It’s sad to witness your Chihuahua struggling with constant diarrhea. And we all know that the chihuahua possesses a sensitive immune as well as a gastrointestinal system. As a result, this breed is particularly prone to constant diarrhea, and it could have long-term effects on their overall health. You’re not isolated if your Chihuahua is always struggling with diarrhea.
One such question asked by Chihuahua owners is, ‘Why does my dog always have diarrhea?’ Or why does my dog develop diarrhea irrespective of what I am feeding them?
If you also seek the answers to these questions, this article will be a complete guide for you! This article describes the most probable reasons for diarrhea in dogs, possible remedies, and when to call in a veterinarian, for instance, in the case of Chihuahuas.
Diarrhea is chronic when it exceeds two weeks or comes back frequently. It’s not about the odd upset stomach because of a cheese bite. Chronic dog diarrhea is generally an indication that something is more serious.
In Chihuahuas, a mild change in diet can cause chronic diarrhea because of their small size and delicate digestive systems.
Most Chihuahua owners believe soft stool is a transient issue. Yet, chronic diarrhea in dogs is most often combined with other symptoms, such as:
If your puppy has diarrhea that persists, take action immediately. Remember that puppies dehydrate rapidly and break apart rapidly without medical help.
There isn’t a single answer to this. But the following are the typical reasons for chronic diarrhea in Chihuahuas:
Small breeds have sensitive stomachs. If your Chihuahua ate something new, either table food or treat, and was in the bathroom for a bit the next day, it could be something more than a coincidence.
Offenders include:
Feed an elimination diet and observe how they respond to single-protein, limited-ingredient diets.
Internal parasites like Giardia, roundworms, or hookworms will result in chronic diarrhea in dogs. These are the most common, especially in rescue dogs or from unscrupulous breeders who do not deworm puppies on a regular basis.
A yearly fecal test at your vet’s office will verify the existence of parasites.
If your dog has diarrhea for months despite the diet, IBD may be the cause. It is an autoimmune condition that leads to inflammation of the intestines.
The signs could be:
Treatment is usually done with steroids, diet change, and close monitoring.
Seeing that Pancreatitis occurs frequently in Chihuahuas, particularly if the food is high in fat, it can lead to temporary or ongoing diarrhea, vomiting, and terrible stomach cramps. Don’t give them table food like greasy meat and bones.
If your dog has just been treated with antibiotics, the gut flora could be disturbed. This will lead to dog diarrhea.
Rebalance with a probiotic supplement or by feeding high-fiber food.
Chihuahuas are highly emotional. Diarrhea caused by stress could be due to a new environment, noise phobia, or separation anxiety.
Other anxiety signs:
Practice stress-relieving techniques such as music therapy, morning walks, or stress supplements prescribed by the veterinarian.
Break it down first before we go into treatments. Consult your vet first before trying any new addition to your pet’s diet, supplement, or medication.
Some common solutions are:
Switch to a hydrolyzed protein or bland diet if food sensitivity is suspected:
These facilitate gut support and rebalancing. Your vet might recommend specific brands which are ideal for toy breeds.
If the tests come back with parasites, an antiprotozoal or prescription dewormer will take care of it. Deworming puppies on a regular basis is crucial.
As a last resort, your vet might suggest:
This is where using vet learning materials can come in handy for pet parents. Sites like VetAndTech provide various learning materials for pet parents and veterinary professionals for an improved understanding of veterinary procedures and test results.
As a responsible pet parent, you must see the veterinarian at once if:
They are signs that could indicate a serious problem requiring immediate veterinary attention.
After protecting your Chihuahua from chronic diarrhea attacks, take precautions to avoid future attacks:
Additionally, bookmark quality veterinary education websites to better understand your dog’s health.
It is tiresome and emotionally stressful to manage a diarrheic dog that has a chronic problem, especially in small breeds like the Chihuahua. They are primarily treatable or controllable with the right treatment, though.
From food intolerance to more complex problems like IBD, being aware of the potential culprits allows you to take action fast. If your puppy has tummy trouble or long-term diarrhea, don’t give up hope.. Watch signs and consult your vet. You can also refer to the learning material, like VetAndTech, so that you can know more about the procedure.
Chronic diarrhea can be due to diet intolerance, parasites, IBD, anxiety, or other chronic diseases. It is extremely important to have a veterinary diagnosis.
No. If left on its own, it can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and more serious health problems. Always attempt to discover why.
Provide plain, easy-to-digest food like cooked rice and chicken in the short term. In the long term, a hypoallergenic diet your vet advises is ideal.
