Ensuring Health

Diarrhea

Diarrhea

Diarrhea often results from a number of systemic and other problems. It is sometimes caused by bad feeling. If it happens only once or twice, it may be nothing more than a slight intestinal upset. A sudden change in diet can bring it on; a switch from one brand of food to another is best done over a period of several days, the new food gradually mixed in increasing amounts with the old. Often diarrhea results from nervousness or fright brought on by unaccustomed journeys or excitement. Spoiled food, too, will cause it. Diarrhea can be an indication of canine distemper or canine parvovirus, in which case the stools emit an especially foul odour. Intestinal parasites such as hookworms and whipworms are also a major cause. Serious diarrhea involving several daily evacuations, evil smelling of blood-streaked stools, should be treated immediately by a veterinarian. 

Mild or occasional cases may be relieved by the same treatment as for vomiting : withholding food and water for 12 to 24 hours, giving only ice cubes to lick, then offering water gradually, after a period of time. Simultaneously, Kaopectate or Donnagel, given according to your veterinarian’s instruction, will help to stop the diarrhea and calm the stomach. Start bland food after twenty-four hours.