Dealing with doggie diarrhea ? This common wellness condition may be the culprit .
If your dog is having diarrhea , it might be a pillowcase of inflammatory bowel disease . This unwashed experimental condition occurs in human race , dogs , cats , and other animals and normally causes diarrhea , gas , and discomfort . While colitis can have many causes , stress is the biggest perpetrator . The safe word is that colitis is easily detected and can often be managed through diet and medicine .
What Causes Colitis in Dogs?
The full term inflammatory bowel disease simply means inflammation of the colon , also known as the large bowel . Since colitis typically causesdiarrhea , it is sometimes referred to as large intestine diarrhea .
Any dog can originate inflammatory bowel disease disregarding of years , breed , or sexuality . This precondition can go on dead ( acute colitis ) or it may be a continuing condition . Chronic colitis often occurs as a result of another medical condition .
Stress colitis is the most common type of piercing colitis in dogs . This happens when accent andanxietyinterfere with resistant function , leave to inflammation of the expectant bowel . It ’s not unusual for dogs to develop acute inflammatory bowel disease after a stressful consequence like boarding , moving , or loud haphazardness like electrical storm orfireworks .
Photo: Carol Yepes
Other causes of colitis include :
Symptoms of Colitis in Dogs
In general , diarrhea may be related to the large intestines or the low bowel and will present in unlike ways . wienerwurst with modest bowel diarrhea are more potential to experiencevomiting , weight loss , and sluggishness . If blood is present in little intestine diarrhoea , then it will appear dark like coffee grounds or tar ( not fresh cherry stemma as with large intestine diarrhea ) .
Of course , looseness may be relate to both the heavy and low intestines , but in cases of colitis , it is chiefly the large bowel that is affected . Signs of colitis in dogs include :
Contact your veterinarian if your dog is demonstrate any of these signs . They can propose you on next whole step to get your pup feeling better .
How to Treat Colitis in Dogs
The first stride to treating dog colitis is to determine what caused it . Your veterinarian will discuss your dog ’s wellness account with you and then perform a physical examination . Next , the ex-serviceman will track down fecal tests to ensure for leech and infection in the stool . Abdominal ex - ray may be require to calculate for GI foreign consistency andtumors . Blood examination may also be recommended to assess electrolyte balance , blood cell count , and organ function .
Reduce Stress
If the colitis was brought on by accent , then it ’s important to do what you could to reduce your dog ’s tenseness and anxiety at home plate . This wo n’t necessarily cease the diarrhea , but it can prevent it from bring forth bad or recurring . Of course , atrip to the vetmight temporarily increase your dog ’s accent level , but it ’s usually necessary to begin handling .
Medication
Dewormers are used to handle parasitic infections causing colitis in dogs . The exact type of dewormer will bet on the eccentric of sponge .
Metronidazoleis amedicationused to regale many cases of magnanimous intestine diarrhea . This antibiotic can treat bacterial infections , but it also has anti - inflammatory prop that can ease the looseness of the bowels itself . Metronidazole may also be used along with dewormers to care for parasites like Giardia .
Diet Changes
Many character of colitis can be managed withdietchanges alongside medication . veterinarian typically recommend a stop of fast for one to two days so as to stay the GI parcel of land . After that , a special diet may be warrant . Your veterinarian will help oneself you find the proper diet for your dog .
Natural Remedies
Many Canis familiaris parent may tryfeeding their detent pumpkinto help allay their diarrhea triggered by colitis , however , this domicile remedy does n’t always help in all case . In general , natural supplements or home remedies can be helpful , but these can also make diarrhea bad . Be certain to talk to your vet before starting any kind of supplement , herb , or other natural remedy for colitis .
Hospital Care
hot dog with severe colitis often need to be hospitalized for supportive care . These pups may need endovenous fluids to rehydrate and balance electrolytes . During hospitalization , andiron are sometimes regale with anti - diarrhea drugs to provide relief .
What’s the Outlook? Future Care for Dogs with Colitis
Most cases of penetrating colitis clear up quickly with basic treatment . However , dogs with chronic inflammatory bowel disease — especially those with incendiary bowel disease — may experience flare - ups throughout their lives . These dogs may involve to remain on a particular veteran - commend dieting at all times . medication are often used to help with flare - ups . Dogs with inveterate condition like this may need to see the veterinary surgeon for frequent check - ups .
When diet and medications are not helping , it may be metre for advance diagnostic testing . Your vet may recommend a colonoscopy and/or MRI to check for more serious issue . This may include a referral to a veterinary inner medicine medical specialist .
