Tuesday, June 18, 2013

How to Treat Diarrhea in a Silky Terrier


If you're like me and the hundreds of other people who are lucky enough to have a silky terrier as a pet, you are undoubtedly going to have times when you canine pal goes through a bout of diarrhea. You know it's a mess and you feel for your pet, but if you're like most of us, you just want her to get over it so you aren't constantly cleaning up after her. How good would it be if for both of you if you could hurry the process along?

Diarrhea in silky terriers is usually just a natural response to something they have eaten that has upset their bowels and will generally go away after 24 hours. Recurring or continuous diarrhea may be a sign of a more serious condition. As you read this article you'll learn what to look for, what to do to give your pet some comfort, and when to make the trip to the veterinarian if required.

If your dog's stool is runny but clear, no mucus or blood present, the best thing to do is just take her off her feed for 24 hours and let her get rid of the offending substance naturally. Put up her food bowl but make sure she has plenty of water available. The biggest health concern with regular diarrhea is dehydration. If you're concerned that she isn't drinking enough, add unflavored children's pedialyte to her drinking water to help restore electrolyte levels. In essence you have just made her a doggie version of GatorAid.

After 24 hours you can start her back on a bland diet. Cooked chicken and boiled rice are good choices but don't be surprised when she becomes hooked on this diet. If her stool is still runny, you can firm it up using a teaspoon of children's Immodium, or a more natural cure, a half tablespoon of canned pumpkin. Make sure it is 100% pumpkin and not just the pumpkin pie filling.

Pretty easy stuff so far right?

Are you beginning to love your dog again?

I thought you might.

If the diarrhea continues after 24 hours there maybe some other issues in question. If there is blood or mucus in the stool, your pal may have colitis or an inflammation of the large bowel. When this occurs water is not absorbed in the bowel causing a runny stool. The blood is a result of the inflammation.

Usually this condition comes from eating something that they shouldn't have and the fix is the same as regular diarrhea although they may have to be on the bland diet longer.

However, there are other possible causes that can be a significantly bigger risk to your silky's health. Including parasites like giardia, coccidia, intestinal worms and even salmonella. If the diarrhea continues for more than 4 days you should take a stool sample and see a vet for analysis. If you pal becomes less alert or lethargic, or stops barking at everything like all silkies do, then take her to the vet right away as something more than diarrhea is bothering her.

So that's how you treat the little long haired critter for the runs. I'm sure you already know this, but being able to identify and care for your silky's health issues only tightens the bond between the two of you and that's a pretty good thing. Right?

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