Many things can cause intestinal infections in dogs, from a parasite infestation to rotavirus and parvovirus. It is important to closely observe your dog when he is experiencing intestinal problems, because often the owner's observations lead the veterinarian to a quicker diagnosis. Sometimes intestinal distress will resolve itself within a day or two, while some cases may be serious enough to require hospitalization. Dogs who are very young, very old or who have a chronic health condition are particularly susceptible to the ill effects of intestinal infection, so it is best to consult your vet right away.
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Symptoms
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Intestinal infections frequently cause diarrhea and vomiting, but other symptoms include depression, lethargy and loss of appetite. Blood may or not be present in the stool. The dog may become dehydrated, as evidenced when a pinch of skin does not immediately flatten out. If the condition has been allowed to progress for more than a couple of days, weight loss may become apparent.
Causes
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The most common cause of intestinal distress in dogs is improper diet. Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn't, and these situations usually resolve themselves fairly quickly unless the dog has ingested a toxin, in which case, immediate vet care is necessary. Intestinal parasites are also fairly common, and may come out in the stool like grains of rice or strands of spaghetti. If you notice parasites in your dog's stool, bring a sample of it with your dog to the vet for accurate diagnosis. In less-common cases, serious viruses like rotavirus, coronavirus and parvovirus can be responsible for intestinal symptoms. These diseases are highly contagious, and require prompt and aggressive medical treatment.
Diagnosis
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The veterinarian will examine your dog's stool microscopically to look for parasite ova. If nothing turns up, she will run blood work to look for infection, and she may order specialized tests on the stool that can diagnose viruses that live in the intestine. If the results of all tests are normal, she will likely conclude that your dog simply ate something inappropriate, especially if he seems otherwise healthy.
Treatment
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Most intestinal upsets are treated symptomatically, with the exception of parasites. Parasites are easily eliminated with various deworming medications, and symptoms will subside accordingly. If a virus is to blame, hydration therapy along with anti-diarrheal medication and the replacement of lost electrolytes will support the dog until his body defeats the infection.
Prognosis
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The prognosis for intestinal infections depends upon the cause and the age and health of the dog. Parasites are very easy to eradicate, and cases of poor food choices clear themselves up. Poisoning cases and intestinal viruses have a varied outcome, with very young, old or weak dogs occasionally succumbing to the illness. A strong, healthy adult dog will most likely respond well to prompt treatment.
Prevention
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Keeping your dog on monthly heartworm and flea preventative will keep intestinal parasites at bay. Your dog's yearly vaccines protect him against parvovirus and coronavirus, and a puppy's first taste of his mother's milk often transfers immunities to rotavirus to his system. Always prevent your dog from getting into the garbage or cleaning supplies, and keep all hazardous materials out of his reach.
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