Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs and Cats

Diarrhea is one of the digestive tract disorder the most common pet owners. Diarrhea itself is not a disease but a symptom that accompanies a disease or disorder in the body. Normally, adult dogs defecate once a day if fed one to two times a day. Changes in the form of increased frequency of defecation, stool volume and consistency from soft to liquid and can be accompanied with the presence or absence of stool discoloration is a common symptom of diarrhea. Although diarrhea easily recognizable, but to find the cause and treatment is quite complex because many factors influence the existence of the digestive tract function.

Factors that could cause diarrhea in dogs include:

1. Diet

Diarrhea caused by dietary factors may include the sudden replacement of food, overeating (the portion of food too much), food intolerance, the presence of foreign objects that can not be digested such as grass and unclean food sources such as from garbage.

Replacement food abruptly can cause disruption to normal flora balance in the intestinal tract so that food replacement should be done gradually by mixing the old food with just enough food within 1 week for normal intestinal flora to adapt.

Dogs may also experience intolerance to a particular substance or element content of foods is also influenced by differences in individual sensitivity. One of them that often occurs mainly in children where dogs are lactose intolerance can not digest lactose milk for lactase enzyme deficiency. The result is accumulation of lactose in the intestine and lead to excessive fermentation microbes that impact on osmotic diarrhea. Handling can be done is to give milk with low lactose content. In addition, dogs may also experience intolerance to spicy foods (lots of flavor) and are usually found in oily foods home.

Dogs who eat less than the net like the trash can cause diarrhea are also sometimes accompanied by symptoms of vomiting. This is because the possibility of bacteria or toxins in the food waste that can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Habits of dog bite hard objects or fibrous texture that is not including more food because of their behavior is indeed "like" it. Even a dog that is misbehaving in the stomach and feel generally uncomfortable urge to eat something that is fibrous like no other grass is one way of allocating the stress incurred by such discomfort. But the grass is irritating and can not be digested, so the impact a dog can vomit and the effect that further irritate the digestive tract can cause diarrhea.

2. Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasitic worms such as whipworms in dogs (flatworms), hookworms (hookworm), roundworms (worms gilig). Diarrhea that occurs due to the obstruction and mechanical injury by the infestation of worms in the mucosal epithelium of intestine and sometimes accompanied by blood. In a severe infestation of worms in the long run can also cause anemia, decrease in body weight, dull hair, decreased immune system, even perforations (holes) of the intestinal wall. For that dogs should be given regular worming every 3 months for prevention.



3. Bacterial infections and protozoa

Protozoa cause damage to intestinal epithelial cells because the intracellular and proliferate them are often attacked, especially in young dogs are giardia and coccidia. While the causes diarrhea by bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella and campylobacter. The specialty of bacteria in addition to causing damage to intestinal epithelial cells resulting in malabsorption, also can cause septicemia (the circulation of pathogenic bacteria in the blood vessels) and can result in enterotoxin as a result of metabolic waste. In general, bacterial and protozoan infections can occur through contaminated food besides that it also be zoonotic (contagious to humans).

4. Viral infections

The most frequently encountered and is usually fatal in children who have not vaccinated dogs are parvovirus and coronavirus. Infection by this virus causes acute bloody diarrhea accompanied by vomiting and severe dehydration. Unlike other infections, the virus is contagious (highly infectious) morbidity rate (virulence) and mortality (death) high, especially in young dogs. Prevention is by vaccination which could begin entering the age when puppies 6-8 weeks.

5. Drugs and toxins

Certain drugs can cause side effects of diarrhea, such as NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) such as aspirin, anthelmentik (de-worming), anticancer drugs and several types of antibiotics depends on individual sensitivity. For the toxin is generally not only cause diarrhea but also vomiting, even for toxin type organophospate (insecticide) can be accompanied by neurological symptoms (seizures).

6. Pancreatitis

Pancreatic inflammation can cause the production of digestive enzymes, so that ingesta in the intestine can not be digested properly. This condition affects not only the movement of ingesta normal motility but also the development of intestinal microflora. Consequently overgrowth can occur (excessive growth of microflora) that trigger diarrhea. Symptoms include abdominal pain, steatorrhea (fatty stools), decreased body weight as well as generally happens is chronic diarrhea and was not accompanied by blood or mucus (phlegm).

7. Gastrointestinal obstruction

Gastrointestinal tract obstruction can be caused by foreign bodies and narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract itself is caused by various factors such as torsio (rotation), gastrointestinal tract, intussuceptio (folded portion of the intestine into another portion of the intestine), abcess, intestinal tumors, as well as attachment channel for example by because of trauma. Symptoms other than diarrhea can also be accompanied by vomiting, anorexia (decreased appetite), depression and abdominal pain.

For intestinal tumors usually occur in areas often terminal colon and rectum and is generally found in older dogs. The tumor itself has a variety of types, but the most vicious among adenocarcinoma, and lymphosarcoma. Symptoms along with the development of tumors, namely chronic diarrhea, weight loss, low appetite, vomiting and black stools (due to blood mixed with gastric HCl in the gastrointestinal tract).

8. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

The occurrence of IBD or better known as the inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract suspected by the role of various factors such as nutrients, bacteria, genetic and immune system that causes a reaction resulting in disruption hypersensitif permeability and lesion (wound) mucosal tissue and eventually have an impact on the occurrence of chronic diarrhea.

In addition to the causes, you also need to recognize the duration of diarrhea in dogs that can be divided into 2 categories, namely diarrhea are acute and chronic. Acute diarrhea usually occur suddenly and lasted a short duration up to 1-2 weeks. Conversely, if there is persistent diarrhea (more than 3 weeks) or have a history of recurrent, it can be categorized as chronic diarrhea.

When your dog experienced a mild acute diarrhea, but his condition remained lively with a good appetite and without any other clinical symptoms of diarrhea that occur then the likelihood is more caused by dietary factors. Nevertheless both acute diarrhea and chronic nature still requires special attention when coupled with other symptoms such as decreased appetite, vomiting, fever, weakness, pale mucosa, diarrhea accompanied by blood or mucus, pain in the abdomen and so forth. In this condition you should immediately consult your animal to a veterinary clinic or a local vet to get immediate treatment and examination of the possibility of a serious illness.

Milk with lactose is not good for Kitten and Puppy

Identical with the kitten milk. Many beginners who only give milk as a puppy cat food at the newly owned. Milk is nutrient-dense foods are much needed by chicks cat who can not eat solid foods are eaten by the adult cat. But did you know that not all milk can be digested by a cat?

Milk that can not be digested by the cat is lactose-containing milk such as fresh cow's milk or by-products. Lactose is milk sugar which is one of the typical components in milk together with triglycerides (fatty milk) and casein (milk protein). Lactose content of about 4.6% in milk. To digest lactose, the digestive enzyme lactase which must use one of the digestive enzymes produced by cells in the small intestine break down milk sugar duty into a form that is easier to be absorbed into the body. Unfortunately, digestion owned by cats can not produce this enzyme so that does not break down lactose, lactose granules will be left behind in the face of the hole and the small intestine absorbs much of the surrounding water, causing diarrhea. There are times before exiting, he was stuck in the colon and is broken down by bacteria producing gas (CH4, CO2, H2). As a result, the stomach becomes bloated, stomach pain, until diarrhea.

There are some digestive cat who eventually became resistant to lactose. cats do not have diarrhea or abdominal bloating. It is not that good because cats have digestive disorders that are not visible so that its work function decreases. cats can not digest and absorb nutisi with a maximum so that should be given food with higher numbers than expected. As a result, the cat will lose weight and malnutrition.




So, whether the milk should be avoided?

Each type of milk must contain lactose, but there is milk which contains lactose so it can be consumed by a cat. Milk with lactose which can be consumed by the cat is milk containing alpha S1-casein protein is low, derived from animal milk goats. Outside the country, goat milk is being improved and promoted because it does not cause adverse side effects such as cow's milk. In Indonesia it will be more difficult to find goat's milk but not to worry because the manufacturers have set up animal makann lactose-free milk for the cat so that you can give milk to your cat without causing your cat has diarrhea. Unfortunately this product is very expensive because it is imported in small quantities. Another alternative is to give formula to a lactose-free human infant with a more affordable price and more diverse choices. Lactose-free formulas are usually given a code FL (lactose free) on the packaging.

Indeed, the nutrients contained in infant formula does not equal the nutrients needed by puppies cat but at least better than cow's milk contains alpha S1-casein protein are very high that can cause diarrhea.

In addition to milk, lactose content is also widely used in products for human snacks like biscuits, cereals, fast food, cheese, margarine, and so on, so keep in mind if you want to provide snacks for your cat. It's safer if the snacks are made specifically for cats which are produced by a leading pet food manufacturers because although containing milk, laktosanya content has been removed in order for safe consumption by your cat.

Worms in dogs : Common types of worms that infect dogs.

Worms in dogs has become something normal. There is even a term that says that the worm and dogs like ice cream and cake. For it is very important to know what types of worms that attack dog. Here are described some of the worm normally found in dogs.

Dog intestinal worms

There are five intestinal worms - or parasite - that can affect your dog. They are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms and heartworms.
Not intestinal parasites

Helping Your Cat Stay Healthy

To keep your cat healthy a majority of time, all you really need to do is give him good shelter, food, and plenty of water.  Like other living things however, cats can get sick from time to time no matter what you do. 

As a cat owner, you’ll want to ensure that you feed your cat only the best.  Premium cat food is the ideal for cats, as the food is designed to keep your pet happy and healthy.  You’ll also need to pay attention to his behavior, so you’ll know when he’s sick and when to take him to the vet.  Most of the more common ailments and sicknesses are minor, although there are some cases where a vet can be the determining factor between life and death for your cat.



Your cat’s behavior will be one of the most critical factors when you are trying to determine whether or not he is under the weather.  Acting sluggish, laying around all the time, lack of energy and not eating are all signs that you need to take him to the vet immediately.  His coat is also a good thing to watch as well.  If you notice his coat dull and patchy or notice him shedding abnormally, you should contact your vet as soon as you possibly can.

Diarrhea and vomiting are sometimes common, even with basic sickness.  On the other hand, if your cat seems to be doing either one of the two for more than a day, you should contact your veterinarian.  Coughing is common as well, simply because coughing will cats dislodge hairballs.  If your cat seems to be coughing for another reason, you should have him checked out as soon as possible.

To ensure that your cat isn’t subjected to various diseases, you should always make sure that he stays up do date with his vaccinations. There are several diseases out there that require vaccinations, including rabies and feline distemper.  Feline distemper is one of most devastating diseases a cat can get, yet it is also one of the easiest to prevent as well.  The disease strikes cats very fast, and leaves you as an own very little time to seek treatment.

Feline leukemia is another disease that is very deadly, yet can be prevented early on with the proper vaccinations.  Although the disease isn’t possible for humans to contract, it can be spread quickly among cats.  There are vaccinations that can treat the disease these days, although you’ll still want to be careful and not expose other cats around a cat you know has feline leukemia.

Another problem, which is very common with cats that stay outdoors, is worms.  Cats that have worms will normally have a lackluster coat and little to no appetite.   There are several different types of worms, including ringworm and hookworm.  Worms can come from fleas, lice, or even the organs of dead rodents that cats consume.  Normally, the cat will digest the eggs which will later mature and attach themselves to the walls of the intestines.  If you feed your cat garlic frequently during feedings, it can help to protect him against worms.

If you take care of your cat, chances are you’ll keep him healthy for years to come.  You should always make sure he has quality food, and doesn’t miss any of his scheduled checkups with the vet.  If he gets the proper vaccinations when he is required to get them, he should be safe against numerous pests and diseases.  Taking the proper steps with your cat now will prevent anything from happening in the future.

Tips on How to Select a dogfood

1. Protein content:

Try to select a dog food that has a protein content of less than 30%. In tropical countries like Indonesia, dogs do not need high protein. Excess protein will lead to itching, like a crooked leg bone calcium deficiency, kidney stones, etc..

2. Lipid content:

Fat content of most good for the dogs in our country ranges from 12% - 20%. For dogs that digestion is not good, like diarrhea should choose low-fat dog food is.

3. Do not be affected by the excessive promotion of dogfood with famous brands. Because is not necessarily suitable

4. Select a dog food that is still a long expiration date.

5. About 2-week trial period, if within 2 weeks of no visible means interference dogfood matches.