A Look At Common Causes Of Diarrhea In Canines

Dogs experience diarrhea for a range of reasons. It isn’t a disease unto itself, but simply a symptom of an underlying problem. If left untreated, diarrhea can lead to dehydration and eventually death. Keep reading to learn about five common causes of diarrhea in dogs.

Giardia

One of the first causes of diarrhea is an intestinal parasites known as giardia. This parasite can be transmitted through contaminated soil, food, or water. Giardia can also be transmitted via direct contact. Many dogs that are infected won’t show any symptoms. However, the main symptom if diarrhea which can range from mild to severe.

Parvovirus

One of the next causes of canine diarrhea is parvovirus, a virus that usually affects younger dogs. 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. Dogs with this virus experience severe dehydration, diarrhea, and bloody stool. Adult dogs are rarely affected thanks to vaccination.

Worms

Diarrhea in canines can also occur because of hookworms or roundworms. Puppies are usually affected by roundworms, parasites that affect the intestinal tract. Dogs with a roundworm problem will also experience stunted growth, vomiting, and a pot-belly. If not treated, roundworms can cause an intestinal obstruction, pneumonia, or even death.

Hookworms affect dogs of any age. These worms attach to the intestinal lining and suck on blood. They can also infect puppies before they are even born. These parasites cause a range of other symptoms such as weakness, bloody diarrhea, and severe anemia due to their feeding on the blood supply.

Distemper

Distemper can also lead to diarrhea in dogs. This disease is often fatal and very contagious. The brain, intestinal tract, and respiratory tract can all be affected by the virus. Vomiting, coughing, and green nasal discharge are common when the intestinal tract is affected. In the final stages of the disease, the brain is affected. This causes dogs to experience seizures. Long-term problems are likely in the rare case of survival.

Food

Eating certain foods can certainly lead to a case of diarrhea in canines. Eating human food is a common problem. Diarrhea may also develop if your dog’s diet changes suddenly. 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.

All owners should know a little something about canine illnesses. You can read up on many different potential health problems at dog-illnesses.com. So, come by right now to become informed.

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