What to Do if My Dog Has Severe Diarrhea and Paralysis?

Dear VetBabble: What Should I Do When My Dog Experiences Severe Diarrhea and Paralysis?

Dear Veterinarian, my 8-year-old Basset Hound is experiencing paralysis in all four legs and has recently developed severe diarrhea. We live in a remote area and do not have access to a veterinarian nearby. Her breathing has become very labored, and she is moaning. We are worried and unsure about the best course of action. What should we do?

As a caring and responsible pet owner, it’s natural for you to be concerned about your dog’s symptoms, especially when they occur simultaneously. The combination of diarrhea, paralysis, and labored breathing definitely warrants medical attention. Here are three essential areas for you to take into consideration to ensure your pet gets the best care possible:

1. Promptly Seek Veterinary Assistance

In a situation like this, your primary goal should be to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. Since immediate veterinary care is not accessible in your area, you can phone an emergency veterinarian near you. They can guide you on what to do before travelling or will provide information about alternative care options closer to you.

If you are unable to get to a veterinarian clinic, you can also try calling Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661, where you can talk to professionals about potential poisoning or toxicity situations.

2. Understanding and Monitoring Diarrhea

Diarrhea in dogs can be caused by several factors, ranging from dietary indiscretion to severe medical conditions. In case of an emergency, it is crucial that you keep monitoring the situation. Watch for signs that the diarrhea may be becoming dangerous, such as persistent vomiting, a change in the color and consistency of the stool, or if it’s accompanied by other new symptoms.

It’s vital to know when you should worry about your pet’s diarrhea, so don’t hesitate to visit Diarrhea in Dogs: When to Worry to learn more. For more general information about possible causes, read through Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea?

3. Recognize Warning Signs of Other Acute Issues

While your primary concern is your dog’s diarrhea, the other symptoms like paralysis and labored breathing must not be overlooked. There are various conditions that could lead to such symptoms, where early intervention is key to ensuring your dog’s well-being.

For instance, one life-threatening condition that affects dogs is bloat. It might be helpful to familiarize yourself with the 5 Warning Signs of Bloat That Could Save Your Dog’s Life. Likewise, your dog’s labored breathing could be indicative of respiratory illness. Find more information by referring to Coughing in Dogs: Types, Diagnoses and Treatment.

Ultimately, your best course of action is to seek professional veterinary advice as soon as you can, especially when your dog experiences severe symptoms like paralysis and labored breathing. While it may be challenging to access a veterinarian in a remote area, do not hesitate to contact any available emergency services to discuss your pet’s symptoms and gain guidance on your next steps.