Ah, the majestic Cane Corso! A working breed known for its strength, loyalty, and, occasionally, the ability to turn your pristine living room carpet into a modern art masterpiece of stink! Yes, we’re talking about diarrhea! An uncomfortable (and smelly!) topic every Cane Corso (and other dog breed) owner should be prepared to tackle.
Let’s explore the causes, prevention, and solutions for this less-than-glamorous aspect of pet ownership as delicately as we can below!
Cane Corso Diarrhea: 5 Common Culprits
Understanding why your Cane Corso is experiencing diarrhea is the first step toward preventing and effectively treating the issue. Below are five common causes.
1. Dietary Indiscretions
Cane Corsos are notorious for their hearty appetites, and sometimes it leads them to sample the “culinary delights” of the trash can or yard. Whether it’s last night’s leftovers, the cat’s food, that suspicious-looking backyard mushroom, or a foreign object, dietary adventures can upset their stomachs. (Source: CaneCorsoBarcelona.com) In addition, consuming excessive amounts of food at one time and eating spoiled or contaminated food can have disastrous and unpleasant consequences.)
2. Abrupt Diet Changes
Switching your dog’s food too quickly can be a shock to their digestive system. Imagine eating only pizza for years and then suddenly switching to salad! Your stomach might protest, too.
3. Stress and Anxiety
The Cane Corso specifically may become stressed by changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home or the arrival of a new pet. This stress can manifest in various ways, including digestive issues.
4. Infections and Parasites
Bacterial infections, viruses, and parasites, such as Giardia, can all lead to diarrhea. Regular vet check-ups and preventive care are essential to keep these at bay.
5. Medications and Health Conditions
Diarrhea may be a side effect of some medications. Also, certain medical conditions can cause diarrhea in the Corso, including:
- IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).
- Pancreatitis.
- Liver Disease.
Next, let’s talk about how to prevent doggy diarrhea with five simple tips.
Preventing Dreaded Doggy Diarrhea: 6 Tips
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and a lot less cleaning! Below are six tips to help keep your Cane Corso’s digestive system running smoothly.
1. Gradual Dietary Transitions
When changing your dog’s food, do it slowly over a week or more. Mix a small amount of the new food with the old, gradually increasing the new and decreasing the old. This gives their system time to adjust.
2. Allergies or Food Intolerances
Certain ingredients, such as gluten, dairy products, or specific types of meat protein, may trigger allergies or intolerances leading to diarrhea.
3. Supervised Eating and Drinking Habits
Monitor your dog’s outdoor activities to prevent them from eating harmful substances or drinking contaminated water from puddles or stagnant water that may contain bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.
4. Parasites and Illnesses
Parasite worms, including roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms, can all cause diarrhea. Illnesses such as coccidia, giardia, parvovirus, and distemper can also cause unhealthy and uncontrolled stools.
5. Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Cane Corsos are sensitive dogs and very attached to their owners and home. So it’s important to maintain:
- A consistent and stable routine.
- A safe, calm and comfortable environment.
- Regular exercise and mental stimulation to help reduce unwanted anxiety and stress.
6. Regular Health Checks
Ensure all vaccinations and parasite preventatives are up to date for your Cane Corso. Regular vet visits can catch potential issues before they become serious. Being the large dogs they are, severe or chronic diarrhea can pose more serious effects to the Corso than the smaller dog breeds.
Watch for the second part of this blog post, Cane Corso Diarrhea, to learn:
- The seven ways to address diarrhea.
- How to make a homemade probiotic for your dog.
- Three natural plant remedies to resolve unwanted K9 diarrhea.
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