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Treatment

Treatment for the disease is generally on an outpatient basis, with the recommendation to limit food until the diarrhea has subsided, along with an increase in fluids to combat dehydration. Boil the dog’s drinking water to assure that it is clean. For healthy dogs, the condition will generally run its course without treatment. Young, old, and immune compromised dogs may need medication to prevent internal complications. Prescribed medications must be followed through to completion.

Living and Management

Following treatment, monitoring the dog for signs of improvement is recommended. Overall, prognosis is excellent if the immune system is strong.

Prevention

The most preventative measure available for this disease is to make sure that the dog is in a clean environment and is not eating animal feces or drinking dirty water, as it could be contaminated with the Cryptosporidium organism that causes this condition.