Ask a Vet By Dr. Heather Hillier Veterinarian, City of St. John’s
During the course of your pet’s life they are bound to experience some diarrhea, commonly because they ate the wrong thing at the wrong time (like raiding the garbage once you’ve cleaned up from turkey dinner), but sometimes it can be a sign that something else is wrong.
What does pet diarrhea look like? • Loose to watery stool with increased foul-smelling gas.
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If the diarrhea continues, when should I be concerned? Consult your veterinarian if:
• Frequent episodes with urgency, this may lead to accidents in the house.
•
Your pet is under 6 months old. Younger dogs are more likely to dehydrate quickly or get infections or parasites.
What can I do at home if my pet has diarrhea?
•
The diarrhea lasts for more than 24 hours.
•
The stool has fresh blood or is black and tarry.
•
Your pet is straining with no production.
•
Your pet is also experiencing vomiting, weight loss, decreased energy, or loss of appetite.
• Let their belly settle by withholding food for 12-24 hours. Continue to offer small amounts of water frequently to prevent dehydration. • Once the belly has settled, offer something bland and easy to digest - try plain white rice and boiled chicken breast - in small frequent meals.
Important
• Once bowel movements have returned to normal, slowly mix their regular food in with the chicken and rice.
Never use over the counter anti-diarrheal medication (like Pepto-Bismol or Immodium) intended for humans on your pets.
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CITY GUIDE | FALL 2020
