picking up something as well. When the puppy is not having diarrhea, he is running around and barking and chewing literally every piece of my home and chasing the shepherd around the house. He seems happy and healthy, but this is the first puppy I've ever gotten this young so I'm not sure. Please let me know!
my 6mnth old Maltese puppy is sick. he is not eating or drinking and he is just laying around. he has had no diarrhea yet but he has vomited. could it possibly be Parvo? I will probably take him to the vet in a couple hrs if he is not better soon.
Taylor.....Diarrhea could be stress related, or due to a change in diet, the coccidia, the antibiotic he's taking, or all of the above! If he seems happy and healthy otherwise, I'd say give him 24 - 48 hours and see how he's doing. If the diarrhea hasn't stopped by then, gets worse, or he shows any signs of illness, get him to a vet right away. Best of luck.Rachel.... I'd definitely recommend taking him to the vet if he's not looking better within a couple of hours. If he's fully vaccinated, chances are he doesn't have Parvo - but of course it is possible. He may have another bacterial or viral infection though, or have ingested something toxic. Best of luck, hope he's doing better soon.The Puppy Dog Place
My pomeranian pup 8 weeks is due his second shots today. But he has pudding like motion. Can the shots still be given?
Yes this was very helpful thank you my puppy has already had his Parvo vaccine but was easily spoiled desiring people food instead of his own dry food lesson learned now no human food until his tummy is a bit older and stronger an then just sparingly as treats.
Thank You!
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For you who have dogs/puppies kittens/cats with possible parvo or any enterocolitis the best thing is parvaid for dogs and I can't remember the name of the one for cats but google it, you'll find it, its a herbal remedy that works wonders, I've had kittens and puppies who have died from it, vet couldn't do crap as usual, this stuff works wonders, I've saved very small animals easily, and all of them lived, never lost one of them, I'm up to 10 young kittens/puppies saved, there are a lot of strays where I'm at.....Its worth the expense, typically $50 bucks but it lasts......
Hello, we got a 10 week old puppy four days ago. We have been feeding him the same food as his previous owner. Just today, he we t to the bathroom normal, but then shortly after had diarrhea. Some of it is reddish, but I didn't freak out because it is the same red color as his food; I was thinking maybe the color is showing up because he didn't digest it well..? I don't know if that's possible.. Any suggestions?
My 10 week old jack russel pup has watery stools for 3 days now. I haven't changed her diet and she is drinking water, still playful sleeps abit more than usual, but she might have ate something to upset her but unsure what It was. I was going to fast her and only feed her rice and chicken tomorrow and see how it gos. But is this ok to do and also can I use Pepsi bismol the same day am fasting her?
i have a 4 month old huskey .he has diarrhea for the past 24 hours,he eats everything out the back garden,snails and worms muck grass paper.is it because of the snails and worms.will go to the vet tomorrow,any ideas,thanks
I just got an 8 week old american bloodline bulldog this past thursday she has been doing fine but today she started with diarreha could of been the change in food!
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