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Intro To Five Causes Of Diarrhea In Canines
June 23rd, 2009
Dogs experience diarrhea for a range of reasons. It isn’t a disease unto itself, but simply a symptom of an underlying problem. Severe cases of diarrhea can cause dehydration. If left untreated, this can be fatal. Here’s a look at common causes of dog diarrhea.
Giardia
Giardia is an intestinal parasite that can cause diarrhea. 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. When symptoms do appear, the main one is diarrhea, ranging from mild to severe.
Parvovirus
Dogs can also experience diarrhea because of parvovirus. This virus causes damage to the intestinal lining. This will prevent your dog from absorbing liquids and nutrients from his food. A parvovirus infection is usually fatal. Dogs with this virus experience severe dehydration, diarrhea, and bloody stool. Vaccination shots prevent this virus from affecting most adult dogs.
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. Roundworms can cause pneumonia, intestinal obstruction, or death if left untreated.
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
Distemper can also lead to diarrhea in dogs. This highly contagious disease is very serious. The virus attacks the upper respiratory tract, intestinal tract, and brain. 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. In the rare case where the dog survives, he will be prone to various nervous system disorders such as seizures.
Food
Food is one of the main ways that your dog can develop diarrhea. Eating human food is a common problem. Diarrhea may also develop if your dog’s diet changes suddenly. Most dogs experience relief in a day or two. You simply have to allow your dog’s digestive system to settle down for a day by withholding food but giving plenty of water.
Dogs can be affected by many illnesses in canines. Fortunately for you, you can learn about a wide range of these conditions at dog-illnesses.com. So, come by right now to become informed.
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