What to do if your dog has diarrhea and won't eat

Here are some measures to take when your dog has diarrhea and won't eat: You can tempt your dog to eat by feeding it favorite foods. When diarrhea is severe, injections or oral diarrhea medication should be administered, and simultaneous fluid therapy should be given to maintain electrolyte balance and prevent dehydration. You can also soften the prescription food and slowly inject it into your dog's mouth with a syringe, allowing it to lick it up.

Causes of Diarrhea

There are many reasons why a dog might experience diarrhea, such as eating contaminated foods or contracting a cold that leads to intestinal infections and disrupting digestion. The upper layer of the intestine is damaged, causing the dog to be unable to absorb moisture from food, and large amounts of moisture are released with the feces, resulting in diarrhea. Viral infections require inspection and treatment at a veterinary hospital.

Symptoms of Diarrhea

Mainly characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, increased intestinal motility, and fever; signs of dehydration include decreased skin elasticity, pale mucous membranes, and insufficient blood perfusion. Feces are watery, mixed with mucus or blood; sometimes accompanied by vomiting, containing mucus, bile, or blood. Animals should be fasting and avoiding water for four hours during vomiting. If they continue to vomit within those four hours, they should be taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment.

Treatment for Diarrhea

It is recommended to properly supplement with oral rehydration salts and avoid water if vomiting occurs. If the diarrhea is caused by a cold, keep the dog warm while feeding it probiotics to help restore normal intestinal function. If the diarrhea is caused by parasites or other serious diseases, such as parvovirus, coronavirus, pancreatitis, and other severe illnesses, consult a veterinarian promptly. The doctor will determine the fasting period based on the disease's progression.