Intro To Causes Of Canine Diarrhea
Your dog can experience diarrhea because of many different conditions or diseases. Diarrhea is simply a sign of an underlying problem. If left untreated, diarrhea can lead to dehydration and eventually death. Keep reading to learn about five common causes of dog diarrhea.
Giardia
One of the first causes of diarrhea is an intestinal parasites known as giardia. Contaminated food, water, or soil can transmit this parasite to your dog. An infected animal can also transmit the parasite through direct contact. Many dogs that are infected won’t show any symptoms. However, dogs infected with giardia commonly experience diarrhea. It can range from mild to severe.
Parvovirus
The parvovirus, which usually affects younger canines, can also cause diarrhea. The virus damages the intestinal lining so your dog’s body can’t absorb liquids and nutrients. Most dogs die when infected with the parvovirus. Severe diarrhea, bloody stool, and dehydration are common signs of an infection. Adult dogs are rarely affected thanks to vaccination.
Worms
Diarrhea in canines can also occur because of hookworms or roundworms. Roundworms are intestinal parasites that usually infect puppies. It’s common for dogs with roundworms to experience a pot-belly, stunted growth, vomiting, in addition to diarrhea. If not treated, roundworms can cause an intestinal obstruction, pneumonia, or even death.
Dogs of any age can be infected with hookworms. When fully mature, these parasites attach to the lining of your dog’s intestinal tract and feed on blood. Puppies can even be infected before they’re born. If the hookworms are allowed to multiply unchecked, your dog may experience severe anemia.
Distemper
Dogs suffering from distemper will probably also experience diarrhea. This is an extremely serious disease that is highly contagious. The virus responsible for causing distemper infects the brain, intestinal tract, and upper respiratory tract. Vomiting, coughing, and green nasal discharge are common when the intestinal tract is affected. The brain is affected in the final stages which leads to seizures. Dogs that do happen to survive a bout with this virus experience recurring nervous system problems in the future.
Food
Food is one of the main ways that your dog can develop diarrhea. Eating too much table food or suddenly changing the diet can cause this condition. The good news is that diarrhea caused by food can usually be resolved within a day. You would have to give plenty of water and withhold food so the digestive system to correct itself.
Dogs can be affected by many common illnesses in canines. You can read up on many different potential health problems at dog-illnesses.com. Click over right now.
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