Q&A for How to Treat Dog Diarrhea

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I resolve diarrhea with food?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Some dogs respond well to a little extra fiber, such as pumpkin, being added to the diet. Others need a bland, highly digestible food, such as chicken breast and rice. The rule of thumb is to feed white meats, such as chicken, turkey, rabbit, and cod, as well as white carbohydrates, such as rice, pasta, or boiled potatoes (with NO added diary products.) If the diarrhea persists longer than a few days or you see blood, see a vet.
  • Question
    My ten week old pup has had diarrhea for a week, and now it has turned pea green. Is it getting better or worse?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Unfortunately, pea green poop is not a sign of improvement. Whatever reason the diarrhea started, it sounds like your little guy needs to a vet to settle it down. It might be that the pup has an underlying infection or parasite problem, or that he's had diarrhea for so long that he has a bacterial imbalance in his gut. Either way, its time to get some help.
  • Question
    Could the antibiotics my dog is taking be responsible for his weight loss and diarrhea?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Antibiotics kill bacteria, and sometimes they kill the helpful bacteria in the gut as well as any infection. Your dog therefore might get diarrhea because antibiotics cause an imbalance in the bowel. If the dog isn't absorbing the goodness from the food because of diarrhea, this will lead to weight loss. However, if the dog was already unwell enough to be on antibiotics, your vet will want to know about the tummy upset. A course of probiotics may be necessary in order to get things back in balance.
  • Question
    My dog ate chunky peanut butter, and now she has diarrhea. What should I do?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    For a straightforward case of garbage gut, make she has plenty of water to drink. Starve her for 24 hours. When she starts eating again, give her bland foods until she's passed formed poop for a couple of days. Try giving white meat (chicken, rabbit, cod, coley fish) and boiled white rice or boiled potato. Alternatively, offer a prescription diet from your vet that is designed to settle upset stomachs.
  • Question
    Can I skip medication doses in order to make my dog fast?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    This depends entirely on the medication. With some medications, such as non-steroidal painkillers, it's essential to stop them if the dog has an upset stomach, while, with others, such as heart meds, the dog must take them. Give the vet who prescribed the medication a call and take their advice.
  • Question
    If a mother dog has diarrhea, should I prevent her puppies from breastfeeding?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    If she is drinking plenty and seems otherwise strong, then let the puppies carry on feeding. If she is feverish, weak, vomiting, or passing blood, then she must see a vet. Try a bland diet for a day or so, and if she isn't improving, get her checked out.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article