Diarrhea in Shih Tzu
By Chris Jones ©
This is not the most pleasant subject to write about but it sure could help a
lot of doggies so I thought someone ought to do it! Might as well be moi.
There are many reasons a Shih Tzu may have diarrhea or lose stools. I will
address as many of the problems and solutions as possible here. I am not a
veterinarian but I have been a Shih Tzu specialist for 30 years now. I’m still
a student of this wonderful breed so if any of you have anything to add or
share, please feel free to contact me and do so. I would like to learn and
share any and all ideas with others to help their dogs have the best quality
life possible. There are some prescription drugs that work very well and they
do have their place in the world. However, here I’m only going to discuss
natural solutions to a common problem – simple diarrhea.
Shih Tzu are a hairy little breed of dog with lots of hair trailing behind them,
(This is called their “skirts”, by the way.) The little guys need to have a clear
rear access for depositing their stool. If there’s an excess of hair around the
anus and stools have hairs or fibers in them, if the stools are sticky or
contain dangling materials this can set off an unpleasant chain of events. If
stools are loose or catch into coat as they fall, then problems can start from
there.
The “cling ons” can be removed with a scissors or a comb. (I suggest the
removal tools used be disinfected immediately.) It’s a good idea to have a
“barbicide”. This is special solution made to disinfect barber tools much like
a cold sterilizer. If you don’t have this, then you can make a 1:10 bleach
solution to clean blades of the scissors and tines of the comb. After soaking
5-10 minutes, then rinse and dry accordingly. Don’t forget them if you use
the bleach, as it is corrosive and will damage your tools.
Professional dog handlers often use a clipper with a surgical blade to clip
around the anus of heavily coated show dogs. I don’t advise this method of
keeping the anal area clean. I worry this may irritate the tender tissue in this
area, distress the dog, and inflame the anal glands. Razor burn is also
common when clipping too closely. The damaged skin can hurt and become
infected. I would advise instead that you invest in a good quality scissors if
you don’t already have one. Use these to keep the area clean and well
clipped on a regular basis. I personally prefer curved sheers, as most of you
know. I use the blunt tipped type and turn the curve away from the dog when
doing sensitive areas. Another good option for keeping this area clean is
getting a rechargeable moustache trimmer and using that. You can get
double duty from it by using it to trim between toes as well. Sanitize blades
after using in this area.
If a dog has a lose stool and it sticks in the coat and is left unnoticed, the dog
may act peculiar. He may keep to himself, hide, scoot his but on the ground,
and or whine. Check your little friend he may have a mass of stool attached
to his skirt. If gone unnoticed it can dry and irritate the rear and anus. It can
also block the access if the dog has to potty again. This is a potentially
serious problem. I call this a “cow patty” as they often sit down on the stool
and flatten it. The dogs often feel dirty and ashamed. They don’t know what
to do. They really need your attention and help with this problem as soon as
possible. A quick bath of the rear parts is definitely in order when this
situation presents itself. Putting a dab of Neosporin on a red irritated anus
can help alleviate any soreness and pain.
Another reason that clinging stool is a danger to your dog is that this can
contaminate his or her uro-genital area causing an e.coli infection. This can
escalate to serious infections that have devastating effects. So it is
worthwhile to be prudent when it comes to inspecting your little fuzzy
friend’s bottom.
“Dirty diapers, soiled “pantaloons” or a messy bottom is no laughing matter.
This problem will not take care of itself any more than a matted coat will demat itself.
The hair and this messy issue are just two reasons the Shih Tzu is a high
maintenance dog. They are well worth it for those who are fortunate
enough to have a good one. If folks are not willing to take the time necessary
for their care needs and/or they don’t have the patience or love in their hearts
for them, then this is not a breed they should ever consider having.
The best way to prevent this problem is 1. Healthy diet, 2. Observation
3. Attention. Feeding a good quality food without adding too many treats,
soft foods, fats or other things that may unbalance his diet is essential. Pay
attention to your pet, watch his behavior . Better still, go outside with him.
Pay attention to detail. When you see a possible problem take care of it right
away. It may be inconvenient at the time but doing this right away can ward
off many other problems that might be more inconvenient if they are
allowed to happen.
Young puppies, older dogs, dogs that eat too much, (Gluttony diarrhea is a
valid medical diagnosis by the way.) dogs that eat old food, contaminated
food, food with bacterial contamination, food with too high a fat content,
(poultry skin for example) etc are all prone to diarrhea. Some dogs are just
less able to digest proteins and need to be monitored their entire lives.
Using a good quality food is key. If you choose to cook for your dogs then
please be sure to add a supplement made for dogs that balances the vitamins
and minerals. Remember dogs need their essential fatty acids just like
people. We all need those enzymes from fresh foods, too. Many good quality
dog foods now have pro-biotics added to them. When choosing a food look
for these health enhancers. Remember many pet products use advertising
that is aimed at people appeal and your eye appeal. Many companies are
only interested in their bottom line, not the health of pets. Most top quality
foods do not advertise. They spend their budgets on their products and
getting them to you. Those foods offering nutritious ingredients – good
utilizable protein sources, healthy balanced fat content, vitamin and mineral
balance - are essential for good intestinal health and digestion. It is also
possible to mix a good quality kibble with some fresh food daily.
Watch your dog’s bathroom habits to determine if you are over feeding or if
the food combination might be unbalanced. You can do this partly by
checking his stool for consistency. Check volume, color, and moisture.
Stools shouldn’t be too dry or too wet (lose) or light in color. The stools
should have good volume. If they seem too small then you dog may not be
getting enough fiber or volume in his food. If this happens your dog is
probably going to have anal gland problems down the road. You are
probably feeding too much canned or adding rich ingredients to his food. A
dog does need some kibble or hard food not only for his teeth but also for
bulk so that his anal glands to function properly.
If you supplement your dog with Vitamin C or use MSM for older or lame
pets, then you may find lose stools from time to time. These supplements
should be given “to bowel tolerance”. That means as soon as the stools
become loosened the dose should be cut back until stools are normal again.
If your dog does get diarrhea from a simple indiscretion, like over eating, a
new treat or from eating too many treats, then a simple solution might be
giving him an apple pectin capsule or two. This can be is found in the health
food store. Apple pectin is completely natural and safe. If this doesn’t work,
then you could try Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate. Dogs seem to hate the taste
of mint. To avoid a mess when giving a mint flavored or liquid product, use
an oral syringe and pull back the loose skin of his lips and inject slowly as
far back in the mouth as possible it so it will be swallowed. PLEASE
NOTE: It is not necessary to open the mouth completely or separate the
teeth. Just let the liquid run into spaces between teeth and along gums. Hold
your pet’s head up and gently rub his throat, until he swallows it. Watch for
choking by going slowly and patiently. Another remedy (considered safe by
veterinarians) is Imodium. This is available in drug stores and comes in both
liquid and capsule form. Use the lowest possible does to begin with. A
child’s dose is always best. If that doesn’t clear up the diarrhea, then another
dose may be needed.
Many times using a capsule like DiaBac is convenient and works well. It’s
made of natural ingredients. Be sure to follow directions on the bottle. It
comes in various sizes (doses) for varying sizes of pets. You can order this
from a pet supply catalog.
Adding digestive enzymes or Prozyme often helps with older pets or those
with sensitive stomachs. These may need to be added to food on a daily
basis. These products often help the dogs use his food more efficiently and
in some cases they may eat less as a result. This product comes in a
powdered form. Dr. Goodpet makes a digestive enzyme product and so does
Nzymes.
I like and use a product called FastTrack Gel. I keep a couple of these
syringes in my dog refrigerator. They are really active probiotic cultures that
you use, as you need them. I have found by adding these friendly bacteria
(by mouth) to my dogs when they are “unbalanced” flora-wise that this
seems to clear up the problem very quickly in almost all cases. Most dogs
seem to like the taste and will willingly lick it. Fast Track also comes in a
powder formula and another similar product called Pro Bios is also available
now. It comes in the powdered form, too.
There are also some homeopathic formulas you may choose to use, too.
These are usually given per the exact symptoms though. Many things are
taken into consideration before a remedy is selected. If you have a natural
pet health store in your area or a holistic vet available you may choose to
work with these safe and effective remedies.
Simple water changes, water contamination and stress can all
cause “simple” diarrhea.
Don’t think just because you’re having a good time traveling all over on
your vacation that your pet is as comfortable as you are with this situation.
Shih Tzu are house dogs and usually confirmed homebodies. They are
normally ready to go back home in 3 days, maximum. All dogs are
territorial. They all prefer their home turf. Shih Tzu are even more
home/people oriented than other breeds. They really love their home. They
appreciate familiarity and security. When traveling or visiting: Remember
the 1.2.3 listed above. 1. good diet, (including good water –preferably
bottled water form home) 2. Observe behavior, 3.Attention to problem, as
soon as possible. One of my favorite remedies is Rescue Remedy. I suggest
all Shih Tzu owners carry it along when traveling with a pet or for
encountering possible stress. (Use yourself and share with your pet as
needed.) Do all you can to help keep your little friend feeling safe, secure
and stress free.
Shih Tzu often go on hunger strikes and may have diarrhea,
too, when stressed.
Whatever the cause, diarrhea should not be ignored. Serious consequences
can occur if there is an intestinal obstruction or perforation occurs. Diarrhea
also can cause electrolytes to become unbalanced and this can be dangerous,
particularly in young or old pets. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can
be serious, too. Whatever the reason, if you can’t get the problem under
control with in 24 hours call a vet. If the stool has any fresh blood or if
your dog acts distressed, lethargic, whines, vomits or cries out, consider
getting your dog to a vet right away.
White rice is good calming agent for a digestive disturbance. You can use
the old standby of lean ground round and white rice boiled together to help
you pet get his appetite back, normalize stools and gain strength again. I find
that giving white rice white (or brown rice for extra nourishment) whenever
adding any extra protein to the food is good idea. I often mix brown and
white rice together or mix them with millet when feeding organic skinless
chicken or beans.
If you dog goes off of his food a bit because of a sour stomach, that may be
all right as long as he continues to drink water. If he doesn’t drink water and
he presents any of the bold symptoms above are present then seek a vet
immediately.
Yogurt is always a good thing to add when your dog is not eating
particularly well or when he has been ill or on medication. This will help
regenerate and balance those important intestinal floras again.
Some hard cheese, like cheddar, (not processed cheese) is a known “binder”
and can be used to slow down a case of lose stools.
You can find the sources for some of the products I mentioned here at your
health food store or go to my links page, www.chiniashihtzu.com and go to
Links button. You will find the appropriate vendors there.
Good health to all my little Shih Tzu friends everywhere!