Why is my dog ​​not eating and has diarrhea?

When a dog that has been with you day and night suddenly loses interest in its favorite snacks, and even ignores the dog food that it usually devours, and has frequent diarrhea, as an owner, you can imagine the worry and anxiety in your heart. Every time a dog behaves abnormally, it seems to be sending us a distress signal. Behind the two symptoms of "not eating and diarrhea", there are complex and diverse reasons. We need to explore them carefully and interpret them with professional knowledge to give them the most appropriate help. ​

From the perspective of physiological health, digestive system diseases are one of the common causes of dogs not eating and diarrhea. The stomach and intestines of dogs are relatively fragile. Sudden changes in diet and ingestion of indigestible foreign objects may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. For example, when the owner suddenly changes the brand of dog food, the dog's stomach and intestines may take some time to adapt to the new food formula. During this adaptation process, the balance of microbial flora in the intestines is broken, which is prone to diarrhea and loss of appetite. Or when the dog is playing, it accidentally swallows small toys, socks and other foreign objects. These foreign objects will block the intestines, which will not only affect normal digestion and absorption, but also cause severe abdominal pain, making the dog unbearable and naturally lose the desire to eat. ​

Intestinal parasite infection is also a factor that cannot be ignored. Parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, etc. parasitize and reproduce in the dog's intestines. They will rob the dog of nutrients, destroy the intestinal mucosa, and cause intestinal dysfunction. When parasites multiply in large numbers, the dog will have symptoms such as mental depression and diarrhea, and even eggs or worm bodies may appear in the feces.

In addition to gastrointestinal problems, diseases of other organs may also cause loss of appetite and diarrhea in dogs. For example, liver and kidney diseases can affect the metabolic function of the dog's body. The liver is an important detoxification and metabolic organ in the dog's body. When there is a problem with the liver, the secretion and excretion of bile are affected, which in turn affects the digestion and absorption of food. The kidneys are responsible for filtering and excreting waste and excess water from the body. Kidney disease can cause a dog's internal environment to become disordered, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Oral problems in dogs, such as oral ulcers and periodontitis, can cause them to feel pain when eating, thus resisting food.

In addition to physiological diseases, psychological and environmental factors in dogs can also affect their diet and digestion. When dogs are in an unfamiliar environment, strong stress responses can cause them to refuse to eat or drink and have diarrhea. Improper diet is also an important cause of these symptoms in dogs. Feeding dogs too much greasy, spicy human food, or feeding them spoiled or expired food can irritate the dog's stomach.

When faced with a dog refusing to eat and having diarrhea, the owner must first remain calm. Carefully observe the dog's symptoms, record the number of diarrhea episodes, the color and shape of the stool, and whether there are other symptoms such as vomiting and fever. These detailed information are essential for veterinarians to diagnose the condition. If the dog's symptoms are mild, you can try to fast for a period of time, generally 12-24 hours, to give the stomach and intestines a full rest. During the fasting period, make sure the dog has enough water to prevent dehydration. After the fasting period, feed the dog some light and easily digestible food, such as rice porridge, chicken porridge, etc. ​

However, if the dog's symptoms continue to not ease, or serious symptoms such as mental depression, fever, blood in the stool, etc. appear, be sure to take it to the pet hospital for treatment in time. The veterinarian will accurately determine the cause of the disease through detailed interviews, physical examinations, laboratory tests, etc., and formulate a corresponding treatment plan. Whether it is drug treatment, deworming treatment, or surgery to remove intestinal foreign bodies, we must actively cooperate and give the dog enough care and care. During the dog's illness, our company and care are their best medicine. Soft comfort and gentle touch can make the dog feel our support.