Are you concerned that your puppy has diarrhea but is still playful? If so, you are not alone. It is prevalent for puppies to get diarrhea, and it can have many causes, from a dietary change to a virus or bacterial infection. The condition known as diarrhea is not a disease but a symptom caused by another illness.
If your puppy has a severe medical condition, he will also show other signs, including watery poop. A mild stomach upset could cause your pup to have the runs, even if they look normal. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what to do if your puppy has diarrhea but is still playful.
Why is it Important to Keep an Eye on Your Pup?
Dogs are like family members, so keeping an eye on their health and wellness is essential. You should be aware of any changes in your pup’s behavior, such as:
- Acting more lethargic than usual
- Eating less than average.
- Pay attention to physical signs, like swollen bellies,
- Also, winking eyes or any illness.
If your pup has diarrhea, this can indicate a larger underlying issue, and it’s important to get it checked out to ensure they remain healthy.
Diarrhea In a Puppy – Should You Worry?
Yes, you have to be worried if you notice something different in a dog’s behavior. Seeing your puppy has diarrhea but is still very playful can be concerning. Diarrhea in puppies is typically caused by something they have eaten that their body doesn’t agree with and should clear up within 24 hours. If you suspect diarrhea is caused by something more than just something they have eaten, take them to your vet immediately to be checked out.
What are the Causes of a Puppy’s Diarrhea?
Dogs are also susceptible to getting an illness from their owner if he is not well. It’s normal for them to get diarrhea. You may find your dog extremely uncomfortable when experiencing large bowel diarrhea; straining will only worsen the condition. There are many reasons for this condition, some of them are as follows:
1. Diet Change
Diet change is one of the biggest reasons your puppy has diarrhea. Changing your dog’s diet will make it difficult for him to assimilate it easily with his body. So you have to plan a balanced diet according to your vet.
If you switch your puppy’s diet, ensuring that the new food is easy to digest is essential. You should also monitor your puppy’s food intake and keep track of any changes in their Puppy belly. Ensure you always provide your pup with fresh, clean water and monitor their energy levels and weight.
If your dog exhibits symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, and a swollen abdomen, it may be a sign of a twisted stomach, which is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.
2. Stress
Dogs can get stressed from any number of things every day, like
- Getting a bath, using shampoo, or going to the vet,
- Significant life changes like moving into a new home.
When your pup is stressed, it can manifest itself in various ways, one of which is diarrhea. Stress may be the culprit if your pup has had a sudden change in their environment or routine and suddenly has diarrhea.
The sign to look out for a puppy belly that’s bloated and tender to the touch. If you think stress is the cause of your puppy’s diarrhea, the best thing to do is remove the source of stress and make sure they’re comfortable. In most cases, their diarrhea should resolve itself within a few days.
3. Parasites
Puppies can be at risk of getting worms, which can cause their swollen stomach and diarrhea. They are particularly vulnerable, as they can get infected with parasites through their mother’s placenta or from sniffing poop and inhaling eggs and larvae. The most common types of worms that can infect puppies include
- Coccidia
- Giardia
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
This infectious condition in puppies has symptoms including:
- Distended bellies
- Bloody diarrhea
- Weight loss
- A lack of energy
When it comes to parasites, prevention is better than cure, so it’s important to stay vigilant when checking your puppy’s belly and checking for any signs of infection.
4. Viral & Bacterial Infections
It’s important to be aware of common viral and bacterial infections that can cause your puppy diarrhea. Parvovirus, often called “parvo,” is a highly contagious virus that can wreak havoc on your puppy’s immune system and body, causing severe diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. As “Parvo” is highly contagious, it’s important to follow all safety guidelines if your puppy is infected.
What to do If Your Puppy has Diarrhea?
1. Call your vet:
If you suspect your puppy has diarrhea, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent more serious complications. There are a few signs that may indicate that your pup is suffering from diarrhea, such as:
- Dogs winks
- Dog bellies
- Lethargy, pale gums
- Bloody or black stool
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Fevers (temperatures over 102 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Painful behavior such as hunched posture or crying out
- Have ingested a non-food item (such as hair ties or toys) or a toxic substance.
2. Provide Plenty of Fluid
The first step in treating diarrhea is to provide your pup with plenty of fluids. Diarrhea is a condition of dehydration. So, water should always be available to your dog. You may also use unflavored Pedialyte to maintain electrolyte balance with a vet’s approval.
3. Limit their Food Intake
You should also limit their food intake and feed them a bland diet until their condition improves. This will give their digestive system a break and help minimize discomfort.
4. Medication
If your vet suspects an underlying medical issue, they may recommend further testing and treatment. Depending on the cause of the diarrhea, antibiotics, antifungals, or other medications may be prescribed. Your vet may also recommend adding probiotics to your pup’s diet to help restore the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
How to Prevent Your Puppy From Getting Diarrhea?
● Provide a Balanced Diet
Feeding your puppy a balanced and nutritious diet is the best way to prevent diarrhea. This will help ensure their digestive system remains healthy and can prevent potential infections.
● Deworming Treatments
Additionally, it is important to provide your puppy with regular deworming treatments and probiotics. These treatments help to kill any parasites or bacteria that may be causing the symptoms of diarrhea.
● Use GI Medications
Additionally, you can use over-the-counter GI medications such as Pepcid AC, Kaopectate, Imodium, or Pepto Bismol to help control your pup’s gastrointestinal symptoms. However, monitoring your pup’s symptoms is important and ensuring they do not get worse.
Conclusion
Ultimately, keeping an eye out for symptoms of diarrhea in your pup is the best way to ensure your puppy stays healthy. Watch for changes in your puppy’s stool and ensure its belly remains soft. If anything changes, don’t hesitate to take them to the vet.
Leave a Reply