Diarrhea is a common health problem among dogs that clearly indicates gastrointestinal distress. That's why it is no surprise that German Shepherd diarrhea issues have been a common matter owners often worry about. So if your German Shepherd also suffers diarrhea and you are wondering why this happens, you are not alone.
Although diarrhea can be an alarming sign, identifying the common causes is not difficult. Fortunately, treatment options are available and your German Shepherd will likely recover as soon as you take an immediate action.
More...
Why German Shepherds Get Diarrhea?
Most German Shepherd owners consider food as one of the main causes. Well, you can be right about that. But there are many other reasons why your German Shepherd gets diarrhea.
It is important not to leave your dog's bowl without water. But you also should not keep the water in his bowl for days. The stale water fosters the growth of bacteria and viruses. Worms and parasites might also take it as a breeding ground which can cause health issues to your dog.
German Shepherds have a large appetite and will likely eat anything you give. They might also take a bite onto everything they see when they're out in the field or wander around areas where there are spoiled food, poop, pee, or garbage to dig in. But if your dog ends up with diarrhea, it must've eaten something it shouldn't or something it is allergic to.
Your dog might venture on more flavors out in the lawn or in your very own backyard. Although plants can aid stomach problems, some may have poisonous substances that will cause more severe effects.
Most dogs, including German Shepherds, are lactose intolerant. So if your dog has ingested too much dairy products, it may cause loose and watery stool.
If you are feeding your dog with its regular food and changes it all too sudden, it may cause an upset stomach. You must move your dog to its new food gradually until it gets used to it.
Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)IBD or Irritable Bowel Disease is an inflammation of one or more sections of the gastrointestinal tract. If your dog acquires such disease, it would be difficult for it to absorb nutrients from the digested food which eventually results in vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)Most German Shepherds suffer from Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) where the pancreas is incapable of producing enough enzymes that are vital in digesting food. One of its symptoms is diarrhea.
Sign of a serious illnessDiarrhea might be a common health issue but you shouldn't ignore it. It can also be a sign of a serious illness related to kidneys, liver, adrenal glands, and other underlying infections.
Stress is very common in dogs and your German Shepherd won't be an exception. If it seems overly depressed, it may cause a bad effect on your dog's health which can be much worse than what you think. It can result in aggressiveness, hyperactivity, constipation, and diarrhea.
What You Can Do
If your German Shepherd is suffering from diarrhea, you can do something about it. Grab a notebook and jot these reminders down!
- The very first thing to do when your dog has diarrhea is to withhold its food for 12 to 24 hours. You can provide small amounts of water to prevent your dog from dehydration. Fasting can clear out what seems to be inappropriate in your dog's system.
- You should provide fresh and clean water such as filtered or bottled water. Refill the water every now and then and don't keep it for days. Your dog's bowl must also be thoroughly cleaned before another refill.
- You should be careful of what to feed your furry pal. The best dog food for German Shepherd with diarrhea should be healthy and natural homemade. You can also try cooked rice with boiled chicken. If not homemade, make sure you are feeding your German Shepherd high-quality dog food that will supply its nutritional needs.
- Train your dog before you go out for short walks. Yes, proper manners! Without training, your dog might scavenge from the garbage or anything it sees on the way.
- You can try feeding your dog a reasonable amount of pumpkin. Pumpkins are rich in fiber and also contain Vitamin A, C, E, potassium, and iron. You can try mixing Diggin Your Dog Firm Up Pumpkin Supplement to your dog's food to help firm up its poop and soothe its stomach.
Warning Signs
If diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, pale gums, and contains blood streaks, dark in color or the color doesn't seem normal, don't fool yourself and keep everything under your control. Take your dog to the vet immediately.
Seek Help From Your Vet
There are a few things you can first try to keep your German Shepherd in its best condition:
- Withhold food for 12 to 24 hours
- Provide plenty of clean and fresh water
- Feed your dog with high-quality food
- Train your dog
- Try feeding your dog with a reasonable amount of pumpkin
But if diarrhea has been persistent and your dog's condition does not improve, taking your dog to the vet is always the best solution. Don't wait until it gets worse!
Your vet will always provide you professional help to figure out what's causing your dog's diarrhea and treatment options to help your dog recover.
Related Posts:
1. German Shepherd Pregnancy: 10 Questions and Answers 2. The Best Dog Food For German Shepherd: 5 Reviews and Ultimate Guide
