When Should I Take My Gsd To The Vet
On the first sign of diarrhea, assess the situation. Determine if your dog has recently ingested garbage, spoiled food, or food that causes sensitivities or contains too much fat or sodium.
Diarrhea that is triggered by these causes often goes away within 24 hours.
If your GSD has only vomited once, passes only very little diarrhea, and then becomes playful and returns to normal bowel movement afterwards, is likely indicative that the diarrhea has resolved on its own.
Just be sure that you assess the areas that your GSD has visited prior to falling ill. Keep her away from those areas, as you dont want a repeat of what just happened!
However, if any of the following situations ring true, please do not hesitate to bring her to the vet!
- The diarrhea is bloody
- The diarrhea is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, depression, lethargy, weight loss, or fever
- Symptoms persist for more than a day, or worsen over time
- You feel somethings just not right
- Your GSD has swallowed a foreign object
Causes Of Acute Sudden Diarrhea In Dogs
What gives dogs diarrhea? Certain types of breeds can come down with diarrhea more than others. Also, young puppies are more likely to get diarrhea due to parasites than adult dogs. Acute dog diarrhea can be caused by several factors. These causes can be:
- Sudden dietary changes
- Poisonous substances that are ingested
- Ingestion of an object
- Reaction or allergy to a substance
- Infection, either bacterial or viral
- Inflammatory bowel disorder
- Cancer of the digestive area
Constipation Remedies For German Shepherd Dogs
Constipation is a common problem in German Shepherd Dogs. There are a number of possible causes including a lack of fibre in the diet, not enough water, stress, anxiety or even certain medications. The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to help relieve your dogs constipation.
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Symptoms Of Upset Stomach In Dogs
Some of the most common symptoms of digestive issues in dogs are:
- Excessive gas, even more so than normal.
- Audible gurgling that you can hear coming from the dogs belly.
- Behavioral changes such as depression and disinterest in his surroundings.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Eating grass to alleviate discomfort.
- Breath smells foul.
- Burping and excessive thirst.
Sometimes a dog can experience more severe cases of dyspepsia, or intense symptoms that may indicate an underlying health condition. Serious clinical signs to look out for include:
- Severe vomiting especially vomits that are considered acute and have a sudden onset.
- Vomit that appears as though it has coffee grounds in it, which is digested blood.
- Vomit that looks a bit yellow with bile.
- Vomit or stool that seems to have blood in it.
- Abdominal pain. You may notice your dog standing in an odd stance, as though it is standing with its head hanging or praying or bowing.
- Lethargy and weakness are clinical signs of gastroenteritis.
- Dogs with chronic stomach issues may have dull-looking coats.
- If a dog has ingested something toxic, he will drool a lot and his mucous membrane could appear jaundiced or yellow in color.
- A dog that is suffering from some sort of blood loss will have pale-looking mucous membranes.
Take your dog to a nearby vet or animal hospital immediately if you notice any of the above.
When To Call Your Vet
If your puppy has just had a couple bouts of loose stool and is otherwise happy and doing great, there is no need to panic. It will likely resolve on its own.
Signs to call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment:
- Diarrhea that lasts more than a day
- Bloody or black stool
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Common Foods That Can Trigger Diarrhea In Dogs
Milk or dairy can cause diarrhea in dogs, especially if not non-fat or low-fat. Fatty foods can cause diarrhea by themselves, but as dogs cannot process fat as well as people, they can also cause an illness called pancreatitis which may result in other gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and/or decreased appetite.
What Is Acute Sudden Diarrhea
Diarrhea can last for several days to several weeks, and can even last a month without proper veterinary care. If your dog has diarrhea for under a day, there may be no cause for concern, but it will be important to watch over your dog to see if other symptoms develop.
Canines can get this illness from time to time, and it might last two to four days. If it persists and becomes a chronic condition, contact the veterinarian to see precisely what is causing your furry companion’s digestive trouble.
The condition of abnormally frequent loose and runny stools is known as diarrhea, and acute diarrhea is characterized by one cause with a sudden onset.
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Recovery Of Acute Sudden Diarrhea In Dogs
In terms of recovery, once the veterinarian has made an accurate diagnosis, they will instruct you on what to do at home. If the diarrhea is caused by a more serious, underlying disorder, recovery and management may vary depending on what the diagnosis is.
Your pet may need medication and require a follow-up visit to the clinic. Home care may involve easing your dog back into their regular feeding routine. Discuss temporary solutions like bone broth or chicken and rice. It may help your dog to have pumpkin or sweet potato as a remedy for diarrhea. Full of fiber and vitamins, small servings can work toward bulking up the stool.
For the future, prevention of diarrhea can be quite successful. In order to help keep diarrhea at bay, your pup should be up-to-date with vaccines. Keep them away from trash, spoiled food, or from eating dirt and soil. Do not allow your dog to eat feces of any kind or drink dirty puddle water, and if you plan on changing your dogs diet, always do so very gradually.
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Eating Or Swallowing Something They Arent Suppose To
Eating, swallowing, ingesting or simply tasting anything outside of a puppys normal diet might cause your puppy to get diarrhea, or in worse cases, get seriously sick.
This is why its important to supervise puppies until they are properly house trained and learn what they can and cant play with and touch.
Keeping the inside and outside of your house puppy friendly is also helpful.
Human food, rotten food, meaty bones with harmful bacteria, grass/organic matter and other foods and objects can cause diarrhea or sickness in a puppy.
Its also wise to keep a close eye on your puppy when you go for walks or to the dog park as anything can be laying around in public areas.
If you suspect your puppy has ingested something harmful or toxic get them straight to the vet.
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Pull Food If They Are Vomiting
If your German Shepherd is vomiting, its best to remove any food or water from the environment until their stomach settles.
Have you ever seen a dog vomit and run to their water bowl directly after, only to vomit again? This canine response to nausea can lead to more problems for our furry friends, making it important for us to step in.
Though we often assume our dogs need to drink water to restore any fluid loss, this can further upset an angry stomach in that moment.
From the moment that your German Shepherd is unable to keep food or water down, its best to pull your dogs food and water and contact your veterinarian for further care.
How To Tell If You Can Treat Your Dogs Diarrhea At Home
Its not uncommon for a dogs diarrhea to ease on its own without treatment or medication. If your pooch has just had one or two episodes of diarrhea, chances are he will get well soon within days.
However, as the owner, you should keep an on on any unusual behavior in your dog in case any further action is needed. If your dog falls into any of the criteria below, you should not be worrying too much:
Keep reading if you want to see our list of easy home remedies for dogs with diarrhea.
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Stop Diarrhea With Over
You dont necessarily need a vets prescription to stop your pets irregular BMs, though caution should always be exercised when using medicines or supplements for your dog. Anti-diarrhea liquids, chews, and pills can be bought at almost any pet store, though your vet may have a favorite to recommend.
In some cases, notes Dr. Jerry Klein with the American Kennel Club, you may give your pup a small dose of Pepto Bismol to relieve symptoms. Typically, 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight is an ideal dose, though even large dogs shouldnt exceed more than a few teaspoons at a time. This medication does carry some risk of intestinal irritation and bleeding, so ask your vet before jumping in.
Treatment Of Acute Sudden Diarrhea In Dogs
Many acute and sudden dog diarrhea episodes can be monitored by you at home. Observing your companion during the time they have the loose and runny stools is crucial you must be sure they are drinking water to avoid becoming dehydrated. In terms of eating, it is a good idea to withhold food for twelve hours to allow the GI tract to rest and heal. Gradually add boiled white chicken and rice to the diet, and if you prefer, you can give them a probiotic supplement. The bland diet should be fed for a few days. Avoid all medications or over-the-counter drugs unless they are on a prescribed medication.
If the sudden onset diarrhea does not resolve within a day or two, or if the episodes are continual, consult the veterinarian without delay. If your pup is dehydrated, they may be hospitalized and fluids will be given intravenously. Antidiarrheal products may be prescribed to regulate the system again and reduce inflammation in the intestines.
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What Happens If My Dog Keeps Having Diarrhea
Continued diarrhea can lead to dehydration or weight loss and could be a symptom of an underlying illness. Its important not to ignore symptoms when your dog is sick. Dogs often hide their illnesses for as long as possible, acting as if they feel normal when theres really something more serious going on.
Promoting Gastrointestinal Health In A Sensitive German Shepherd
Some German Shepherds have a sensitive stomach that can be easily aggravated. These pups often require special care when it comes to their diet, and often benefit from extra support from probiotics and other dietary supplements.
So how can you promote digestive health in your German Shepherd? Here are a few of our favorite tips!
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Discourage Your Dog From Eating Grass
It appears that some dogs have an innate drive to eat grass when their stomach is upset. Some people think the dog is trying to induce vomiting by ingesting grass, but not all vets agree on this. What veterinarians DO agree on, however, is that many lawns are treated with fertilizers and other chemicals, making it unsafe for canine consumption.
Best Homemade Cooking Practices
When making homemade food for a German Shepherd , make sure you are diligent and adhere to your veterinarians recommendations.
Here are some general guidelines to follow when cooking for homemade dog food for your German Shepherd:
- Never use unsafe or toxic ingredients for your dog
- Cook all animal products thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria
- Cook all grains, beans, and starchy vegetables to make them easier to digest
- Research every ingredient before using it for safety
- Follow the recipe as instructed
- Add supplements to their diet as needed
- Understand the impact of dietary changes
- Run any questions by a veterinary nutritionist
NOTE: When in doubt, ALWAYS research an ingredient. You dont want to add food that is toxic to dogs.
We strongly advise discussing your dogs nutritional needs and concerns with your vet before adding or changing your dogs diet.
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When To Go To The Vet For Dog Diarrhea Or Vomiting
Its not uncommon for dogs to throw up or have loose stools from time to time. Most mild cases of stomach upset improve within 1 to 2 days, but if your pet has been vomiting or passing diarrhea for more than 48 hours, its time to see the vet. Keep in mind, if their digestive upsets occur frequently or with intensity, their condition could worsen quickly due to dehydration.
You know your dog best. Even if they dont display the symptoms listed above, but youre still worried about their health, its always best to call your vet.
When Should I See My Vet
You should always consult your veterinarian if the diarrhea is severe or persistent , or if your dog is a puppy, elderly, or suffers from an underlying health condition.
Puppies may be at particular risk as they are more susceptible to infections that cause diarrhea and can quickly become dehydrated.
Your vet may advise your German Shepherd to fast for up to 24 hours , however this may not be appropriate for puppies, small breeds, or elderly dogs. Remember, all dogs are different, just like you and me!
You should also seek urgent veterinary attention if a dog of any age shows any of these additional symptoms:
- Loss of appetite or thirst
- Reduction or not of urination
- Pain or discomfort
- Signs of worms in poop
Your vet will treat diarrhea depending on the cause and further investigation may be necessary.
Tip: Never give your German Shepherd any anti-diarrhea medication before consulting the vet to make sure it is safe for your dog and for advice on specific dosing instructions.
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How Can You Stop Diarrhea In Dogs
When it comes to treating diarrhea in dogs it’s essential that you never give your dog medications formulated for people before consulting your vet. Many human medications are toxic to dogs and could cause further health complications for your pooch.
If your pup has had one or two runny or soft stools, you may want to give your dog some time to recover by simply fasting for 12 to 24 hours.
A bland diet for 24 to 48 hours may help to resolve your pup’s issue. Plain-cooked white rice with a little chicken and some canned plain pumpkin may help to make your pup’s tummy feel better. Once your pooch feels better, gradually reintroduce their regular food.
Other things that might help to soothe your dog’s upset tummy include natural yogurt, probiotics, peeled boiled potatoes, cottage cheese, egg with no oil added, specially formulated dog foods, and medications prescribed by your vet.
When it comes to your pup’s health it is always best to err on the side of caution. By taking your pooch in for an examination you give your vet the opportunity to determine the underlying cause of your pup’s diarrhea and recommend the most effective treatment.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
Use A Shampoo For Irritated Skin
A good shampoo can be great to help your dogs skin. Oatmeal shampoo or simple ingredients is best if they have skin problems. Another great thing is to dilute the shampoo in water before washing your GSD. They will be less likely to retain residue on their skin after the bath.
This video gives some great tips on using shampoo for irritated skin on a GSD:
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Try Giving Your German Shepherd Digestive Enzymes To Improve Digestion
Oftentimes the cause of your german shepherds stomach issue may be related to incomplete digestion. Some german shepherds have trouble digesting protein, fats, carbohydrates, or fiber. Digestive enzymes help your german shepherd break down and absorb each of these nutrients. Failure to absorb nutrients can result in bouts of runny poos, so these vital enzymes can help.
Any good digestive enzyme supplement for dogs should include all 4 of these enzymes.
Medications Used For Dog Diarrhea
Metronidazole and Tylosin are two antibiotics that have known anti-inflammatory properties in the gastrointestinal tract. When a bacterial overgrowth is suspected, additional antibiotics may be added, such as amoxicillin.
Probiotics and fiber can be an important part of resolving diarrhea. The good bacteria in the GI consume fiber and produce short-chain fatty acids that help heal the intestine.
In the case of diarrhea caused by cancer, a chemotherapeutic drug may be prescribed.
Antacids and stomach protectants can help to resolve stomach and upper GI irritation, and anti-nausea drugs are often added when vomiting or inappetence is an issue.
Other options include deworming and/or anti-inflammatories such as prednisone.
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