Veterinarians administer canine vaccinations yearly, starting when a puppy is 6 weeks old. Vaccinations introduce a calculated dosage of canine disease into the dog's bloodstream to prompt its immune system to build a defense. If the vaccination is successful, a puppy will be strong enough to withstand later encounters with the disease. Unfortunately, puppies sometimes suffer from diarrhea after receiving vaccinations. Diarrhea is not only inconvenient, it can also be dangerous.
-
Dehydration
-
As with humans, puppies' bodies rely on water to function properly. Vaccinations trigger reactions in some dogs, including temporary stomach upset, which can include diarrhea. The watery stool characteristic of diarrhea results from the bowels not absorbing water normally. Increased water output increases a puppy's chance of becoming dehydrated, which can lead to serious problems if left untreated.
Loss of Skin Elasticity
-
Once a puppy loses 5 percent of its water, the skin becomes less elastic. To test this, gently pull the skin on the back of your dog's neck. If it takes longer than two seconds to return to its normal position, the puppy is likely dehydrated. The longer dehydration continues, the less elastic and more uncomfortable its skin will become.
Dry Gums
-
A puppy's gums dry out because of insufficient moisture during diarrhea. When gums are dry, they become sticky and cause friction when the puppy opens and closes its mouth. The discomfort from this can range from mild to painful ,depending on the severity of dehydration. Frequent drinks of water can keep gums moist and decrease discomfort, even as diarrhea continues.
Loss of Electrolytes
-
With the excessive amount of water lost through the bowels, electrolytes are also lost. Electrolytes include minerals such as potassium, chloride and sodium. These maintain balance within a dog's body, preventing lethargy, cramps and malaise. A veterinarian can assess whether to give the puppy an electrolyte drink to aid in replacement.
Organ Failure
-
If diarrhea persists, the puppy is at risk for organ failure. The loss of vital fluid and electrolytes causes the blood to thicken and the blood pressure to fall. During this time, the body must exert more effort to perform normal functions. A puppy is prone to overheating since its body needs moisture to stay cool. When organs receive insufficient blood flow and endure excessive heat, they are weakened and susceptible to failure.
Death
-
It's important that a dog receive proper attention when it first experiences diarrhea following vaccination. Left untreated, diarrhea can lead to death. It may not be evident what stage of dehydration a puppy is in, so it's wise to contact a vet if diarrhea begins.
-