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While dogs are known for eating just about anything and everything, they do have sensitive stomachs. Sometimes they may eat something that causes an upset stomach with vomiting and diarrhea.
Diarrhea is a common issue in dogs, but how do you know when to call the vet?
Mild Diarrhea
Mild diarrhea is the type dogs have the most often. This may occur after the dog has eaten something that didn’t go down well. That could be anything from table scraps, something from the trash, or even a piece of roadkill your dog chowed down while on your last walk! It can happen! It’s also possible for dogs to develop mild diarrhea after a change in their diets or even a change in medications.
Mild diarrhea may last a few hours. You may find that withholding food or switching to a bland diet for a day or two. However, if these methods don’t work, it’s time to call the vet.
Other Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs
Diarrhea can be caused by a number of health issues, besides your dog eating something. The following health issues can cause diarrhea in dogs:
- Stress or anxiety
- Ingestion of a foreign object
- Eating something toxic or poisonous
- Medications
- Parasites (tapeworms, roundworms, and more)
- Viral infections (such as parvovirus, distemper, and more)
- Bacterial infections
- Pancreatitis
- And more
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhen to Call the Vet
If your dog has one episode of diarrhea and he’s acting normally, he’s OK, and there’s no need to call the vet. Just monitor your dog’s pooping to make sure things have truly cleared up.
On the other hand, if your dog has a bout of diarrhea that lasts 12 to 24 hours, it’s best to call the vet. Also, check your dog for other symptoms, such as:
- Bloody stools
- Lack of appetite
- Dehydration
- Unusual drooling
- Weakness
- Vomiting
These symptoms can indicate a more serious issue than just an upset stomach. So, it’s essential to call the vet. Be sure to call the vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s diarrhea or if he shows other concerning symptoms. The vet will let you know if they need to see your fur baby or not.
Treatment of your dog’s diarrhea will depend on the vet’s diagnosis. However, most cases of diarrhea can be treated successfully. One of the main concerns with continuous diarrhea is that your dog could become weak and dehydrated. If left untreated, diarrhea can lead to more serious complications.
So, if your dog has mild diarrhea (once or twice), your dog usually gets better quickly. However, if the diarrhea is more or lasts longer than 12-24 hours and is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s time to call the vet. Don’t wait to see if your dog feels better. Diarrhea can be a very serious issue in a dog.
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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