What Causes Severe Diarrhea in Adult Dogs Along With Respiratory Problems?

Puppies are subject to many viruses and illnesses, but as a dog grows up and gets regular shots, his immune system strengthens and certain diseases no longer affect him. Adult dogs suffering from severe diarrhea and respiratory problems may have canine distemper or several conditions causing these symptoms. As with any serious problems with your dog, check with your veterinarian to diagnose and properly treat your dog.

  1. Diarrhea and Respiratory Problems

    • Canine distemper is a viral disease transmitted from dog to dog and affects the respiratory and nervous systems. Fatal to puppies, canine distemper still affects non-vaccinated adult dogs, though they usually survive. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, squinting and eye discharge.

    Causes of Diarrhea

    • Canine Giardiasis: A common waterborne parasite that causes diarrhea in dogs of any age. Dogs can get Giardiasis from drinking untreated water in puddles or natural bodies of water, or from a dog with Giardiasis. This usually goes away on its own, though there is medication to treat it.
      Intestinal Upset: Unfamiliar or non-dog food can upset a dog̵7;s stomach enough to give him diarrhea.
      Canine Parvovirus: A virus fatal to puppies but most adult dogs can survive it with treatment. Spread from dog to dog, your dog may catch parvo at a day care, kennel or dog park.

    Causes of Respiratory Issues

    • Canine Parainfluenza: This is a viral respiratory disease that can affect all dogs. While this is rarely serious for adult dogs, it may cause respiratory issues.
      Canine Bordetella: Also known as ̶0;kennel cough,̶1; this bacterial infection causes a dry cough, nasal discharge and sneezing. This is spread from dog to dog, and is frequently contracted at day care, kennels and dog parks.

    Treatment and Prevention

    • Diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours warrants a visit to the veterinarian. Diarrhea and respiratory issues are serious, therefore, your vet will run several tests to determine the underlying cause(s) of your dog̵7;s symptoms. She may recommend fecal testing, blood work, a parvovirus test or X-rays. Diarrhea can cause serious dehydration. You may have to change your dog's diet or give him a prescription drug. To recover from diarrhea, the vet will give you dog a bag of intravenous fluids to rehydrate.
      The distemper-parvo shot that most dogs get as puppies protects against distemper, parvovirus and canine parainfluenza.
      There is a vaccine for Giardiasis, though it isn̵7;t effective and can be expensive.