For all of the new pet parents out there, you should know that you have to be prepared for pet diarrhea since it is inevitable, just like how it is in case of humans. Pet diarrhea can occur onset and can be for a short duration. There are a number of symptoms of the same, the most prominent being frequent loose or liquid bowel movements. Sooner or later, your pet shall have it, and while older cat or dog parents will be familiar with it, the new parents will find the information below useful for them.

Causes of pet diarrhea

• If you happen to change your pet’s diet all of a sudden, then this may result in pet diarrhea.
• Parasites can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. Other than that, viral and bacterial infections within the GI tract can also cause diarrhea, which can range from a mild to a life-threatening situation.
• A common cause of diarrhea in pets is the food allergy. Pet owners need to be aware of the allergies that their pets have concerning certain food items. In case your pet ingests something that he is allergic to, this may cause an upset. In case of a food allergy, your pet will tend to scratch excessively. Loose stools or diarrhea usually follow as a side effect.
• An upset stomach can occur if your pet eats something he shouldn’t such as a rubber band, stick or tree bark. This can happen when you let your pet outside the house more often.
• Stress can also result in diarrhea because it can interfere with the functioning of the GI tract.

Symptoms of diarrhea

The symptoms of pet diarrhea are many, and the most apparent signs of diarrhea in your pet are a frequent release of stools that are loose and watery. Since the normal rhythmic contractions and sensations of GI tract are not functioning properly during this phase, this leaves a constant feeling of the need to eliminate. Some pets stay hunched for a long period. It appears as if they are suffering from constipation, but in reality, they may be having a bout of diarrhea.

Other symptoms of diarrhea include:

• Brown stool
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Loss of appetite

Treatment for pet diarrhea

The most important thing to do when your pet is having diarrhea is to put him on a 12-hour fast. Allow your pet needs to drink water, but not eat anything during this period. After 12 hours, you can feed your pet, cooked, ground turkey and canned 100% pure pumpkin. An alternative to pumpkin is cooked sweet potato. Feed your pet a 50/50 ratio of turkey and pumpkin till the condition resolves.

If pet diarrhea does not resolve within 3 days, then check with a veterinarian immediately who will diagnose and start the treatment process accordingly. Make sure you aware of the symptoms and address them as soon as you notice any complications.

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