When Should I Call My Doctor About Diarrhea?

Some cases of diarrhea require medical attention. Diarrhea can quickly deplete the body's supply of water and electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium) that tissues need to function. People who are very young, old, or sick may have difficulty replacing lost fluids. Also, when diarrhea lasts for several weeks or contains blood, a serious illness may be the cause. In these cases, you should contact your doctor immediately.

The Basics of Diarrhea

(continued)

How Can I Relieve Discomfort in the Rectal Area?

If your rectal area becomes sore because of frequent bowel movements, or if you experience itching, burning, or pain during bowel movements:

• Try warm baths. Afterwards, pat the area dry (do not rub) with a clean, soft towel.
• Apply a hemorrhoid cream or white petroleum jelly to the anus.

Can Diarrhea Harm My Health?

Yes. Ongoing diarrhea causes the body to lose large amounts of water and nutrients. If you have watery stools more than three times a day and you are not drinking enough fluids, you could become dehydrated, which can cause serious complications if not treated.
Notify your doctor if you have ongoing diarrhea and are experiencing any of the following signs of dehydration:

• Dark urine
• Small amount of urine
• Rapid heart rate
• Headaches
• Dry skin
• Irritability
• Confusion

Signs of dehydration in young children include:

• Dry mouth and tongue
• Sunken eyes or cheeks
• No or decreased tear production
• Decreased number of wet diapers
• Irritability or listlessness
• Skin that stays pinched instead of flattening out after being pinched

What Are the Symptoms of Diarrhea?

Symptoms of diarrhea can be broken down into uncomplicated (or non-serious) diarrhea and complicated diarrhea. Complicated diarrhea may be a sign of a more serious illness.
Symptoms of uncomplicated diarrhea include:

• Abdominal bloating or cramps
• Thin or loose stools
• Watery stool
• Sense of urgency to have a bowel movement
• Nausea and vomiting

In addition to the symptoms described above, the symptoms of complicated diarrhea include:

• Blood, mucus, or undigested food in the stool
• Weight loss
• Fever

Contact your doctor if you have prolonged diarrhea or a fever that lasts more than 24 hours. Also see your doctor promptly if vomiting prevents you from drinking liquids to replace lost fluids.

How Is Diarrhea Treated?

If you have a mild case of diarrhea, you can just let it run its course, or you can treat it with an over-the-counter medicine. Common brand names include Pepto-Bismol, Imodium A-D, and Kaopectate, which are available as liquids or tablets. Follow the instructions on the package.
In addition, you should drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of fluid per day. Choose fruit juice without pulp, broth, or soda (without caffeine). Chicken broth (without the fat), tea with honey, and sports drinks are also good choices. Instead of drinking liquids with your meals, drink liquids between meals. Drink small amounts of fluids frequently.

What Causes Diarrhea?

What Causes Diarrhea?

The most common cause of diarrhea is a virus that infects the gut. The infection usually lasts for two days and is sometimes called "intestinal flu" or "stomach flu." Diarrhea may also be caused by:

• Infection by bacteria (the cause of most types of food poisoning)
• Infections by other organisms
• Eating foods that upset the digestive system
• Allergies to certain foods
• Medications
• Radiation therapy
• Diseases of the intestines (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Malabsorption (where the body is unable to adequately absorb certain nutrients from the diet)
• Hyperthyroidism
• Some cancers
• Laxative abuse
• Alcohol abuse
• Digestive tract surgery
• Diabetes
• Competitive running

Diarrhea may also follow constipation, especially for people who have irritable bowel syndrome.

How to Find the Best Puppy Foods

Choosing the best puppy food for your new baby dog can be a daunting task. After all, today there are thousands of commercial dog foods on the market.
So, where do you start?
When searching for puppy food, the best place to start is simply knowing what an ideal dog food might look like. And what a puppy needs for proper growth.
It’s no secret, we tend to favor puppy foods that are…

1. Higher in meat-based protein
2. Higher in natural fats and oils
3. Lower in carbohydrates
4. Formulated from a named (non-generic) animal source
5. Free of animal or vegetable by-products
6. Free of artificial flavoring, coloring or preservatives
7. Complete in all essential vitamins and minerals
8. Not excessive in calcium content (large breeds)

But Doesn’t Higher Protein Content
Cause Hip and Joint Problems?

No, but overfeeding does.
Contrary to popular belief, hip dysplasia and skeletal diseases in dogs are not related to dietary protein¹. They’re much more likely the result of genetics², excessive dietary calcium³ or overfeeding during growth⁴.
Studies have clearly demonstrated the greatest risk of developing skeletal problems later in life is directly linked to overfeeding — allowing a puppy to eat all day on demand (free feeding).
To greatly decrease the risk of your dog suffering the ill effects of serious growth problems, avoid leaving your puppy’s food in the bowl all day long.
Serve measured amounts… on a regular schedule.

The Challenge of Proper Nutrient Content

Unfortunately, when feeding puppies, you need to pay attention to protein minimums and fiber maximums. And fat content, too.
Too little (or too much) calcium can cause bone problems. And the same for phosphorus and magnesium, too.
Getting everything right can seem frustrating.
But there’s an easier way.

How to Be Sure a Puppy Food
Is Complete and Balanced

To ensure a puppy food is nutritionally complete and balanced, the Association of American Feed Control Officials has established a special nutrient profile optimized for growing dogs.
This AAFCO profile details no less than 37 nutrients that must be present in a puppy food including…

• 10 amino acids
• 12 minerals
• 11 vitamins

To save you tons of time scrutinizing every pet food label, simply look for the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on every package of dog food.
This simple statement assures buyers a product meets nutritional requirements for growing puppies…

• Growth
• All life stages
• Growth and maintenance

Look on the label for a statement like…

Product formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for growth

Is It Safe to Feed
Adult Dog Food to a Puppy?

Puppy foods contain more of certain nutrients… and less of others.
For this reason, and even though it’s safe to feed your adult dog a puppy food…
Never feed any puppy a food designed for adult maintenance only. Adult foods can be deficient in certain puppy nutrients.

How We Selected the Foods

If you’re looking for an above-average puppy food, we’ve prepared four different lists for you to consider.
Suggested products must meet two requirements. They must be rated at least either four stars or five stars by the Advisor.
And they must meet AAFCO nutritional profiles for either growth or all life stages or they must be recommended for puppies by the manufacturer