What potential health risk is particularly concerning for a small Bichon if a sudden diet switch causes vomiting or diarrhea?
Answer
A sudden switch can cause digestive distress leading to rapid dehydration, which is a significant concern in small dogs.
Small dogs have a lower body water reserve relative to their mass compared to larger animals. When acute gastrointestinal symptoms like persistent vomiting or diarrhea occur due to a rapid dietary change, they lose fluids and electrolytes much faster than a large dog would in the same scenario. This rapid loss can quickly escalate into a critical state of dehydration, taxing the dog's cardiovascular and renal systems. Therefore, monitoring stool quality and immediately slowing down or reverting the transition ratio is essential to maintain hydration balance in a Bichon.
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