Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Having a close encounter with diarrhea is no fun for anyone, not even your doggo. When it’s time to go, it’s time to go, and going seems to be the only thing on your doggo’s mind when they are suffering from diarrhea. In these tough times, even though you probably do not want to, you need to inspect your dog’s excrements to first figure out why they got the runs, and then to find out how to help them get out of this embarrassing situation. They may need to lay low for a few days, so let them rest and give them time off from rambunctious activities.
When your dog has to go, they have to go. It’s as simple as that. Taking them out on poop walks every day is essential for them (and you as well if you don’t want poop on your carpets), but when they are suffering from diarrhea, their behavior may change. You know your dog the best, and you know how they behave when they need to go poop, so if you notice that they are especially jittery or keep straining to poop is a sign for concern. A dog may get confused when they have diarrhea and they may keep squatting even though nothing is coming out, so diarrhea can easily be mistaken for constipation if you don’t pay close attention to your dog.Â
When your pup has diarrhea, it can last anywhere from one poop to several days. If diarrhea is a one-off, make sure that your dog gets enough water to replenish the electrolytes they lost and give them light food for the next couple of days. However, if the diarrhea lasts for more than one day, or it seems particularly severe, you should let your dog go without food for about 12 to 24 hours to give their bowels some time to recover. Make sure to give them enough water and ask your vet for advice on electrolyte fluids you can give them to prevent dehydration.Â
The best thing you can do for your dog is to keep them happy and well-fed. This, however, does not mean that they should stuff their faces with mountains of food every day. It also does not mean that they should eat snacks and treats all the time. It means that your dog should be on a healthy diet with enough fiber and nutritious ingredients so their bowels can be calm and their immune system strong. Paying attention to what you give your dog every day will immensely affect their health, so opting for healthy foods is an absolute must. Along with a healthy diet goes plenty of exercise and mental and physical stimulation. Include puzzle toys in their day as they begin to feel better.
Diarrhea means dehydration, so keeping your dog well hydrated is a must. Make sure they are getting enough water every day, so they don’t suffer when they get diarrhea. You can freeze a large block of ice with electrolytes, chicken broth and water. Your dog will readily work their way through the block, satisfying their thirst and their need for activity.
When recovering from a diarrhea, it is important to keep it easy and not jump straight back to old habits. Feed your doggo light, plain food, and make sure that you are watching what they do to notice signs of possible diarrhea return. Additionally, ease back into some fun and games such as rolling the ball to them and giving them a massage.
Diarrhea is usually just temporary and will go away after a day or two, but paying attention to the causes is of utmost importance for the overall health of your dog. It can be exhausting to poop so much, which even humans know how it feels, so be supportive and kind, and make sure that you are taking care of your pup to make this issue go away quickly and painlessly. But, pay attention, if diarrhea lasts for more than two days, take them to a vet immediately!Â