UH OH Gotta Run!
Diarrhea, the runs, the squirts, just a few names that we hear. We are not the only ones plagued by diarrhea, our pets get it too!
We have all been there, the frequent middle of the night wakeup call from our dog needing out. The lovely presents when you return home, and their sad little faces feeling bad to have left you that present.
Diarrhea is characterized by frequent loose or liquid bowel movements. It can be caused by something as simple as a change in diet or a more serious illness or infection. Diarrhea may be sudden in onset and short in duration. It can also last for weeks to months or occur off and on.
What are some causes of diarrhea?
- Change in diet
- Food intolerance
- Ingestion of garbage or spoiled food
- Ingestion of poisonous substances or toxic plant material
- Ingestion of foreign body (for example, toy, rubber band, plastic bag, etc.)
- Allergic reaction
- Bacterial or viral infection
- Internal parasites
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Certain medications
- Colitis
- Stress
- Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
A single bout of diarrhea is generally not a cause for concern in pets — but if it persists for more than a day, it can lead to dehydration, or it may indicate an underlying health issue and should be checked out by a veterinarian.
