Parvovirus – this infectious organism has a special ability for attacking rapidly dividing cells (such as those in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract) and produces vomiting and profuse bloody diarrhea. The diagnosis requires finding the virus or its antigens. Intravenous fluids and pain control are essential. Antibiotics are given to prevent secondary bacterial infections. All dogs should be vaccinated against parvovirus as pups, and then revaccinated according to their risk and efficacy of the vaccine used.
Dog diarrhea and/or frequent loose stool will cause a loss of the good bacteria. And unless it is replaced, the stool will have a difficult time returning to normal.
Toxic substances can cause nighttime diarrhea. Watch out for chocolate, grapes, avocado, medications, detergents, antifreeze, and plants.
Other signs of a bowel obstruction include:
Diarrhea means the production of feces that are softer than normal. Normal equine feces are produced in formed, non-offensive smelling, greenish-brown, semi-solid portions that will break up in the hand, revealing varying degrees of fibrous content depending upon diet. The softness of diarrhea varies from non-formed (‘cow-pat’) to liquid (like colored water) and there may be an offensive smell. Liquid diarrhea may be produced apparently involuntarily in a projectile manner (‘pipe stream’) or may involuntarily run down the hind legs (incontinence), resulting in skin ‘scalding’.
But remember, Pedialyte is made for humans, not for dogs. Because Pedialyte is formulated for humans, it contains higher levels of sodium than dogs need and also contains sugar – both of which can be harmful to dogs, especially if they are senior dogs, pregnant or nursing/lactating dogs, have other conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or other conditions that make them more sensitive to increased sodium and sugar levels.
HOW CAN I KNOW IF MY OLD DOG DRINKS A LOT OF WATER?
Dog Has Diarrhea, But Is Acting Normal And Eating And Drinking
A: Diarrhea can be caused by a multitude of underlying problems in dogs. Senior dogs often have more sensitive stomachs, so this can cause them to have more frequent digestive issues. If your senior dog has a mild case of diarrhea, or perhaps ate some extra human food, you can try adding a probiotic to their diet like Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Probiotic Gastrointestinal Support Dog Supplement or Nutramax Proviable-DC Capsules Dog & Cat Supplement. Probiotics can help increase the amount of good bacteria in the gut, while promoting more formed stools. However, if the probiotics do not seem to help improve fecal consistency, it may be time to take your fur baby to the vet for more testing. —Dr. Katy Nelson, DVM, of Belle Haven Animal Medical Centre in Alexandria, Virginia
Earle Nave is a wildlife conservationist and television personality. He is 27 years old, and he has dedicated his life to helping animals. He has been featured on numerous TV shows, and he is one of the world's leading experts on animal behavior. He has worked with some of the world's most endangered species, and he has helped to protect many of them from extinction. Earle is also an accomplished author, and he has written several books about wildlife conservation.
