Recently I noticed that a dachshund that I walk, suffered from an ever-worsening case of diarrhea. After every walk I mentioned this matter in my daily written notes to the owner. When the diarrhea was as bad as it could possibly get (use your imagination) I called the owner at work and advised him that he should take the dog as quickly as possible to the vet. Diarrhea robs the body of fluids and the all important dialectrics that are necessary for proper nerve responses and muscle movements, and a small dog like a dachshund is ill equipped to loose any fluids without possible consequences.
I should also mention that I had noticed this dog's teeth getting whiter over time. I recall talking to Chris about this, saying that this dog had the whitest teeth that I'd ever seen on a dog.
After the owner took the dog for a checkup, the vet concluded that the doggie-teeth whitening treats that the dog was getting before bedtime were the cause of the diarrhea.
Imagine that!
Although this is a real life incident from our dog walking, pet sitting business that occured with a dog, I tagged this post for both dogs and cats. The pet business is a multi-billion dollar business where new products are constantly introduced to pet owners. We all love our pets, and we love to give them new, yummy treats.
I caution you, however, that, as in this case, not all yummy treats are necessarily healthy for your dog or your cat.
Know what it is that you're giving to your pet. When diarrhea happens ... and diarrhea is much more complex and potentially dangerous to pets than it is to us ... look at any new additions to your pet's diet as a possible cause of the malady.
Enjoy these wonderful days of relatively mild temperatures (in the Washington DC area)
Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829
