Diarrhea may appear to be a self-limiting condition when it affects dogs mildly. However, severe cases of diarrhea may cause substantial harm to the dog if left untreated, and in some cases may even prove to be fatal. Debilitated dogs may be particularly vulnerable to severe diarrhea, and small puppies may succumb to its effects fairly quickly if veterinary help is not sought on time. A dog may develop a variety of symptoms indicating that diarrhea has started to take its toll on the dog's body and possibly reached life-threatening levels.
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Dehydration
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When severe diarrhea affects a dog, he may have a hard time replenishing the lost fluids. When this happens, dehydration sets in. The skin of a severely dehydrated dog loses its elasticity, and therefore when pulled up will remain in a tented position. The eyes may appear significantly sunken, the heart rate may increase, but the pulse may be weak. When the level of dehydration reaches 12 to 15 percent, dogs are in a life-threatening situation. The pet may be in shock and may succumb if immediate treatment is not provided, according to Pet Place veterinarians.
Listlessness
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When severe diarrhea takes place, especially leading to dehydration, puppies and dogs may weaken, most likely if the diarrhea has persisted over a day or two. If the dog is no longer active and alert or is not interested in playing, eating or engaging in activities he normally enjoys, then this can be a sign that the diarrhea is starting to take its toll on the dog's body and the he may eventually succumb if not treated in time. It is therefore very important to seek veterinary help promptly when the diarrhea is preceded by or accompanied with noticeable depression, explains Mark Richards, a veterinarian who answers questions for Vetinfo.com.
Low Temperature
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If a dog severely affected by diarrhea is not hydrated in time, and dehydration is allowed to progress, he may have trouble maintaining his body temperature. Although the normal body temperature of a dog is around 101.5 degrees, a dehydrated dog affected by severe diarrhea may have his temperature drop below 100 degrees. If allowed to go too low, the dog may then lapse into coma. The only way to reverse a dog's low body temperature is to provide rapid infusion of intravenous fluids, according to Dr. Ron Hines, veterinarian and author of the 2nd Chance website.
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