Because diarrhea is a common disorder of dogs, dog owners would know what first aid methods can be used to stop the pet from passing soft stool. Being a common disease and one that is usually non-life threatening, most dog owners would not worry about the pet's condition. After passing soft stool for a few days, the dog's diarrhea would be resolved even if the owner has not administered any treatment. A dog with diarrhea would pass soft unformed stools. Although diarrhea is characterized by soft watery stool, the dog will still strain to defecate and may be able to pass only gas. The feces of a dog with diarrhea will have a different color and a very bad smell. Similar to human diarrhea, dog's passing of loose watery stools can be chronic or acute. The dog's indiscriminate eating habits oftentimes causes acute diarrhea. Anything that would fit in the dog's mouth will be ingested. Dogs would eat dirt, rotten carcasses of prey, spoiled food and their own and other animal's feces. To purge the toxic substances and the indigestible substances from the stomach, the dog's system will cause the dog to have diarrhea. Acute diarrhea is usually not a serious concern and commonly resolved even without being treated but chronic diarrhea is another matter as this concern can result to the death of the dog if treatment is not administered. Unlike acute diarrhea that usually results from the dog's dietary indiscretion, chronic diarrhea is a sign of a medical concern. Chronic diarrhea can be attributed to viral and bacterial infection, parasite infestation and other canine diseases. Dogs with diarrhea would not benefit from the nutrients obtained from ingested food thus the owner has to immediately address the pet's condition. The dog will grow weaker because of the lost nutrients and as the immune system is compromised the dog will be more prone to diseases. Recurring diarrhea can result to another life threatening condition - dehydration. The first aid for diarrhea is to let the dog's stomach rest. This means that solid food should be withheld. Adult dogs will not be given food for 24 hours. Water is withheld too but not for dehydrated dogs. For puppies, food should not be given for 12 hours but the owner should ensure that water is available. Boiled rice and chicken and other easily digestible and fat-free foods can be given to the pet. If these first aid treatments failed to resolve the dog's diarrhea, professional medical attention would be necessary for the administration of more aggressive treatment. More about diarrhea and first aid for dogs at Sarah's Dogs.
