Kelly
Introduction
Healing Diarrhea in Your Boston Terrier
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with invaluable advice on what to do if your Boston Terrier gets diarrhea, including both dos and don’ts. We’ll also explore safe and effective products that can aid in your dog’s recovery.
I know what a “stinking” nightmare it can be. Years ago, my first Boston Terrier, Woody, got diarrhea overnight. I woke up to a very, very messy surprise in the kitchen. Woody left his “surprise” all over the floor (and stepped in it, spreading and smearing it) up the walls (it was EXPLOSIVE!)
I’d never seen….or smelled, anything quite like it. It makes my stomach lurch just thinking about it all these decades later. I can’t imagine how awful, and ashamed my Boston must have felt, through no fault of his own. Poor little sweetheart!
I later found out that my husband had given him some of his chorizo burrito. “Just a little bite” he told me. Well, that little bite, was all it took!
As gross as it was, we still chuckle about it to this day. Ahhh, the memories….
Understanding Causes of Diarrhea
Before diving into what actions to take, it’s crucial to understand the potential causes of loose stool in Boston Terriers. Diarrhea can result from various factors, including dietary indiscretions, infections, stress, or underlying health conditions. Identifying the root cause can help you tailor your approach to provide the best care for your beloved Bostie.
Dietary Indiscretions:
One common cause of diarrhea in Boston Terriers is dietary indiscretions. These adorable and sometimes mischievous dogs have a knack for finding and devouring things they shouldn’t. Whether it’s table scraps, garbage, or mysterious objects during their outdoor adventures, consuming inappropriate or spoiled food can lead to gastrointestinal upset. This might result in an upset stomach, loose stools, and discomfort. To address this, it’s essential to monitor your Boston Terrier’s diet and environment, ensuring they don’t ingest harmful substances.
Infections:
Infections, such as bacterial or viral gastroenteritis, can trigger diarrhea in Boston Terriers. These infections may result from ingesting contaminated food or water, and they can lead to digestive disturbances. Symptoms often include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Identifying an infection as the root cause of diarrhea is crucial, as it might require specific treatments, such as antibiotics, to resolve the issue effectively.
Stress:
Stress and anxiety can impact a Boston Terrier’s digestive system, leading to diarrhea. Changes in their environment, routines, or exposure to unfamiliar people and animals can cause stress-related digestive disturbances. If you suspect stress as the culprit, it’s essential to identify and mitigate the stressors in your dog’s life. Creating a safe and comforting environment and practicing calming techniques can help alleviate their anxiety and improve their overall well-being.
Underlying Health Conditions:
Sometimes, diarrhea might be a sign of an underlying health condition. Gastrointestinal issues, allergies, food sensitivities, or chronic diseases could contribute to persistent diarrhea. In such cases, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian for a thorough examination and diagnostics to pinpoint the exact cause. Early detection and appropriate management are vital for your Boston Terrier’s long-term health.
Once you’ve identified the potential cause of your Boston Terrier’s diarrhea, you can take the appropriate actions to address the issue and provide them with the care they need. In the following sections, we’ll explore various strategies to manage and treat diarrhea in these lovely dogs, ensuring their health and well-being.
What to Do: A Step-by-Step Guide
Assess the Severity: When you notice your Boston Terrier has diarrhea, evaluate the severity. Mild cases may resolve on their own, but persistent or severe diarrhea requires immediate attention. If your dog has normal appetite and energy with no throwing up, up to date on vaccines and no other underlying health conditions, you should be able to treat the issue at home the first 48 hours.
Monitor Hydration: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so make sure your dog has access to clean water at all times. You can also offer electrolyte solutions designed for dogs to help maintain their fluid balance.
Withhold Food Temporarily: Fasting your dog for 12-24 hours can give their digestive system a chance to rest. Gradually reintroduce a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice, in small portions.
Quiet Time: Give your Boston Terrier a nice quiet calm place to rest and heal.
Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial for restoring the gut’s balance. Consult your veterinarian for a suitable probiotic supplement for your Boston Terrier.
Veterinary Consultation: If the diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours, is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like blood in stool, or if your dog is lethargic, consult your vet promptly.
Keep in mind that even a mild ongoing case can get serious if not treated in a timely manner.
What Not to Do
Don’t Jump to Medications: Avoid giving over-the-counter medications like anti-diarrheal drugs without consulting your veterinarian. These can sometimes worsen the condition if not used correctly.
Don’t Ignore Other Symptoms: If your Boston Terrier displays additional symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or a loss of appetite alongside diarrhea, it’s crucial not to disregard these signs. They could indicate a more severe underlying issue.
When it’s a Possible Emergency
Knowing when diarrhea with your dog constitutes a medical emergency is crucial for responsible pet ownership. If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxin, like a harmful substance or poison, or a foreign body such as a toy or clothes, it’s an immediate red flag.
Other concerning signs include low energy, weakness, loss of appetite, vomiting more than once, particularly if accompanied by blood.
Frequent bouts of diarrhea over a few hours, diarrhea lasting beyond 24 to 36 hours despite home remedies, presence of a lot of red or black/tarry stools, and continuous straining during bowel movements are indicators of a potential emergency.
Additionally, if your dog’s gums appear pale, bluish, whitish, or gray, or if their stomach seems painful and bloated, it’s essential to seek immediate veterinary attention. Seeing worms in your dog’s stool or vomit is also a concerning sign.
Remember, in case of doubt or concerning symptoms, always reach out to your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital for guidance and assistance.
Safe and Effective Products
Pumpkin Puree: Adding a tablespoon of plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) to your dog’s diet can help firm up stools due to its high fiber content.
Native Pet Organic Pumpkin for Dogs is handy to have around if your Boston Terrier is prone to bouts of “the runs.” This specially formulated pumpkin dog fiber supplement, expertly designed by a leading veterinary nutritionist to effectively prevent and relieve dog diarrhea without any harmful side effects.
Say goodbye to expensive or ineffective dog diarrhea medicines – and wasted canned pumpkin puree! Most Boston Terriers will need only a tablespoon per dose, so this powdered topper should last a long time for occasional use or about a month for daily use.
This organic pumpkin powder is a superior alternative, carefully crafted to be a perfect replacement for the traditional canned pumpkin dogs are accustomed to. You can now customize the dosage for your dog’s size, ensuring no more uneaten cans.
Made in North America using only three organic ingredients – pumpkin, pumpkin seed, and apple powders – our high-fiber supplement provides all-natural digestive support and relief for your pup.
It’s an easy mixer and topper, seamlessly blended with dry kibble or water to create a delicious pumpkin puree that will have your dog eagerly anticipating mealtime.
Probiotic Supplements: Probiotic supplements specifically designed for dogs can aid in restoring the balance of beneficial gut bacteria. You can read a bit more about probiotics and Boston Terrier digestive issues here.
NaturVet Advanced Probiotics and Enzymes Supplement. Enhance your dog’s well-being with our cutting-edge probiotic and enzyme solution, designed to promote optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.
These probiotic and essential digestive enzymes are thoughtfully crafted to assist your dog in breaking down food effectively, ensuring the utilization of essential nutrients and vitamins.
Experience the perfect digestive support for your dog with PB6 technology, which facilitates the journey of beneficial bacteria throughout your dog’s entire gastrointestinal tract. Achieve a harmonious and balanced GI environment for your dog, promoting stomach and intestinal health at its best.
Plus, treat your dog to a delightful, wheat-free soft chew supplement that they’ll relish. NaturVet takes pride in being veterinarian formulated and made in the USA, adhering to the highest standards in manufacturing within an FDA audited, cGMP compliant facility.
Digestive Enzyme Supplements: These supplements can help your dog’s digestive system break down food more efficiently, easing the strain on the gut.
NaturVet Digestive Enzymes for Dogs has it all – probiotics and prebiotics all in one!
Digestive Enzymes for Dogs: Enhance Nutrient Absorption
Discover this premium Digestive Enzymes for Dogs and Cats, thoughtfully formulated to provide essential enzymes and probiotics. These aids help optimize nutrient absorption by breaking down food effectively.
Why Choose Digestive Enzymes:
Optimal Support for Your Dog: Ideal for those undergoing food transitions, struggling with sensitive stomachs, or dealing with flatulence issues. Our enzyme blend includes Alpha-Amylase for starch, Protease for proteins, Cellulase for cellulose, and Lipase for triglycerides.
Easy Administration: Convenient powder form suitable for Dogs and Cats aged 6 weeks and above. Administer effortlessly by adding just 1/4 rounded teaspoon to each cup of dry or wet food during every feeding.
Quality Assurance – Made in the USA: Trust in their commitment to quality. These Digestive Enzymes are proudly formulated by veterinarians and manufactured in the USA. The production takes place in an FDA audited, cGMP compliant facility to ensure top-notch safety and efficacy. (This product is also safe for cats, which is handy if you have one sharing your attention with your Boston Terrier.)
Electrolyte Solutions: Specialized electrolyte solutions for dogs can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes due to diarrhea.
NaturVet Pet Electrolyte Concentrate for Dogs. Discover how this advanced digestive health supplement can play a crucial role in aiding diarrhea recovery. They’ve developed a specialized formula designed to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort and promote a speedier recovery from diarrhea.
Packed with natural ingredients known for their soothing properties and proven to restore gut balance, this product can help provide the relief your Boston Terrier needs. (Again, this solution can be used for cats as well.)
Prescription Medications: In severe cases where diarrhea is caused by an infection or underlying medical condition, your veterinarian may prescribe medications to address the issue effectively.
Conclusion
Dealing with diarrhea with your Boston Terrier can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can help your pup recover quickly and comfortably.
Remember to assess the severity, monitor hydration, and consult your vet when needed. Be cautious about what you feed your dog and consider the use of safe and effective products to aid in their recovery.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your Boston Terrier’s health and well-being, making those unpleasant bouts of diarrhea a thing of the past. Your pup will thank you for it with their wagging tail and boundless energy.
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