Dogs can experience a number of gastrointestinal issues, from minor diarrhea to the potentially life-threatening bloat. Understanding the symptoms and causes of these ailments can be critical in saving a dog's life.
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Diarrhea Causes
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Your dog can get diarrhea for a number of reasons, ranging from a food allergy or reaction to medication, to a parasitic infection or symptom of disease. Diarrhea can be acute or chronic, depending on the cause.
Diarrhea Treatment
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When treating diarrhea, ensure your dog is hydrated. Diarrhea will typically clear on its own over a few days, but during that time, feed your dog a bland diet. If your dog exhibits symptoms of lethargy, vomiting or fever, consult with a veterinarian for further treatment.
Bloat - Symptoms
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If your dog displays a distended belly or abdomen, it may have bloat. This is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate medical attention. Certain large dog breeds, such as Akitas, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Weimaraners and Bloodhounds, are more likely to experience bloat.
Bloat Causes
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If your dog swallows a large quantity of air when eating or drinking, or exercises with air in the stomach, it may experience bloat. The presence of air and movement in the stomach can cause the stomach to flip, which blocks the air way and doesn't allow your dog to expel the air normally. If untreated, bloat is fatal.
Bloat Treatment
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If you suspect that your dog has bloat, take it to the vet immediately. Treatment typically includes hydration, antibiotics and inserting a stomach tube to "decompress" the flipped organ.
Bloat Prevention
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Increasing the number of meals during a day to encourage your dog to eat slower (and inhale less air while eating, and refraining from exercise for two hours after meals can help prevent bloat.
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