A dog's digestive system and intestinal tract can withstand a variety of questionable food choices, and your dog may consume things that make you cringe without suffering any apparent side effects. Unfortunately, dogs are not immune to intestinal diseases, so close observation of your dog's symptoms is the best indicator that something is amiss. While there are dozens of canine intestinal disorders, the most common problems fall into a handful of categories.
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Parasites
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According to AnimalPetDoctor.Homestead.com, there are a number of parasites that may find their way into your dog's intestinal tract, causing one or more diseases. Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence and constipation. Among the parasites most frequently found in a dog's intestinal tract are Coccidia, Giardia, round worms, whipworms, hookworms and tapeworms. Parasite infestation should be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian.
GDV
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Commonly known as "Bloat," Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) occurs when the dog's stomach and upper intestine twist, causing the gut to swell with undigested food and acid. This occurs more frequently in large-breed dogs and is often fatal if not treated promptly. The dog may eat grass in an attempt to induce vomiting and he may spit up small amounts of mucus. GDV is a canine emergency.
Enteritis
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When a dog's small intestine swells, usually due to an infection, the dog may develop diarrhea with an acrid odor and he may run a fever. Enteritis is a secondary intestinal disorder and your veterinarian may administer antibiotics and run blood tests or a fecal test to determine the underlying cause. A mild case of enteritis may correct itself in a few days, but severe diarrhea may lead to dehydration. Puppies under six months of age are at a greater risk of serious illness and death from a bout of enteritis.
Blockage
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Although any dog can suffer an intestinal blockage, severe cases are more frequently seen in older dogs who cannot thoroughly chew their food and in dogs that gulp their food quickly without chewing. Bits of bone, hair mats or inedible objects may pass through the dog's stomach and become wedged in the intestines, causing fecal matter to back up and create painful pressure. A veterinarian may discover the blockage by palpating the dog's abdomen or by x-ray. Symptoms include a loss of appetite, inability to defecate and lethargy. The dog may also whine or exhibit signs of pain when he moves.
Parvovirus
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Often deadly to the dog, parvovirus targets the intestinal tract of young dogs and quickly destroys it, allowing fecal matter to leak into the dog's bloodstream, creating a toxic and often fatal condition. Vaccinations are available for the prevention of parvovirus, and all puppies should receive a series of immunizations. Parvo spreads through the feces of an infected dog and is highly contagious.
Sensitive Stomach
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Like humans, not all dogs respond the same way to the same diet. Some dogs can eat nearly anything and remain healthy, while other dogs experience intestinal distress if they consume certain foods. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps that contain salt or spices and do not offer him sweets. Commercial dog foods with fewer non-nutritional types of filler may produce less intestinal distress in some dogs (see resources).
Diagnosis
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A veterinarian must diagnose the symptoms of any dog intestinal disease because other disorders can cause your dog to suffer from diarrhea or constipation.
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