Newfoundlands are large, gentle, and loyal dogs that make great companions for families. However, like any breed of dog, they are prone to some health issues, and one of them is diarrhea. Diarrhea is the production of loose or unformed stools, usually with increased amounts and frequency. It can be caused by a number of factors, and it can range from mild to severe depending on the underlying cause. In this blog, we will discuss the common causes, symptoms, and treatment of diarrhea in Newfoundlands.
Causes of Diarrhea in Newfoundlands
There are many possible causes of diarrhea in Newfoundlands, but some of the most common ones are:
Gastrointestinal infection: This is when the dog’s digestive system is infected by bacteria, parasites, or viruses. This can happen by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or by coming into contact with infected animals or feces. Some examples of gastrointestinal infections are salmonella, coccidia, E. coli, parvovirus, and intestinal worms 12.
Dietary indiscretion: This is when the dog eats something that is not suitable for its stomach, such as garbage, spoiled food, human food, plants, or non-edible objects. This can upset the dog’s stomach and cause diarrhea 12.
Change in diet: This is when the dog’s food is changed suddenly or frequently, without giving enough time for its stomach to adjust. This can cause food intolerance or sensitivity, which can lead to diarrhea 12.
Stress: This is when the dog experiences anxiety or fear due to various reasons, such as a change in environment or routine, new people or pets, loud noises, or other stressful situations. Stress can affect the dog’s digestive system and cause diarrhea 12.
Allergic reaction: This is when the dog has an allergic reaction to something it ate or came into contact with, such as food ingredients, medications, chemicals, or plants. This can cause inflammation and irritation in the dog’s digestive system and cause diarrhea 12.
Side effects of medication: This is when the dog is taking medication for another condition and experiences diarrhea as a side effect. Some medications that can cause diarrhea in dogs are antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, steroids, and painkillers 12.
Organ dysfunction: This is when the dog has a problem with one of its organs, such as the liver, kidney, pancreas, or thyroid. This can affect the dog’s digestion and metabolism and cause diarrhea 12.
Symptoms of Diarrhea in Newfoundlands
The main symptom of diarrhea in Newfoundlands is loose or watery stools that are more frequent than normal. However, there may be other signs that indicate a problem with the dog’s health, such as:
Dehydration: This is when the dog loses too much fluid and electrolytes due to diarrhea. This can cause symptoms such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, lethargy, weakness, and increased heart rate 12.
Blood or mucus in the stool: This is when the dog’s stool contains blood or mucus, which can indicate inflammation or infection in the digestive tract. The blood may be bright red or dark black depending on where it comes from 12.
Vomiting: This is when the dog throws up its food or bile along with diarrhea. This can indicate a more serious condition such as an obstruction or a toxin ingestion 12.
Weight loss: This is when the dog loses weight due to diarrhea and poor appetite. This can affect the dog’s overall health and immunity 12.
Fever: This is when the dog has a high body temperature due to an infection or inflammation in the body. This can cause symptoms such as shivering, panting, and reduced activity 12.
Treatment of Diarrhea in Newfoundlands
The treatment of diarrhea in Newfoundlands depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Some general steps that can help are:
Hydration: This is when the dog is given plenty of fresh water to drink to prevent dehydration. If the dog is severely dehydrated or vomiting, it may need intravenous fluids from a veterinarian 12.
Diet: This is when the dog is given a bland diet that is easy to digest and low in fat and fiber. Some examples of bland foods are boiled chicken and rice, cottage cheese and yogurt12. The dog should be fed small and frequent meals until the diarrhea subsides. The dog should also avoid any food or treats that may have caused the diarrhea or that it is allergic to 12.
Medication: This is when the dog is given medication to treat the underlying cause of the diarrhea or to relieve the symptoms. Some examples of medications are antibiotics, anti-parasitics, anti-inflammatories, probiotics, and anti-diarrheals12. The medication should be prescribed by a veterinarian and given according to the instructions 12.
Rest: This is when the dog is given enough rest and comfort to recover from the diarrhea. The dog should be kept in a clean and warm environment and away from any stressors 12.
Takeaway
Diarrhea in Newfoundlands is a common condition that can have various causes and symptoms. It can be mild or severe depending on the underlying cause. It is important to monitor the dog’s condition and seek veterinary help if the diarrhea persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other signs of illness. With proper care and treatment, most cases of diarrhea in Newfoundlands can be resolved quickly and without complications.
I got this information from various sources from the internet. I credit this information to caninesandpups.com.