Consequences of improper feeding of dogs. Regular diarrhea in a dog with low protein levels

In a dog constant diarrhea. Treatment is prescribed and treated, but the diarrhea does not go away. Protein is below normal. Trichopolum and fish food were prescribed. We've been treating it for half a month now, nothing has changed. Help save the dog.

Answer

Low protein levels in the blood (hypoproteinemia) are not a cause, but a symptom internal disease. Common causes of low levels total protein- damage to the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas. Diarrhea is common. It will be necessary to find out the sources of this condition.

Causes of hypoproteinemia

Diarrhea becomes a symptom of liver damage, for example, liver failure, hepatitis A. In this case, the liver does not synthesize proteins in sufficient quantities. Liver diseases include vomiting, refusal to eat, drooling, growth retardation in puppies, and disturbances in the urinary tract.

Protein levels decrease with pancreatitis. Other symptoms of the disease are intestinal upset (diarrhea or constipation, stool is either too dense or slimy), vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite. Abdominal bloating, pain on palpation of the abdomen, dryness in the abdomen are noted. oral cavity, itching.

Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE)

Under the given name, conditions associated with malfunction are combined digestive system and accompanied by a decrease in protein levels in the blood due to poor absorption in the intestines.

The main manifestation of enteropathy is loss of body weight. Intestinal disorders occur, vomiting - not all dogs, sometimes anorexia. IN biochemical analysis blood is visible reduced content calcium, magnesium, hemoglobin, albumin, globulin. Sometimes in severe cases Ascites begins - accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

The disease is life-threatening. Sometimes accompanied by coagulation disorders and thrombosis. With the right and timely treatment the animal's condition improves sharply, with the exception of rare cases. An early response to therapy (within two weeks) is important for the prognosis - if the condition has improved, the prognosis is favorable.

For diagnosis, blood, urine, stool tests, liver function tests are performed, and pathologies that give rise to similar symptoms, do a biopsy. It is important to quickly diagnose and begin treatment.

Treatment

Additional reason low level protein and diarrhea, eosinophilic enteritis occurs - chronic illness intestines. This rare disease in dogs, animals suffer from it different breeds, but most often German Shepherds.

Many experienced breeders know how important it is to choose the right food for your pet. This is especially important in the case of those animals that are initially prone to development. Protein allergies in dogs can be especially troublesome.

As in other cases of allergies, the affected animals are primarily affected by skin covering(redness and peeling). The characteristic first sign will always be itching. It is the dog’s constant “scratchiness” that should alert the owner who introduced the animal into the diet. new food.

There is no point in continuing to feed your pet such food: itching is the smallest nuisance. Much worse anaphylactic shock, as a result of which the animal can die in a few minutes.

If signs of difficulty breathing, coughing, vomiting and other similar signs appear, the dog should be immediately taken to the nearest veterinary clinic.

By the way, what proteins do dogs most often develop allergies to? For many. At risk: beef, pork, chicken, turkey and duck. It is interesting that allergies to “elite” and “extravagant” food, which include, for example, buffalo or kangaroo meat, are extremely rare. Simply put, the less often a particular protein is used by a dog’s body, the less likely inadequate reaction to it.

In most cases, the reaction is not that serious and includes itching, redness of the skin, hives, and possibly vomiting and diarrhea. But we should not forget that any food allergy, looking as “harmless” as you like, can at any moment lead to the development of a generalized reaction and.

Causes of protein allergies

To be honest, the causes of allergies have not yet been fully investigated. Sometimes it develops literally out of the blue. But all modern scientists consider the main reason to be “problems” in the functioning of the immune system.

Read also: Endometritis in dogs: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

The dog’s body begins to perceive a specific protein as a dangerous antigen, after which it comes into play the immune system, destroying these proteins to the best of its ability. Meat protein intolerance occurs the first time (and every time) your dog eats food with meat protein components because the body cannot tolerate the product including meat protein.

Symptoms and forms of manifestation

In general, symptoms and forms of manifestation food intolerance extremely diverse, as can be understood by reading the list below:

• Abdominal pain (manifested upon palpation).
• Patchy baldness.
• Breathing problems.
• Convulsions.
• Cyanosis (blue discoloration of mucous membranes and skin).
• Diarrhea.
• Sick dogs begin to constantly lick their fur.
• Excitement.
• Swelling of the tissues of the muzzle.
• Hives.
• Poor coordination of movements.
• Severe itching (anus, ears, eyes, groin, muzzle, paws, armpits).
• Lesions on the skin (usually the muzzle, limbs and groin area).
• Nausea.
• Restlessness.
• Non-stop drooling.

Diagnosis of protein intolerance in dogs

Diagnosis is extremely difficult: the dog still won’t say what exactly and when it ate. In addition, many of the above symptoms could just as well indicate a dozen other diseases, when allergies have nothing to do with it. Therefore, the diagnosis of “protein allergy” can only be made in a well-equipped veterinary clinic.

A medical examination will be done immediately, checking full condition and your dog's behavior, the veterinarian will check body weight, temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate, breathing sounds, reflexes, skin disease, and will include full examination eyes, ears, nose and mouth.

Laboratory tests such as full analysis blood chemistry (CBC), blood chemistry profile, electrolyte group, glucose levels, urinalysis and fecal examination will be done to rule out any underlying illness or disease. The veterinarian may also take a skin scraping to rule out bacterial infection or mycosis.

Read also: Ascites in dogs: causes, symptoms and treatment

Treatment of protein allergies

We repeat once again - without correct diagnosis Any allergy treatment is doomed to failure. For successful therapy, it is necessary to find out exactly what exactly the dog has developed an allergic reaction to.

Most The best way diagnostics - use of an elimination diet. In this case, one product is included in the animal’s diet, then another, and so on until signs of allergy appear again. The “suspect” is removed from the diet. But there is one problem - the animal must be fed with each product for at least a week, since only in this case the results will be as objective as possible.

Treatment will depend on symptoms and the results of the food challenge. Initially, veterinarians prescribe medications that relieve or relieve itching. In most cases (after eliminating the problematic protein from the diet), nothing else is required.

Skin treatment

In advanced cases, the pet’s skin suffers greatly, and therefore the main efforts of the veterinarian and the owners themselves are aimed specifically at its treatment.

In many cases, it is sufficient to use hypoallergenic shampoo and ointments based on anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. Ulcers and wounds are treated using synthomycin liniment or streptocidal ointment.

Diet and feeding for dogs with protein allergies

To begin with, the diet and feeding of dogs with protein allergies should only be selected by an experienced veterinarian, and ideally by a veterinary nutritionist. It’s even better when this is done by a specialist who specializes in a specific breed. The problem is that when preparing a diet you will have to take into account hundreds of nuances, and therefore it is unrealistic to calculate it “by eye”.

What to look for when choosing industrial feed

Almost all industrial feed for dogs contain many protein components. The problem is that the proteins in animal nutrition are not always of more or less decent quality.

By “animal protein” manufacturers may mean:

• Animal fats and oils.
• Bone flour .
• Fresh meat (in vanishingly rare cases).
• Bird.
• Poultry products (very unappetizing porridge).

: Occurs when overfeeding with meat and meat products. Increases in the intestines putrefactive processes, hence - belching, gas formation. The stool is formed and there is a little mucus at the end. Excess protein is manifested by cracks on the paw pads, dry crusts on the cheeks, itching, and increased growth of claws.

2. Excess fat:

3. Excess carbohydrates:

4. Excess minerals:

5. Lack of vegetable fats:

6. Lack of mineral salts:

7. Lack of vitamins (vitaminosis):

Having protein in a dog's diet is very important for its health. The metabolism of cats and dogs is different - cats are carnivores, while dogs are omnivores. In theory, dogs can eat both animal and plant origin, if the diet is varied and balanced. However, in order for the dog to be healthy and in excellent physical fitness, she must have enough protein in her diet.

Proteins (proteins) are the most important constituent elements cells. They are building material, which forms the tissues of the body. Proteins are involved in everything important functions body: thinking, reproduction, growth, muscle work, metabolism. Proteins are not only the “building material” of the dog’s body, but are also used as energy sources. If the reserves of carbohydrates and fats are insufficient, proteins can replace them. At the same time, proteins cannot be replaced by other components.
Proteins are divided into two types: animal and plant origin. Animal proteins are more valuable for dogs, as they are much easier to digest. That is why the basis of the dog’s diet should be protein foods of animal origin.

Lack of protein in the dog's diet.

An insufficient amount of protein in a dog’s diet threatens, first of all, with delays in growth and development, decreased immunity, and poor growth of claws and fur. In addition, a lack of protein can lead to poor absorption of nutrients and even disturbances in reproduction processes.
Proteins are essential for tissue growth and repair, so it is especially important to prevent their deficiency in puppies and sick dogs.

Excess protein in a dog's diet.

Excess protein can occur when overfeeding with meat and meat products. It is also very harmful to the dog's health and can lead to toxicosis and liver damage.

External signs of excess protein:

• weak, light-colored stools;
• nervousness, aggressiveness, excessive mobility;
• constipation;
• redness or irritation anus, the dog constantly tries to lick it or gnaw it, the fur near it may change color;
• periodically, bulges appear on the head, back, withers and croup, in place of which bald patches then appear;
• the dog eats a lot, but remains thin;
• tucks in the stomach, hunches the back;
• Tears are constantly flowing;
• baldness and irritation around the lips, red watery bumps on the chin;
• the dog chews its fingers and claws, the fur between the fingers becomes reddish-brown;
• the ears smell bad, the skin inside them is irritated;
• the coat becomes hard, brittle and dull.

If there is an excess of protein, the dog is prescribed a low-protein diet for 2-4 weeks. After its completion, the dog is given new food. If the situation with excess protein repeats, the dog is again transferred to dietary food, and then select another type of food.
A low protein diet includes vegetable stew (green beans, carrots, zucchini, cabbage) and boiled rice in equal proportions, kefir, vitamin and mineral supplements and 150–200 g of boiled chicken meat.

Dogs throughout their lives must receive a certain amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals from their food.

Organic substances in food (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) are necessary for the dog primarily to produce energy in the body, which determines general level nutrition, expressed in kilojoules (kJ).

Dogs need energy to work. internal organs, maintaining a certain body temperature, muscle tone, movement, etc. Adult dog required per 1 kg of body weight:

• dogs weighing up to 5 kg - 380-600 kJ
• dogs weighing 6-10 kg - 310-360 kJ
• dogs weighing 11-20 kg - 270 kJ
• dogs weighing 21-30 kg - 240 kJ
• dogs weighing 31-40 kg - 220 kJ
• dogs weighing 41-50 kg - 210 kJ

Puppies aged: 1st week require 820 kJ; 2 weeks - 920 kJ; 3-4 weeks - 1025 kJ; 1-2.5 months - 1100 kJ; 2.5-3.5 months - 840 kJ; 4.5-5 months - 590 kJ; 5-7.5 months - 540 kJ; 7.5-13 months - 420 kJ per 1 kg of weight. Dogs' energy needs are affected by body weight and temperature. environment, coat condition, gender, age, animal constitution, muscular work, physiological state(pregnancy, lactation, etc.).

How bigger dog, the lower the energy consumption per 1 kg of live weight. IN summer period daily requirement in energy decreases, in winter it increases by an average of 15 percent. Males expend more energy than females, and young dogs more than older dogs. Dry, muscular, easily excitable dogs spend more energy on life processes than loose, obese and phlegmatic dogs.

For dogs great importance have squirrels. Proteins are necessary for the construction and renewal of worn-out body tissues, the formation of milk in lactating bitches, the synthesis of enzymes, hormones, immune bodies, etc. Proteins are involved in maintaining water-salt balance in the body of dogs.

With a lack of protein in the diet, there is a delay in the growth and development of puppies, impaired reproduction functions, deterioration in the absorption of food nutrients, decreased milk production in lactating bitches, poor growth of hair and claws, and a decrease in the body’s resistance to diseases. At the same time, the content of plasma proteins and hemoglobin in the blood decreases. With prolonged protein starvation, liver function is impaired. Excess protein in the diet is also harmful.

The optimal protein requirement for dogs is: for adults - 4.5 g, for young animals - 9 g per 1 kg of live weight. Dogs should get at least one third of their protein from animal food. Dogs at rest and during good selection in a diet of protein feeds with a sufficient content of amino acids (lysine, methionine, tryptophan, etc.), it is possible to meet the need for proteins only with plant feeds.

For dogs, amino acids (lysine, methionine, tryptophan, arginine, valine, histidine, phenylalanine, leucine, ozoleucine and threonine), which determine the biological usefulness of food proteins, are of exceptional importance. The amino acid requirements of dogs are: in adults - lysine 60 mg, methionine 70, tryptophan 15, arginine 70, valine 85, histidine 60, phenylalanine 65, leucine 110, isoleucine 80 and threonine 55 mg per 1 kg of live weight. In young animals this need is 2-3 times higher. Many amino acids are found in animal feed.

From organic matter carbohydrates(sugar, starch, fiber) occupy the maximum share in dog food rations. They serve as an essential source of energy, providing up to 70 percent of the total calorie intake. Sugar and starch in dogs' bodies are converted into glucose, the oxidation of which produces adenosine triphosphoric acid (ATP). Its significance is especially great for the central nervous system, liver and muscles. When excess carbohydrates (glucose) enter the body, they turn into fat.

The presence of fiber is also very important for dogs. It stimulates intestinal motility and is necessary for the formation feces. Lack of fiber in the diet causes intestinal dyskinesia, especially in older dogs. Fiber has positive influence on the motor activity of the biliary tract and the removal of cholesterol from the body.

The optimal carbohydrate requirement for dogs is: in adult dogs 10 g, including 1 g of fiber, in young dogs - 15.8 g, including 1.5 g of fiber per 1 kg of weight. A lack of sugar and starch in the diet leads to exhaustion of dogs, an excess leads to obesity. The less fat in the diet, the more carbohydrates it should contain. During the summer season, carbohydrates can partially replace fats in the diet.

Meaning fat in feeding dogs is determined by the content of vital nutrients in them fatty acids and them high calorie content. Fats are part of the protoplasm and the structure of the biomembranes of the cells of the dog’s body. Fats play the role of the main reserve substance; they are deposited under the skin, protecting the dog from the cold. Fats are also necessary for normal operation digestive glands.

The optimal requirement for fat in adult dogs is 1.3 g, in young animals - 2.6 g per 1 kg of live weight. With a lack of fat in the diet, growth retardation, impaired reproductive function, hypovitaminosis, skin diseases - dermatitis, hyperkeratosis, flaking, depigmentation of hair, etc. are observed. Excess fat in the diet is also harmful. One of the signs of a sufficient amount of fat in the diet is a smooth, shiny coat. For dogs, the most valuable fats are those in foods containing more vitamins(liver, milk, fish).

Daily requirement for nutrients in adult dogs during the resting period, g.