Q: What do I feed a puppy with coccidia?
A: Coccidiosis is an intestinal infection caused by a small single-celled organism called coccidia. Puppies infected with coccidia can show a range of clinical signs. Some are asymptomatic with infection discovered on a routine fecal exam. Others may be more severely affected, showing signs of diarrhea (sometimes with blood), inappetence, lethargy, abdominal pain and discomfort.
Treatment typically involves administration of a prescription antibiotic to rid the body of the organism. In severely affected puppies more intensive type care may be needed.
If the puppy is asymptomatic, they may continue to eat their normal puppy diet. Dietary changes may only be needed when the puppy has experienced significant digestive upset. In those cases, a bland low fat easily digestible diet, like Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food, may be recommended. If the puppy has lost weight a more calorie-dense diet may be used in the short term. The right diet will depend on how badly the puppy was infected and how their gut is recovering. Most puppies will be able to transition back to regular puppy food over time.
Q: What do I feed a puppy with upset stomach?
A: There are many potential causes for upset stomach in puppies.
They love to explore their new environment through their mouths, which can lead to ingestion of non-food items causing stomach upset. Sudden vomiting and diarrhea may also be caused by a new food or treat, diet change, a blockage of the digestive tract, intestinal parasites, infections with bacteria or viruses, exposure to toxins, or disease affecting other organ systems.
Some cases are mild while others can be severe to life threatening. It’s best to work with your veterinarian to determine the cause for stomach upset in your puppy.
- In some cases, a bland diet lower in fat that is easily digestible diet may be recommended. (Try Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food.) For sudden stomach upset due to simple causes this can often help.
- This may be a prescription diet from the vet, like Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Puppy Dry Dog Food, offered in smaller more frequent meals for a few days.
- If digestive issues resolve, a gradual transition back to the regular puppy food diet can usually happen. A probiotic is sometimes prescribed to aid in digestion.
- If your veterinarian suspects food intolerance as a cause for continued stomach upset (or other signs), they may suggest trying a hypoallergenic diet, like Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry Dog Food, or a diet with limited ingredients.
Q: What do I feed a puppy with parvo?
A: Parvovirus infects the intestinal tract of puppies. It can lead to severe signs, including vomiting, diarrhea with blood, lethargy, inappetence and abdominal discomfort.
Most puppies affected with parvovirus require care intensive care in the hospital. Some may be amenable to outpatient care if their signs are mild.
Keeping up with the puppy’s hydration and nutritional requirements are a key part to managing their disease and helping them recover. This may be done in one of several ways during a hospital stay:
- Nutrition may be given through a feeding tube and in some cases through an intravenous catheter (parenteral nutrition).
- Some puppies may be amenable to small frequent meals via syringe feeding.
- The puppy will likely be sent home with a prescription diet that is bland, low fat and easily digestible diet. Some may require a more calorie-dense critical care recovery diet, such as Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets CN Critical Nutrition Formula Canned Dog & Cat Food.
- Once recovered, most can transition back to regular puppy food.
