Younger dogs can become ill with diarrhea much more quickly than older dogs mainly because of dehydration which can occur within 24 hours.
Many times when you first bring your puppy home they are under a great deal of stress. Even though she is moving into a loving family she has undergone, in one day more than she has in her short lifespan so far. She will miss her mother and perhaps some littermates, the smells she has been used to since birth are gone, the trip in the car can create stress, even though loving the overstimulation can cause your puppy to become overwhelmed.
After your puppy settles in to the new home the diarrhea should subside, usually within a couple of days. In the mean time supply fresh water and make sure she drinks water often. Try to avoid overstimulation at first. It’s natural that everyone wants to pet and pick up the puppy; everyone loves the cute and cuddly little guy or gal. It may be hard to resist but provide a quiet space where your new puppy can rest certain times of the day. There are natural remedies also available that can help your puppy during the change in diet and environment. Holistic remedies for diarrhea in puppies like plantain can help the digestive system and mucous membranes or lady's mantle which can firm stools. These remedies are also excellent for use when the puppy has been dewormed as harsh medicines destroy the good bacteria.
If you purchased your new puppy from a breeder they will give you the diet best suited for the breed and also it is what they have been used to eating so their tummies won’t get upset. A change in diet is the next reason for puppy diarrhea. If you obtained your puppy from the Humane Society the diet may not be optimal. If the puppy had been eating something different before the Humane Society or the pound, the food gets changed again when they arrive and then again after they are adopted out. No wonder they get puppy diarrhea! In the future always change their diet gradually so you can avoid further outbreaks.
Other reasons for puppy diarrhea could be something they ate lying around the house; string, plastic, etc., but it’s not just the diarrhea you would have to worry about. Depending on the object swallowed they could also experience a blockage in the GI tract. Certain flowers can get eaten which cause poisoning. A list of toxic plants can be found at the ASPCA site.
Other reasons for diarrhea are parasites or a viral infection which need to be taken care of. However, if your puppy otherwise seems happy, is eating and drinking water it is probably the new environment or diet change. Sometimes fasting over night and then feeding plain chicken broth along with some cooked sweet potato can improve diarrhea. If he or she is doing better try cooked ground chicken or turkey with no bones and again the sweet potato. If the diarrhea continues it may be time for the vet.
Rebecca Shelly is a regular contributor to Natural Pet Health a site concerning the health of our pets. To find a product to help your pets with digestive disorders or diarrhea that is natural, gentle and effective, visit Bowel and Digestive Healthfor Healthy bowel functioning and ways to prevent diarrhea.
