Dog Diarrhea Causes & Effective Laxative Remedies
Dysentery refers to a condition characterized by an increased intestinal peristalsis, incomplete or difficult absorption of fluids in the large intestine, leading to the expulsion of intestinal contents that are rich in moisture.
When dogs suffer from diarrhea, they may exhibit symptoms such as a lack of energy, decreased appetite, or even anorexia, abdominal pain, dehydration, weight loss, and potentially elevated body temperature. Some cases of diarrhea may also be accompanied by vomiting. The nature of the diarrhea can vary depending on the cause, ranging from loose stools or watery diarrhea to bloody stools.
Signs and Symptoms:
During an acute episode, dogs may suddenly start howling, vomiting repeatedly, and experience severe abdominal pain, which is often indicative of acute diarrhea caused by poisoning. In cases of mild diarrhea, the dog's appetite may remain normal, but they may gradually lose weight and appear malnourished, possibly due to parasitic infections leading to chronic diarrhea. In puppies, diarrhea often presents with bloating, distended abdomen, tense abdominal walls, restlessness, followed by vomiting and diarrhea, and pale mucous membranes, which is often due to improper feeding or overeating.
Diarrhea with mucus, pus, and a foul odor, along with a sense of urgency, is typically caused by bacterial infections. During viral infections, the stool may become loose, grayish or yellow, and may gradually turn into a watery or tomatolike bloodstained consistency with a strong, unpleasant odor, and the dog's anal area may be heavily soiled with feces.
Stools that are grayish or glossy with a foul smell are often associated with gastrointestinal issues, such as insufficient stomach acid, bile, or pancreatic enzymes. Abdominal pain accompanied by the passage of tarlike diarrhea, followed by a cessation of bowel movements, may suggest bowel obstruction due to conditions like intussusception, volvulus, or strangulation. Parasitic infections in dogs can lead to diarrhea with mucus, which may contain blood streaks, and the stool may contain parasites or their eggs.
The general principles of treating diarrhea include antibacterial and antifungal therapy, fluid replacement, adjusting the gut flora, and eliminating the cause.
In cases of infectious diarrhea in dogs, antibiotics such as penicillin and gentamicin are commonly used to treat the condition. Antibiotics can help clear the pathogenic bacteria more quickly and shorten the duration of the illness. However, antibiotics should not be overused, as this can lead to the development of drugresistant strains, secondary dysbiosis, and exacerbation of diarrhea symptoms.
When dogs are severely dehydrated, intravenous fluid therapy is necessary to replenish lost fluids, electrolytes, and energy. Oral rehydration solutions or sugar water can also be used. Rehydration salts, which primarily contain Na+, K+, Cl, HCO3, and glucose, are used to prevent and correct dehydration associated with diarrhea and can be used for various causes of infectious diarrhea.
Normal dogs have a large number of microorganisms (mainly bacteria) in their intestines that play a vital role in digestion. In dogs with infectious diseases, the normal gut flora is disrupted, leading to diarrhea. At this point, probiotics are used to adjust the gut flora of diarrheastricken dogs, helping to restore the ecological balance and protect against pathogenic bacteria, which aids in controlling diarrhea symptoms. Commonly used probiotics include products like Enterosgel.
The key to caring for dogs with diarrhea is to strengthen their feeding management. Mild cases of diarrhea can often be cured by adjusting the diet. Dogs should avoid eating indigestible foods, especially puppies. During the initial stages of acute diarrhea, dogs should be fasting and restricted from drinking water, and then provided with small amounts of easily digestible warm liquid or semiliquid foods, such as meat broth, vegetable soup, or rice porridge, before gradually increasing their food intake as the condition improves.
In this particular case, the dog's diarrhea is dark in color and is suspected to be caused by improper feeding. Treatment with Enterosgel to regulate the gastrointestinal system can be effective. If diarrhea persists, gentamicin and attapulgite powder can be used for treatment.