Diarrhea in a dog
Diarrhea in dogs (or, to use scientific language, diarrhea) is a phenomenon that probably every owner of a four-legged friend has encountered. After all, just like people, our pets can suffer from stomach upset and poisoning — Yes, you never know. But what should you do if your dog's diarrhea is bloody, accompanied by vomiting, or other symptoms? Sometimes the stool is a strange color or simply smells terrible. Clearly, your dog is sick, so it's important to quickly identify the symptoms and prescribe the correct treatment for diarrhea at home.
Content
What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is the frequent bowel movements of loose, liquid feces. In most cases, it is caused by inflammation in the small intestine in dogs, which can be caused by a variety of pathogens: bacteria, viruses, parasitic worms (helminths), yeast fungi, rickettsia, and others.
Veterinarians regularly encounter diarrhea in dogs. While the condition can be intermittent and resolve quickly, acute diarrhea can often last up to four weeks. A dog may experience diarrhea once without any ill effects—then there's no cause for concern. However, it can also linger for several days. Weeks of diarrhea in dogs and accompanying symptoms, such as frequent loose stools, mucus, blood in the stool, vomiting, general lethargy, and others, are a reason to consult a veterinarian.
The choice and method of treatment for diarrhea will depend primarily on the color of the stool. Treatment is usually done at home and primarily involves changing the diet and water intake. Animals with watery stools lose a lot of nutrients, and drinking plenty of fluids helps prevent dehydration and restore electrolyte balance. Adsorbents are used to combat intoxication. In severe cases, a course of antibacterial medications is recommended.
Next, we'll look at all the possible causes of diarrhea in dogs, depending on the color of the stool and other reactions, and tell you what to do to treat your dog.
If a dog has diarrhea without other symptoms
If a dog has simple diarrhea without any complications, the cause is likely obvious. Typically, a dog defecates two to four times a day, producing well-formed, moderately soft, and moist stools. When an animal goes to the toilet more frequently and the stools become loose, becoming loose and watery, a problem arises: diarrhea.
Possible reasons
- Stale or poor quality food;
- Food product not suitable for dogs;
- Transition from one type of food to another (for example, from homemade food to special dry food);
- A sudden change in dog food brand;
- Allergy to any food ingredient;
- Accidentally eaten foreign object;
- Gastrointestinal disorders due to medications taken;
- Helminth infestation.
Treatment
Before beginning treatment, analyze your pet's food intake the previous day. If you discover any suspicious food items—raw meat, spoiled milk, new food, or similar low-quality or unsuitable items—simply eliminate them from your dog's diet. If overeating occurs, try reducing the portion or increasing the time between meals.
If the dog is not bothered by anything other than diarrhea, but the stool remains loose after the measures taken, home treatment is necessary.
What to do?
- Do not allow the dog to eat for 24 hours;
Give her clean water to drink as often as possible to replenish the lack of fluid and electrolytes in the body; - If necessary, administer intravenous infusion solutions;
- Give the animal adsorbents that collect toxic poisons, which will then be excreted through the intestines;
- In case of persistent diarrhea, use antibiotics;
- If worm eggs are detected in stool tests, take antihelminthic drugs.
The dog has diarrhea and vomiting
The causes and treatment of uncomplicated diarrhea are quite simple. Things become more complicated when a dog begins vomiting in addition to diarrhea. This may include some liquid, digested or partially digested food, and sometimes mucus from the throat or stomach. Most often, a single episode of vomiting is nothing to worry about. However, if your dog vomits several times, is depressed, refuses food, or develops a fever, seek medical attention immediately. Diarrhea and vomiting in dogs can sometimes be a symptom of a dangerous illness or severe food poisoning. Profuse foamy vomit, sometimes containing blood or mucus, may indicate the presence of a foreign body lodged in the intestines. So, what should you do if your dog has diarrhea and vomiting?
Possible reasons
- Ordinary overeating;
- Poor quality or stale food;
- Food that is too fatty, difficult to digest, or not fully digested;
- Transition to a new food or another feeding system;
- Swallowing an inedible object - a piece of fabric or hard material, or a small part;
- Long-term inhalation of chemicals or other harmful substances;
- Abdominal bloating, in which vomiting is accompanied by shortness of breath, profuse salivation, and the abdomen is hard to the touch;
- Helminthiasis: a dog can become infected with worms at any age and remain ill for several long months or even years, vomiting immediately after feeding, and experiencing sudden weight loss;
The most serious causes of diarrhea and vomiting in dogs are dangerous diseases or viral infections:
- Parvovirus enteritis in dogs (known as canine distemper, although some consider it a distinct disease): it affects puppies as young as two months and young animals up to six months. Diarrhea and vomiting are accompanied by nasal and ocular discharge. Erosions form on the intestinal mucosa. Over the course of a week, the dog, in a declining condition, refuses to eat or drink. Heart rhythm irregularities and a drop in body temperature also occur. Recovery may occur within a few days, but very often, the weakened and emaciated animal dies.
- Rotavirus and coronavirus affect dogs of all ages, but are most severe in young puppies. Symptoms are almost the same as parvovirus. However, in most cases, the animal recovers within seven days.
- Adenovirus: causes diarrhea and vomiting in dogs of any age. Body temperature fluctuates from normal to very high. The mucous membranes of the eyes become inflamed. The illness lasts up to 14 days. During this time, the liver enlarges.
Treatment
A single or even three-fold bout of vomiting with diarrhea can be treated with general treatment, using the same measures as for normal, uncomplicated diarrhea. It is recommended to fast for about a day, provide plenty of fluids in small doses, and take absorbents such as activated charcoal or smecta. For pain relief and relief of intestinal spasms, use No-Spa or papaverine, or other medications prescribed by a veterinarian. Sometimes, changing the food or feeding system and following a diet for 3-5 days helps. Frequently recurring diarrhea with vomiting in a dog requires additional administration of water-salt solutions. To support the stomach microflora, fermented milk products are introduced into the diet and probiotic preparations for animals are used.
Repeated vomiting and diarrhea in a dog are signs of serious gastrointestinal inflammation, severe poisoning, or infection. If the cause is unknown, an examination and blood tests are necessary. Only a veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis. They will also provide emergency medical care: for example, removing a foreign object from the esophagus, performing a gastric lavage in case of poisoning, and prescribing appropriate treatment if necessary. A detected infection will require medication: antiviral medications if a virus is detected, anthelmintics to eliminate parasites, and bactericidal medications for bacterial infections.
The dog has diarrhea with blood or mucus
If your dog has diarrhea with blood and/or mucus, or just blood or mucus, you should immediately take your pet to a veterinary clinic for the necessary examination, immediate treatment, and advice on further treatment. In cases of mechanical injuries or tumors, surgery may be recommended. Blood tests will determine the degree of anemia and the cause of inflammation in the animal's body. A stool sample and abdominal X-ray will also be taken to confirm the diagnosis.
Possible reasons
Possible causes of bloody diarrhea in dogs:
- Damage to the intestinal walls due to accidentally swallowing a sharp object;
- Pancreatitis;
- Stomach ulcer;
- Dysbacteriosis;
- The presence of parasites in internal organs (worms);
- Atypical form of rabies (the intestines become inflamed, bleeding ulcers form on the walls);
- Poisoning with toxic poisons or drugs;
- Diarrhea with blood, almost not mixed with feces, may indicate bleeding in the large intestine;
- Intestinal infections (bleeding ulcers occur in the digestive tract);
- Tumors in the intestine;
- Enteritis, in which ulcers and erosions develop, including the well-known “distemper”;
- Hemorrhagic leptospirosis (parasites settle in the kidneys and liver, after which they damage the blood vessels of these internal organs and the intestines).
Treatment
How should you treat a dog with diarrhea containing blood and/or mucus? This symptom should definitely not be ignored, even if it resolves after a while. Even if the cause resolves on its own, damaged intestinal walls can lead to serious inflammation. Therefore, it's important to undergo an examination and take wound-healing medications. Severe injuries and tumors may require surgery.
In case of various types of poisoning, it is necessary to flush the dog's stomach in a clinical setting, give it adsorbents to drink, and in severe cases, inject it with antibiotics.
Dysbacteriosis resulting from a lack of indigestible fiber is addressed by supplementing the diet with bran, for example. Bacterial overgrowth due to immunodeficiency is treated with courses of probiotics, antiseptics, and immunomodulatory agents. Various parasites, including helminths, are treated with antiparasitic medications (for example, the popular Macmiror and Albendazole). Severe bacterial, viral, and intestinal infections require antibiotics and antiviral medications prescribed by a physician.
The dog has diarrhea of an unusual color.
Often, the color of an animal's stool is determined by the food eaten the day before, such as colorful vegetables like orange carrots or beets. If this isn't the case, it's worth a closer look.
The color of a dog's diarrhea is an important factor in determining the cause of the disease.
Possible reasons
| The color of diarrhea | What could it be caused by? |
| Black diarrhea | Black diarrhea in dogs occurs due to bleeding in the stomach or duodenum (it can also become colored due to the intake of activated charcoal) |
| Yellow diarrhea |
Yellow diarrhea in a dog can be a sign of:
|
| White diarrhea | White diarrhea in a dog indicates a lack of bile in the stool, which is often a sign of bile duct obstruction. |
| Red diarrhea | Red diarrhea, usually caused by the presence of blood in the stool, is a sign of intestinal trauma or severe inflammatory and viral diseases. |
| Green diarrhea |
Green diarrhea in dogs is caused by fermentation and putrefaction in the intestines due to the consumption of stale, spoiled food, and may also indicate the presence of diseases:
|
Treatment
In addition to general home therapy recommended for all types of diarrhea, when a diagnosis is made at a veterinary clinic, medication is prescribed.
Depending on the identified disease, a specialist may prescribe treatment with appropriate antiviral drugs in addition to adsorbents and antibiotics.
General treatment recommendations. As you can see, different types of diarrhea in dogs will require specific treatment.
However, there are general rules for treating diarrhea that should be followed at home. These are:
- Dietary restrictions: complete exclusion of food for a day, subsequent diet;
- Normalization of the animal’s diet: selection of suitable food, exclusion of low-quality and spoiled food;
- Maintaining a drinking regime: drink plenty of fluids in frequent but small portions to prevent dehydration and restore electrolyte balance in the blood;
- Use of adsorbents;
- Compliance with medical prescriptions, use of medications in accordance with the instructions.
What medications are good for dogs to relieve diarrhea?
It's safe to say that human medications for dysentery are also suitable for treating diarrhea in dogs, but it's best to consult a veterinarian in each specific case. Popular medications that are suitable include:
- Activated carbonThis time-tested and completely harmless remedy can be safely administered to your pet to relieve toxic symptoms. The dosage should be adjusted according to the dog's weight. A more effective and gentle alternative, Enterosgel, is available.
- SmectaIt also helps with simple diarrhea and mild poisoning, alleviating the sick animal's condition and promoting the elimination of toxins from the body. The medication, diluted in warm water, is given to the dog using a syringe. It's best to consult a specialist regarding dosage beforehand.
- EnterofurilThis sweet suspension is highly palatable to dogs and is excellent for treating intestinal infections and relieving diarrhea. Do not administer on your own without a veterinarian's approval.
- FurazolidoneIf your dog's diarrhea is caused by intestinal disorders, furazolidone can be given along with other medications to restore the microflora.
- LoperamideOne of the most popular and affordable human remedies for diarrhea. For severe diarrhea in dogs, this remedy can be administered as a single tablet. However, many veterinarians advise against using this medication altogether.
- LevomycetinThis synthetic antibiotic, active against a variety of microbes, is popular for treating infectious diarrhea in both humans and animals. For treating diarrhea in dogs caused by severe infections, the "pet version"—Levomycetin 250 tablets—is typically used. The human version can be given to dogs once, in cases of emergency.
As you can see, almost all “human” medications are also suitable for treating dogs. However, they should be used with caution and after consulting with a veterinarian. Veterinary medications are best for stopping diarrhea and restoring healthy microflora. Among them, the most frequently recommended is Vetom 1.1 and any other veterinary medicinal product prescribed by a specialist.
In addition to medications, folk remedies and natural remedies are often used for home treatment of canine diarrhea. Popular examples include decoctions and infusions of St. John's wort, oak bark, and chamomile, which have astringent and soothing properties. Vegetable oils should not be given to dogs with diarrhea, as they act as laxatives. Although flaxseed oil is beneficial for inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines, it is best to avoid it during diarrhea.
Diet for dogs with diarrhea
What should you feed a dog with diarrhea? First of all, remember that it's best to deprive your dog of food for several hours, up to a full day. The key is to provide frequent water. After fasting, you can give your pet herbal infusions or rice broth. Feed rice boiled in water, and after the diarrhea subsides, feed it beef or chicken broth, which will give it extra strength. Feed small amounts, gradually increasing the amount, 5-6 times a day.
On the second day, or the day after the diarrhea subsides, you can feed your dog fermented milk products to restore the stomach's microflora. As your dog's condition improves, it's recommended to add a small amount of low-fat cottage cheese to its daily diet. On the third day, if your pet has noticeably improved energy, you can treat them to boiled eggs, white chicken meat—that is, lean foods, steamed or cooked in water.
Protect your pet's health: try to prevent poisoning from poor-quality or stale food, change the food or feeding system if necessary, vaccinate on time, and deworm.
Often, diarrhea in your pet causes only irritation and discomfort, rarely causing concern or worry for their health. This is incorrect. Let's look at the most common and dangerous reasons why dogs develop diarrhea.
Any questions? You can ask our website's staff veterinarian in the comments below, who will answer them as quickly as possible.
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115 comments
Oksana
Good afternoon. My French bulldog puppy is six months old. Last night he had loose stools, but none during the day. He acted normal, and by evening he had normal bowel movements. Last night he had loose stools three times again, but this morning he's active and eating normally. He's eating Royal Canin puppy food, which he's been on since birth; he's never eaten anything else. Should I worry and take him to the vet, or can I just observe at home and do nothing for now?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! What's the status of deworming and vaccinations? Is it possible the puppy ate something on the street, stole something from the trash, or was fed something from a table? Could the loose stool contain any impurities, or have a strange odor? Ideally, you should have the puppy examined and have his stool tested for worms, and his blood tested for complete and biochemical profiles. Diet adjustments may be necessary (due to sensitive digestion or other issues). A more complete medical history and illness history are needed before even suggesting a diagnosis.
Catherine
Hello. My Chihuahua is 8 months old. Once a week in the morning, she starts to have loud rumblings in her stomach, followed by loose stools. Initially, she has mucus, then blood. Sometimes she vomits. She refuses to eat. She has a praying dog pose and trembling. An ultrasound shows an enlarged spleen. The rest of her organs are normal. Her hemoglobin levels have doubled. The vet says this is normal during teething. She eats Royal Canin dry puppy food. Table feeding is prohibited. She does not go outside. She has no contact with other dogs. She has been vaccinated according to her age. Worming was done before her 6-month vaccination. Please help me treat my pet. The vets are not making any diagnoses. They suspect pancreatitis and put her on Creon. But after the course, the symptoms return. Three times at the clinic, on the advice of a doctor, we prescribed a beacon-based antibiotic for intestinal diseases. But it only helps temporarily. After 7-10 days, everything repeats itself. The coat is normal.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Have you ruled out protozoan parasites (coccidiosis)? They also cause loose stools with blood and rumbling in the stomach. They should be checked for them and treated. The spleen doesn't enlarge when teeth change! The spleen is, roughly speaking, the largest lymph node in the body. If it reacts, then there's some kind of infection (virus and bacteria, or bacteria alone). Can they do a stool culture at the clinic (to look at the stool, including for parasites)?
Fedor
A 15-year-old dog has had loose stools for the second day, stools with mucus and it seems there are drops of blood, the color of the stool is brownish-greenish, the disorder could have been caused by eating boiled fish with a bone. We usually feed porridge with beef trimmings, a mixture of equal parts buckwheat-rice and some kind of porridge. What should I do?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! We recommend switching your pet back to its usual diet after a 12-hour fast (but make sure water is freely available). Smecta can be used for loose stools. Question: How long ago was the parasite treatment last? If so, what was it? Is there a fever? Vomiting or nausea? Have there been any liver problems? Your dog is already elderly, so you need to be careful with the diet, as the gastrointestinal tract can no longer cope with such a sudden change in diet. Plenty of fluids are essential to rehydrate the dog due to loose stools.
Ivan
Our dog managed to steal milk and somehow ate it all! Of course, she's got diarrhea! In situations like this, we immediately put her on a strict diet, giving her Enterozoo along with her food, and, as they say, she's back on her feet in a few days!
Lyudmila
Good morning. My dog is 6 years old, a Cane Corsa. We've been taking medication for a year due to heart problems. He's on Royal Canin Cardiac. A week ago, he vomited before a walk in the morning. And now he's had diarrhea for a week. We walk him three times a day. Diarrhea in the morning, no problem during the day, and then back to diarrhea in the evening. He may have more diarrhea at night. I give him Entofuril every evening and Proplan, veterinary diets, and Fortiflora in the morning. I haven't had a chance to go to the vet yet. Please advise what to do.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! I understand your pet doesn't have diarrhea, but rather loose stools. Diarrhea is defined as more than six times a day, often uncontrollable, and practically watery. Diarrhea would have already dehydrated the animal. What kind of pills were you taking? What exactly preceded the loose stools? Was the diet changed (something from the table, a new brand or store), were there any pills or new medications (which have side effects like loose stool), or were parasites recently treated? How is the animal's general condition now (temperature, appetite, vomiting, what is the appearance of the skin and fur)? Could the animal have been poisoned? Have you tried Smecta to at least temporarily "fix" the stools while you investigate the cause? Something must have triggered the vomiting and loose stools.
Lyudmila
Hello! We haven't changed his food for a year. The store hasn't changed either. He's on pills, including Lasix, furosemide, veroshpiron, pimopet, ramipril, and sotolol. He has heart problems. Yesterday, I gave him two charcoal tablets in the morning. He hasn't had any stools at all until today. This afternoon, he had some thick, black stools, apparently charcoal, and then they went back to a liquid stool. It's possible he might have picked up something while outside, although we're trying to combat that. We haven't changed his diet or pills. His appetite is good, his skin is fine, and he hasn't vomited anymore.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! How is your pet doing now? Have you managed to resolve the problem?
Anna
Hello. My puppy is 9 months old. He's had diarrhea for two weeks after eating raw meat. His diet is dry food in the morning and raw meat in the evening. He has loose stools the next morning. Enterofuril helps, but not for long. He was dewormed about a month and a half ago. He's playful and feeling well.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Let's start with the fact that raw meat shouldn't be fed to animals, as it carries a huge risk of infecting them with parasites or infectious diseases. Now, secondly: what kind of meat is it? Maybe it's too fatty? What breed of dog? How much meat are you feeding? Do you need to cook the meat thoroughly and add grains? Now, my favorite question: what kind of dry food (manufacturer)? And did you know that it's not recommended to mix natural and commercial food. Either dry food or natural food. Dry food can be fed in different doses with wet food, but again, it's commercial. But if you want to feed natural food, you should also feed it in the morning. But you just need to work on the "menu."
Daria
Hello, we encountered this problem: after her first heat, a miniature pinscher, for no apparent reason or behavioral change, began refusing to eat. She began to experience nausea and vomiting, and after 12 hours of refusing food, she developed strong-smelling diarrhea. However, she was playful and her temperature was normal. A day later, the symptoms suddenly stopped, her appetite was normal, and she had no digestive or energy issues. However, a few days later, the symptoms suddenly recurred.
Moreover, according to observations before this happened, the animal was “guarding” food from another dog. Could this have been a stressful situation and affected its well-being?
We can't get to a veterinary clinic yet. What should we do?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Your pet is a miniature breed. I would roughly "equate" them to cats. Therefore, the development of a wide variety of health problems due to stress cannot be ruled out. Yes, diarrhea is possible due to stress (refusing food during the first heat is not uncommon). But if you write that your pet guarded the food from another dog, it means there was contact with another animal. Therefore, an infectious disease cannot be ruled out (an infected animal sheds the virus into the environment during the incubation period, i.e., before clinical signs appear). Are your vaccinations up to date? How is deworming going? What exactly are you feeding your pet?
Dana
Hello, Daria. Could you please advise me on what to do? We have a 4.5-month-old Spitz puppy. We adopted him from a breeder at 2 months old. He had a poor appetite, vomiting, loose stools, and lethargy. He spent almost 1.5 months at the vet. They finally diagnosed him with coronavirus gastroenteritis, which sounded like a death sentence. As far as I understood from the vet, it's incurable, and that one of the symptoms we're familiar with is possible, so there's no need to worry. Due to the breed's characteristics (manipulation) and his refusal to eat, we had a roller coaster ride: initially, we fed him Royal Canin Puppy Junior pate, but then he refused it, so we were advised to try dry food from the same brand. He didn't even eat 1 kg before he started refusing again, and he also had an allergy (tears).
We switched him to a natural diet: boiled chicken, veal, a small amount of vegetables (he only ate cucumbers, which he wasn't a big fan of), boiled eggs, and cottage cheese. He wouldn't eat porridge with water. Then he refused that too, and I kept giving in. We recommended Grandorf pate and pretzels. He ate them at first, but then refused again. We dewormed him on August 12, 2019, and on the veterinarian's advice, we didn't get his final vaccinations until August 30, 2019 (the next ones aren't until a year later). On September 3, 2019, he ran away from us in the morning due to negligence on the part of my family, and I didn't find him until the afternoon of the same day. A couple of days later, we started having problems with his stool (loose, sometimes with brown mucus). His temperature was normal, so I took him to the vet. He told me to give him smecta and enterosgel.
He said he might have picked up something stale on the street. It didn't help. And now we're back to the food swings. I tried switching him back to dry food (putting it on, then taking it away, then he wouldn't eat it). He struggled for a day, and then started vomiting twice a day. I was afraid he'd be on IVs again, so I gave in again: we switched to natural food. But he's still active and eating. I'm also giving him Smecta and Enterosgel. I dewormed him again on the vet's advice. What's possible and how can I treat it?
Thank you in advance.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Yes, your pet will remain infected with the coronavirus for the rest of their life (they are carriers of the virus). As soon as their immune system weakens, the disease will manifest itself (that is, clinical signs characteristic of the disease will appear). Your puppy is allergic, and you're feeding them chicken. Poultry is not recommended for those with allergies! Have you tried wet food? It's like natural food, but at the same time, it's a balanced commercial food. Choose a therapeutic series for sensitive digestion. See if Royal is Russian-made; in that case, consider switching to a different series. However, any transition to a different type of food should be done gradually, not overnight.
Daria is a veterinarian
Now about therapy. For starters, I'd recommend a probiotic/prebiotic regimen (FortiFlora has proven itself to be excellent) – give it for a month, sprinkled on top of the food (especially if you've been on antibiotics). You can also give a small amount of pancreatin or Creon to help the pancreas. It's possible that sudden changes in diet are causing bowel problems (the intestines are experiencing severe inflammation and need to recover, but you're constantly feeding one type of food after another). As a result, the endocrine system goes crazy, and fermentation can't recover (the body doesn't understand which enzymes it needs to produce, since dry food requires one set of enzymes, while digesting natural food, especially meat, requires a completely different amount).
Daria is a veterinarian
Give saline solutions (with a spoon, often, but little by little) – Vetom 1.1, Regidron (these will help restore the water-salt balance after loose stools, and salt is an appetite stimulant). And if you want to "wake up" the appetite and strengthen the immune system a little, give injections of Katozal/Phosphosal/Vitosal/Uberin (any of your choice). The medication is painful (it contains vitamin B12), but it helps greatly. If poisoning was suspected, then it was necessary to give injections for a couple of days (the first and third day regimen works well) – Antitox/Detox and their analogues. A course of vitamins and minerals is essential (pay attention to vitamins A and E, they help speed up the regeneration of mucous membranes).
Svetlana Pomazanova
Hello!!! Could you please advise? On May 24, 2019, we dewormed the 21-day-old puppies and their mother, Bonya (3 years old), with Prazicid (a plus suspension). We weighed them and gave them the recommended dose according to the instructions and the vet. We also introduced supplemental food to the puppies, a few drops at a time—Premium Secret pate for puppies—and Bonya finished it. She eats cottage cheese with fermented baked milk and a little condensed milk, beef heart, and drinks milk while she's nursing. I sometimes soak dry food, and we occasionally feed her rice porridge, which I blend. I gave Bonya a calcium borogluconate injection six days after giving birth, 2 ml under the scruff of the neck (she weighs 2.5 kg). My biggest concern is that a tick bit me in the yard (my house) on May 19th, but it didn't have time to feed. We removed it and are keeping an eye on Bonya. Today, May 26th, is eight days after the tick bite.
Oh, and last night we fried chicken and chewed on a chicken wing, gave her a little bit, they thought of that, didn't they? ((((PROBLEM: yellow diarrhea for the second day, refused to eat or drink. No vomiting. She seemed cheerful, chased the cat in the morning (I also dewormed him). I forced her a little, this morning she ate and drank milk, because she is nursing puppies. I gave her a little enterosgel, didn't mix it with water, I'm afraid, she is nursing. Now I'm cooking rice. Now I'm confused about the cause of the diarrhea. Either from a tick (my temperature was 37.3 at night), or from worms, or from that chicken, because we don't usually give it, but they also thought of that. Could I get your advice, please? Our vet left and today is the day off. Thank you very much in advance for your answer.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! A tick bite won't cause diarrhea in an animal. The clinical signs would be completely different. Most likely, the cause is precisely because you feed your animal anything and everything, including fried foods from your table. They shouldn't have that. You shouldn't feed pets from your table, scraps, leftovers, and especially chicken (and especially with bones). And what's the point of condensed milk? Why give that to an animal? You're ruining its health! Sweets are also prohibited. Fried foods could easily trigger pancreatic and liver problems, leading to digestive upset (diarrhea). I'm also curious, who told you that a nursing dog needs milk? What's the connection with feeding? Milk isn't produced from milk, and adult dogs and cats no longer have the enzyme needed to break down lactose in their intestines. As a result, diarrhea can occur again. Provide your animal with a normal diet, and it won't have gastrointestinal problems.
Svetlana
Hello. My dog is a mongrel on a leash. She's become inactive (she doesn't bark, she just lies in her kennel). She eats anything she's given (from the table) from the hand, but she won't eat anything specially prepared (porridge, pasta with bone broth). She's drinking water, and her nose is runny and cold. She's not vomiting. She has loose stools once a day, and then sits down several times (likely to urinate), but there's no stool. Sometimes she passes a small amount of mucus. What should I do?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! How is your pet's deworming progress? What exactly are you feeding them? What's their age? If they haven't been dewormed, give them an anthelmintic medication based on their body weight.
Ramil
My Shiba Inu is 4 months old. We only eat dry food. But yesterday, he lost his appetite. His stools are runny, dark gray, and smell like chalk. Today, he's completely lost his appetite, not having a bowel movement, but has vomited and isn't eating. What should I do?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! You didn't specify what kind of food you're feeding. There's also no information about deworming or vaccinations. Could he have eaten something from the street (from the ground, from someone else's hands)? Have you given him any medications before (maybe vitamins, treatments, or supplements)? Did you give him Smecta when the loose stools started, or any other medications to "stiffen" him? Don't force-feed him; give him water only. Take his temperature and inspect the visible mucous membranes (mouth, conjunctiva of the eyes): is there any excessive pallor, bluishness, or yellowness?
Alexander
An 8-month-old shepherd/Armenian mix ate a frozen fish head. Now he's vomited and has reddish-brown loose stools twice in 7 hours. He's not vomiting, but we gave him charcoal, absorbin, and chamomile tea. He has absolutely no appetite. The city is a long way away, and transportation is a problem. Could you recommend giving him nifuroxide? What wound-healing medication do I suspect has an esophageal injury?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Giving medications like these without a thorough examination should be done with extreme caution, as overdose or prolonged use can cause kidney problems. Smecta can also be used to stop diarrhea. There are no wound-healing medications for the esophagus, so simply switch to wet, soft or warm liquid food to avoid unnecessary irritation of the mucous membrane. Add vitamins A and E in oil; they help speed up the restoration of epithelial tissue. Regarding the diarrhea... That color is not good. A serious infection needs to be ruled out. Is the dog unvaccinated?
Oleg
Hello! I have a 12-year-old dachshund. He hasn't had deworming treatments in a while. He eats a mixture of natural and wet food (pâté, Raf, Monge, and Caesar meat-based foods). For the last four days, he's had loose stools every 2-4 hours, and a couple of times, there's been a drop of blood. I think it's from the buckwheat porridge in strong chicken broth with meat, skin, and spongy bones. We switched to dog food, but the symptoms haven't improved much. We've given him chamomile tea, and we're waiting for a reaction. Any advice?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Oh, sorry in advance, but I'm going to be rude... Is your dog a trash can? Why do you stuff your pet with everything you find in the fridge and don't want to throw away? It's been told a billion times: Tubular bones are not allowed in pet food! Bones are not food, there is no need to feed them to animals! Feeding bones leads to injury of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, gastrointestinal perforation, and peritonitis. Switch your pet to a normal diet of commercial super-premium/holistic food from the Gastrointestinalis series (for gastrointestinal diseases). Eliminate parasites with a broad-spectrum medication. Ideally, an X-ray should be performed to rule out the accumulation of bone fragments in the intestines. Self-administering laxatives can only provoke a bowel rupture. To strengthen blood vessel walls and improve blood clotting, administer vitamins (C, K, and B vitamins) and etamsylate.
Anna
Hello. My Labrador puppy is 5 months old, vaccinated, and last dewormed in February, even though she had worms then. Last night, she developed brown and light brown diarrhea. She had three bowel movements by morning, the last time with mucus. She eats Brit dry food and one soft canned Brit meal a day. The day before, we gave her a couple of steamed cutlets instead of the soft Brit. She also eats poop from the street, which she ate the day before. She's active and has a good appetite, but the diarrhea is very concerning. What should I do?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Well, let's say it's not diarrhea, but loose stools. Diarrhea is practically constant watery bowel movements. This is also most likely due to indigestion. A fasting diet of 12-18 hours (liquids only) is recommended. Give charcoal/enterosgel or other absorbents, probiotics, and more fluids (preferably rehydron or similar to prevent salt loss with loose stool). You can also use smecta. Repeat the parasite treatment. Wear a muzzle on walks to prevent snatching anything from the ground. Do not feed from the table at home (even steamed cutlets, since you add spices to them, and maybe the ground meat was mixed, like fatty pork). If the situation doesn't improve within 24 hours or other symptoms appear (vomiting, fever, lethargy, etc.), then go to the clinic.
Irina
Hello, the dog is a Spitz, 2-2.5 kg, 10 months old.
She's been vomiting water and foam for three hours (it looks like bubbling drool), and has diarrhea—at first it was yellow and foul-smelling, now it's like bloody discharge, also foul-smelling. The only food she's had since morning seems to be treats. Dry food hasn't been touched. She won't drink water on her own, and she looks at me like I'm the enemy. I gave her an activated charcoal tablet, and I'm adding water. She was dewormed in July 2018.
What to do? Thanks in advance.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Firstly, deworming was done a long time ago. Didn't the veterinarian tell you that it's essential to do it every three months? Secondly, there was no mention of vaccinations. If they weren't given (or even if they were), run to the vet! The animal needs IVs to prevent dehydration. It could be a viral infection. Specific treatments, antibiotics, and symptomatic medications will be needed. Thirdly, what are you feeding it? Have you taken its temperature?
Anonymous
Hello! My German Shepherd puppy is 2 months old. She had her first vaccination on March 17th. Her appetite was good, not like before, and she started eating everything. On the 4th day, her stool became soft, not like usual, a normal color, and she pooped a little but often, more than 5 times. By the evening, her stool became loose. On the 5th day, she pooped 4 times in the morning, but it was runny and a normal color. After 10 a.m., she didn't poop. She ate a boiled egg and just boiled rice, but very little. Before the vaccination, she ate rice porridge and continued to eat it until the 4th day. On the 4th day, we cooked her a different porridge, light wheat (we added to the porridge for flavor: finely grated carrots, half a small onion, and a sprig of dill - everything finely chopped, cooked well, everything was soft). The puppy ate the porridge. The puppy's stool wasn't quite as usual in the morning, even before porridge. He eats one boiled egg for breakfast almost every day. He's still active and playful. He bites, barks, and chases the house cat—as usual.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Firstly, if you decide to feed your dog natural food, thoroughly research what is and isn't allowed. Onions are strictly prohibited! So are garlic, chocolate, raisins/grapes, and many others. As for cereals, all those small grains (semolina, millet, corn, barley) are contraindicated, as they are practically indigestible and only provoke digestive upset. Secondly, if you notice your puppy has diarrhea, why don't you take them to the vet immediately? A puppy doesn't yet have immunity, and at this age, they are very susceptible to infection. However, the digestive upset is most likely caused by improper feeding.
Marina
Good afternoon. My Russian spaniel had no appetite for 2-3 days and barely ate, but was active, walking, and playing. On the third day, she ate and vomited several times during the night, followed by diarrhea that hasn't stopped for two days now. What should I give her?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Before advising what to feed your pet, you need to understand what's going on. What was the animal fed after fasting? Was it fatty, or was the portion very large? Are they vaccinated against infectious diseases? How long ago was deworming done, and what medication was used? What's the animal's usual diet? Is the animal vomiting undigested food? How quickly after feeding did this occur? Was there bile, blood, mucus, or foreign objects in the vomit? Have you administered any medications yet?
Julia
Hello! Could you please tell me what to do? My dog has had diarrhea for four days. He's a Cocker Spaniel (mixed breed) and weighs about 10 kg. Two days before his illness, he was given a Prazitel tablet because he's due for a rabies vaccination soon. The first day of diarrhea was accompanied by watery, yellowish stools. I gave him 10 ml of Smecta twice a day. His stools became mushy, and he was passing up to 10 times a day. His appetite is normal. He readily ate buckwheat and rice cooked in water, boiled chicken, and Purina small breed food.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! First, a 12-18 hour fast (feed in the evening after work, remove the food and give nothing to eat during this time, only drink). Clean water should be freely available. It's best to replace it with chamomile tea or Vetom 1.1. Probiotics should be given. Smecta should be given 2-3 times a day (dilute one packet as directed and give half a packet per 10 kg of body weight). If you find any Serenia, that's great. Gastrointestinalis commercial food (don't mix it with natural food! Don't provoke digestive upset with such an unbalanced diet). Purina is already balanced and no longer requires natural food. Try to fix the stool and be sure to deworm it again.
Julia
Hello! My Siberian Husky is 9 years old. He's been having bouts of diarrhea for three months. He can eat the same thing for a week and be fine, but on the 10th day, for example, the diarrhea starts. At some point, he just takes a dump right in the house while we're at work. If the attack happens at night, he starts pacing around the apartment and whining. We've had his blood chemistry tested, and the results are good. We deworm him regularly, every six months. We feed him buckwheat with boiled beef. He rarely gets treats from the table, and in recent months, we haven't given him anything at all. At first, we thought he might be unable to digest his natural food and maybe need to be switched to formula. But I read that dogs over 5-7 years old can no longer be switched to a different diet. Could you please tell me what could be affecting his gastrointestinal tract so much?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Six months isn't regular! Regular means quarterly (initial feeding and repeat after 10-14 days with the same medication, unless otherwise stated in the instructions). What exactly did you use last time, and when was that? Are your cat's biochemistry levels normal? What exactly are the numbers? Diarrhea or loose stool? These are different things. What are you treating, or will it resolve on its own? If necessary for health reasons, switch to a different type of feeding (gradually, replacing 1/4 of the old food with the new one daily). Try wet food first, from the "gastrointestinal tract disorders" or "sensitive digestion" series.
Elena
Good afternoon... Help... Our dog has had persistent diarrhea... We treated him with antibiotics... probiotics, but there is no improvement... He has a good appetite, but as soon as he eats, he goes to the toilet... We live in a village and there are no veterinary clinics... I feel so sorry for the dog that I cry... He has lost a lot of weight
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! What about feeding? Vaccinations? Deworming? What exactly were you treating with (antibiotic name)? The same applies to probiotics. Temperature? No information about the animal's care or feeding. Before making recommendations, we need to know as much about the animal as possible.
Elena
Good afternoon, Daria... Vaccinations and deworming strictly according to season... Tetracycline antibiotic for 5 days... We also tried Linex... We also gave him Vetom 1.1... We couldn't stop the diarrhea... The diet is also strict... nothing fatty... Now I give him pancreatin before lunch... It helped at first, but now it doesn't.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! What is a strict diet? Please write out a menu, explaining what you feed her, when, and what exactly. I'm not sure if she's eating natural or commercial food, and if so, what kind of food.
What does seasonal deworming mean? Quarterly, as recommended, or only in the fall and spring?
Did you prescribe tetracycline yourself? And it's not the antibiotic usually prescribed for diarrhea. Enrofloxacin, tylosin, or, at a pinch, amoxicillin are good options. What dosage of pancreatin did you give and how often? Did you try Creon (it has more active units)? Did you take her to a doctor at all, or did you prescribe everything yourself?
Elena
Daria, good afternoon... thank you for the answer... honestly, all the treatment is from the internet... the diet is rice porridge with chicken or beef broth... or mixed buckwheat, rice, millet, all in one... he has a great appetite... plus cottage cheese, eggs, well, that's all clear... pancreatin before meals, 2 tablets... we did everything quarterly, we have a veterinary book... we haven't tried Creon... Daria, before his problems started, he went to the toilet with white stool... we didn't take him to the doctor, we live in a village, it's far from the city... I'm writing to you and tears are streaming down my face, I feel so sorry for him
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! White stool is clearly not the pancreas! And pancreatin won't help at all. Discolored stool is a clear sign of liver damage (low bilirubin levels are the cause of the colorless stool and urine). A biochemistry panel and a liver ultrasound are needed. The cause could be toxicosis, a previous illness (viral hepatitis, bacterial infections), medication damage, or anything else (the liver is a blood filter, so everything settles in it). Dogs shouldn't be given millet—it's not digested.
Elena
Thanks Daria...but is there any way to ease the dog's condition?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hepatoprotectors should be administered, including Liv-52 and Essentiale Forte. B vitamins are essential to maintain function. Ascorbic and nicotinic acids should also be administered. Cholagol and Chophytol should be used as choleretic agents (provided there is no bile duct obstruction, which cannot be confirmed without an ultrasound). Continue administering enzymes (pancreatin, Creon). Intravenous saline solutions are advisable (care should be taken with glucose, as the inflamed liver does not process it well). Sulfonamides (prescribed for infectious hepatitis) should be used, not tetracycline. Glucocorticoids should not be used! But my advice is to undergo a full examination. This is because this approximate regimen is suitable for hepatitis (liver inflammation), but anything can be wrong with the liver or the gastrointestinal tract, and liver damage is secondary.
Elena
Daria, so all the dog's problems come from the liver?
Daria is a veterinarian
I can't say this with 100% certainty, especially since there are no additional tests (biochemistry, ultrasound). I only suspect it based on the symptoms you described: diarrhea and white stool. There may also be vomiting. Treatments from the internet won't lead to anything good (especially since the animal doesn't have a diagnosis). You're prescribing medications now; who calculates the dosage? But where the liver problems come from remains an open question. And is this a primary (underlying) disease or a symptom of something else? It's impossible to know without an examination and a full medical history.
Elena
Thank you very much for your answer...we'll try to see a doctor.
Svetlana
Enterozoo helped us with our Chihuahua's diarrhea. We gave it via syringe, no need to drink anything, and it works thoroughly.
Natasha
Can you tell me if there are any universal remedies for boosting a dog's immunity and preventing infections? I've read a lot of crazy stuff here and would like to protect my pet.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! There's no universal vaccine. Otherwise, it would be a cure-all. Therefore, if you want to protect your pet, vaccinate according to the schedule against the most common diseases (there are plenty of polyvalent vaccines, depending on your budget and the selection at your veterinary pharmacy). Don't forget about annual boosters. Quarterly deworming is essential (parasites significantly weaken the immune system, and even an immunized animal is less able to fight off diseases). Avoid contact with stray/homeless/sick/unsuspicious animals.
Put your shoes away in a locker immediately to prevent your pet from licking or sniffing them. When outside, don't allow your pet to sniff, lick, or eat other animals' feces or trash. Ensure a balanced diet. A lack of vitamins and minerals, along with an improper balance of nutrients, can disrupt metabolism, impair organ function, and impair hematopoiesis (red blood cells, white blood cells, and lymphocytes are essential for a healthy immune response).
As you can see, a simple "miracle cure" injection isn't enough! It's far more important to remember about timely, mandatory treatments and proper care. Wishing your pet good health!
obasht
Hello. My dog is a 4-year-old Alabai mix. For the last month, he's been having intermittent diarrhea. We're feeding him buckwheat porridge with beef heart broth. We've eliminated everything else from his diet. We gave him Enterosgel, and his stools improved. Now, for some unknown reason, he's started having severe diarrhea again. He's happy and alert. What could be causing this, and what should we do?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Again, the standard questions that owners somehow immediately forget to answer: when was the last vaccination and deworming, and with what? Give a course of Fortiflora (a probiotic). Secondly, get a checkup to rule out enteritis. Why did you remove everything else? Is he allergic? Why are vegetables missing from the diet? Do you feed meat or is it only in broth?
obasht
Good afternoon. Thank you so much for your reply! March 16, 2018. Nobivac Lepto and Nobivac DHPPi, last dewormed in September. He doesn't eat vegetables. Occasionally he'll just nibble on carrots. We've removed cottage cheese, kefir, boiled liver, and special dog treats from his diet because we can't figure out why he's getting diarrhea. He's not allergic. We give him chunks of boiled heart with buckwheat. Could you please tell me what tests he needs? We don't have any available testing in our area, so I'll check with neighboring cities.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Blood tests, biochemistry profiles, and a gastroenterology evaluation (if possible) are recommended. An ultrasound of the pancreas and liver is also recommended. The parasite treatment can be repeated (it's been three months already), but the diarrhea needs to be stopped first, and then the parasite treatment can be done. Try giving her some more rice; it helps with stool firmness. Ideally, use unpolished rice; it's healthier.
obasht
Thanks a lot!
Anna
Good afternoon! My American Akita puppy (8 kg) has had diarrhea for three days due to a change in food (he was allergic to the previous one). We're giving him Enterozoo three times a day, Smecta, and one loperamide tablet, but the symptoms haven't gone away. What advice can you give him? Thank you in advance!
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! A 12-hour fast. Water should be freely available (preferably Vetom 1.1). Fortiflora as a probiotic supplement. If you can find Serenia, that's great. Switch to a different brand of food, introducing it carefully. What was the previous food and what did you switch to? What was the allergy diagnosis based on? You can give Smecta morning and evening, and white charcoal half an hour before or after feeding. How are deworming and vaccinations going?
Lana
Hello! How can I tell if my dog has diarrhea or constipation? For about four days, my dog has been urinating. She squats, but nothing more than a few drops of loose stool is coming out, and she also vomits occasionally. She has an appetite, runs around, plays, and her temperature seems normal. Her abdomen is not distended, and she behaves normally during a pelvic exam.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Your pet clearly doesn't have diarrhea. It sounds more like constipation (hard feces have accumulated in the intestines and can't pass). Give a laxative (Duphalac, lactulose, castor/petroleum jelly/olive oil, or, as a last resort, sunflower oil). If you can administer an enema yourself without harming your pet, then do so. Vomiting is most likely due to spasms during bowel movements, and since nothing is happening, peristalsis is "reversed," which is causing the vomiting. What are you feeding your dog? Has your pet eaten bones or other inedible items? The most important thing is to rule out intestinal obstruction (X-ray). If an obstruction or a foreign body in the intestines is not confirmed, then surgery is the only option! Laxatives and enemas are prohibited in the presence of a foreign body or intestinal obstruction!
Tonya
Hello! I read online that there's a product called Anitox that fights parasites and normalizes bowel movements in dogs. Have you used it in your practice, and if so, how effective is it? Thank you!
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! I've never encountered this product before, I've never even seen it on our shelves. I read the ingredients. Yeah, it's a product for folk medicine enthusiasts who also use pumpkin seeds, wormwood, and tansy to kill parasites. I doubt it's 100% effective. But I haven't worked with it, so I can't say for sure. I prefer to give a pharmaceutical product that guarantees 100% elimination of helminths.
Julia
Hello! My 2-year-old Chihuahua has had intermittent loose stools for two months, sometimes with mucus mixed with blood. I give him Enterofuril, and while I'm giving him Enterofuril, his stool returns to normal. When I stop giving him Enterofuril, it all starts again the next day. He has been vomiting white foam in the mornings once every two days. He's been eating dry food from the same brand, Accana. He's happy, eating, and drinking. I noticed he ate a lemon leaf, maybe that's why. I also used smecta instead of water. He's been treated for parasites. What else can I give him?
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! How long has it been since he was treated for parasites, and with what? Don't replace water with smecta. Water should be freely available, especially since the dog eats dry food. He needs water. Also, give him Vetom 1.1, chamomile infusion, rehydron, or Normhydron (optional). Have you tried changing his food? Have you had him examined? We'd like to rule out gastritis, pancreatitis, liver problems, or enteritis. Is his blood bright red or clotted?
Julia
Hello! He was treated for parasites on October 9, 2018, with Praziquantel Plus suspension. I switched to Monge food, but I only give him a small amount once a day. I cook rice and buckwheat in water and add bifidobacterium to his porridge. I also gave him Vetom 1.1. I gave him two doses with his porridge. Everything seemed fine, but this morning he had bloody diarrhea and mucus again, with blood varying from one to the next. He's happy, active, and eating well. I'll take him to the vet tomorrow.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Firstly, don't mix commercial and natural foods in your pet's diet. Secondly, it wouldn't hurt to have a stool sample tested for protozoa (to rule out giardiasis, for example). A rectal swab and stool culture would also be helpful. Enteritis (including infectious ones) should also be ruled out. You didn't specify the pet's age, vaccination history, when the condition began, or body temperature.
Margarita
My 7-year-old Yorkie is vaccinated, but we can't get her diarrhea under control. Her stool is loose, yellow, and full of mucus, even lumps. We initially supplemented her food with Vitamin 1.1 and gave her Smecta. We went to the vet for blood and stool tests, and an ultrasound. There are no significant abnormalities: her protein levels are below normal, her temperature is normal, and she's eating, but she has loose stools after every meal. We've given her a course of treatment, including antibiotics, gastroprotectors, intravenous pancreatic medication, and a saline drip for 5 days. Her stool remains loose. This condition has been going on for 5 weeks now. She had vomiting for a few days before the treatment, but it's gone now. I don't know what to do. Please help. I'm very worried. My dog has lost weight.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! Were you also checking for parasites? Did you do a blood chemistry test? Or just a general health check? I'd like to see the numbers. Does the diarrhea stop after taking smecta? What are you feeding her? Have you ruled out allergies? Did the ultrasound find any liver or pancreatic pathology? Did you do a stool culture? Have you tried adding FortiFlora to her food?
Faith
Hello, I have a 3.5 kg Spitz. He's had diarrhea for three days, but only a few drops. He's up to date on all his vaccinations, and I gave him Milbemax for deworming two weeks ago. He's drinking, eating, and playing. What should I do? He's on a natural diet, and he's been eating boiled rabbit with buckwheat.
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! What you're describing is loose stool. Diarrhea occurs when an animal passes stool more than five times a day and is unable to control it (they don't even have time to ask to go outside). Could they have picked up something from the street or at home that could have poisoned them? What color is the loose stool? Is the odor foul? Are there any impurities? Are there any other signs of illness? The simplest and most accessible treatments are: charcoal/enterosgel, Vetom 1.1, chamomile tea, baby Smecta, and probiotics. If there's no relief in a couple of days, then get an examination.
Hope
Good afternoon, we have a Jack Russell Terrier, he is almost 2 years old, he eats at home and doesn’t pick up anything on the street.
But now I have had diarrhea all day, first yellowish, all evening with an admixture of blood
The dog is vaccinated, we recently visited the vet, everything was fine.
We can't figure out what happened, and we're not sure how to make the dog feel better before going to the doctor. Thank you.
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! The quickest and most accessible treatments are: charcoal (1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight), smecta, and force-feeding (add rehydron, Vetom 1.1, chamomile/oak bark decoction, or something like that to water and feed with a syringe without a needle or a tablespoon). This will only help with poisoning. But what if it's something more serious (infections, parasites, or an inflammatory process in the intestines, for example?) Have you suddenly switched to a different food? What does the dog eat? Have you taken its temperature? When will you be able to see a vet?
Elena
Hello, I have a 2 month old Shar Pei puppy with diarrhea. I gave him Entoros gel every hour and Smecta 5 times a day. I don't know why it happened. The other puppy doesn't have it.
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! Standard questions: what are you feeding him? When and if you've ever dewormed him? Are his cheeks vaccinated? Has he had any contact with anyone outdoors? Symptoms alone aren't enough; we need a more detailed history and more symptoms. Has his temperature been taken? What's his appetite like?
Galina
Hello. We have a 6-month-old Yorkie. We initially fed him dry food, but he recently refused it. We started feeding him boiled chicken and fresh vegetables. He got his rabies shot today, and he's started having diarrhea and severe gas. Should we wait it out or take him to the vet? He's had gas for three days now.
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! How long after the sudden change in diet did gas start? What specific vegetables are you feeding? Could they be causing this reaction? What kind of food was it? Eliminate chicken, as it often triggers allergic reactions. Has the animal been vaccinated against viral diseases for its age? Has it been dewormed recently? Is its temperature normal? Has anything else developed besides diarrhea and flatulence?
Tatiana
Hello, we recently adopted a puppy from the shelter. She's about 2 months old. She has runny diarrhea and poops very frequently, practically nonstop. I've given her smecta, rice porridge, and deworming drops. It's been 3 days, and nothing's changed. Her stool is runny, mucus-filled, and sometimes bloody. Could you tell me what to do before taking her to the vet?
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! Do nothing. See a doctor immediately! It's never recommended to take any medications before seeing a doctor, as this can mask symptoms and distort test results (this will only make the diagnosis more difficult). You need to rule out an infectious cause for the diarrhea now (especially since the puppy is from a shelter, where parvovirus and distemper are already established diseases). Specific therapy will be prescribed. Don't delay.
Hope
Good day. I have a 5-year-old East European Shepherd. I recently started having bowel problems. All my vaccinations were in April. My stool is loose, sometimes with an unpleasant odor. I gave her Interofuril twice a day and Enterosgel three times a day for three days, and everything returned to normal, but two days later it all started again: we didn't change her food. We feed her Grandorf with added meat for dogs from VkusVill. She's very excitable, and I'm completely unsure how she'll behave at the clinic. I'm afraid she won't be able to cope. Her behavior is normal, and her temperature is normal. Please advise, if possible.
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! Standard: 12-hour fast + ad libitum water (can be substituted with chamomile tea or Vetom) + Enterosgel + probiotics/prebiotics + intramuscular Veracol + change to a gastro-based food. The food you're feeding has recently become disappointing (many complain that their dogs don't tolerate it well). Try gradually switching to a different one. But ideally, get to the clinic and get tested. I often have overly impulsive, aggressive dogs brought to me; some even tear and bite muzzles, but without an in-person examination, it would be impossible to diagnose and prescribe treatment. You can call a doctor to your home to avoid taking them to the clinic, but an ultrasound, gastroenteroscopy, or all the tests won't be performed at home. It would be helpful to rule out enteritis, gastritis, and other inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract.
Elena
Hello. I have a 2.5-month-old Akita Inu. She was dewormed on June 25th. We were supposed to go for a vaccination on July 5th, but on the 4th she had diarrhea. We went to the vet, but he decided against giving her the vaccination and told us to wait. The diarrhea continues to happen intermittently: sometimes normal, sometimes worse. I'm feeding her Profine dry puppy food, lamb and potato. Her temperature is 37.3; 38.1. What should I do? Thanks in advance!
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! The dog's body temperature is normal, nothing to worry about. Why didn't you ask your vet, the one you saw and who saw your dog? A 12-hour fast + free access to water + white charcoal an hour before or after meals + probiotics. Switch to a gastro-style food (definitely super-premium or holistic). It would be a good idea to observe the animal and have a blood test done for biochemistry. A stool test should also be done to rule out parasites, including protozoa.
Naila
Good afternoon! We have a male cocker spaniel. He's vaccinated, so you'll need to treat him for ticks. We always bought Milbemax, but this time we bought Endoguard, and the next day he started having mucus-filled diarrhea. He defecates 4-5 times a day. Today is the fifth day since he started taking the medication, and the problem persists: he goes to the bathroom more often than usual, and his stool is already formed, but mucus-filled. He's eating and active. Is this a normal reaction (the vet said it's how parasites pass)? I haven't had this reaction with Malbemax. Thank you in advance!
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! The parasites are taking a long time to come out. Could there have been an overdose? Give white charcoal (1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight) an hour before or after feeding 2-3 times a day for a couple of days. It's possible that the parasites in the intestines are dying and releasing toxins, causing the diarrhea.
Oles
Hello! Could you please tell me our 8-month-old Yorkie was bitten by a tick and treated. Everything was fine, but about a week ago she started having diarrhea (mucus, and today also blood). She vomits everything immediately after eating. We had a general and extensive blood test, and the doctor said everything is fine and there is no inflammation. A stool test will be ready today. She has the vaccination from the boarding school. What could it be? Could it be from the three days of antibiotics she was given (during the tick treatment)?
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! How long after starting antibiotics did it take for diarrhea to start? Were you giving any probiotics or prebiotics? Did you give charcoal? Or maybe smecta? Will they check the stool for parasites? Rule out protozoan parasites (they can cause loose stools with blood). What are you feeding the animal?
Lily
Hello, my dog (Laika) is about 10-12 years old and has had diarrhea (mushy, no mucus or blood) for several days. I gave him charcoal (3 t. 2 times a day, I don't know his exact weight, I don't have scales because he's an aggressive dog, so don't take him to the vet!!! He doesn't like the muzzle!!!). He's not vaccinated! (I gave him chicken skin (I later realized it was spoiled)) because it was frozen. He's a domestic dog. He eats porridge, pasta, meat, vegetables, bones, and sausages. But his diarrhea doesn't go away and he's passing gas. I don't know what else to give him. I read in the comments that he needs to be kept off food for 12 hours and given rice broth or chamomile tea. Could you tell me if there are ways to do this without going to the vet, or at least try. We'll think of something, but for now I'd like to do some home treatment (unfortunately, I don't know how to give injections either). Please help!
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! Your dog isn't vaccinated, and you don't want to take him to the vet, but you're willing to treat him (without injections) for something you don't know. Without a diagnosis, I can't say what medications to administer or how long to take. It could be an infection, poisoning, or even an inflammatory process in the digestive system. Why give a dog sausages and bones? Read up on the proper way to feed an animal. That's right, switch to a 12-hour fast. Then feed a NORMAL, balanced diet suitable for animals with digestive issues. The animal needs to be examined, not randomly prescribed treatment. Charcoal alone won't do anything. When was the last time you dewormed it, and have you ever done so? Has its body temperature been taken? What's its appetite?
Lily
She has a good appetite, eats and drinks (as usual), unfortunately I don't know about worms. I haven't known the dog for very long (when I met my husband, he was about 6 years old at the time). We didn't take her temperature.
Dasha is a veterinarian
So, you met your husband less than three months ago? Parasites are treated quarterly! While you were writing this comment, you could have taken his temperature and collected more information about his medical history. Ask your husband about the animal, how it is, if you still don't know anything. You can't prescribe treatment or look for causes without knowing anything about the animal's life and condition.
Hope
Hello. My German Shepherd is 7 months old. She started having severe diarrhea. We switched her to dry food two weeks ago. She ate a small package of Hill's puppy food, and we've been feeding her RK Maxi Junior for four days now. She hasn't had any diarrhea until today. She lives on a private property, and we saw her dig something out of the garden and eat it. We're not feeding her, but we're giving her water and charcoal. Could you tell me what else we can do to help before taking her to the vet? Thank you.
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! Have you dewormed your puppy? Are his vaccinations up to date? Did you switch to a new food gradually or abruptly? Diarrhea can develop due to a sudden switch to a different brand (different ingredients). The fasting diet should only last 12 hours! A puppy is growing, so a prolonged fast is dangerous for him. Instead of water, you can give him chamomile tea, Vetom 1:1. If diarrhea is frequent, give Regidron. You can also use children's smecta as an emergency measure. However, a visit to the vet is essential. An infectious disease must be ruled out.
Rita
Hello, my large dog weighs 20 kg. For the last month and a half, she has been having frequent bowel movements, including mucus and blood. We went to the doctor and he prescribed antibiotics and dry food for dogs with stomach problems. The bleeding seems to be gone after a week of antibiotic treatment, but she still has loose, mucus-filled stools, and very frequent bowel movements, little by little. Sometimes she strains and doesn't pass them. She drinks and eats. I give her food morning and evening, mixing the antibiotics with canned meat pieces. She has lost weight and her tail is pressed against her butt. What should I do? How can I stop this? The poor thing is suffering. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, or the treatment is insufficient or incorrect.
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! Before starting treatment, a diagnosis was necessary. Antibiotics were the immediate treatment. Blood in the stool can have a variety of causes: a foreign body in the intestines, allergies, benign intestinal polyps, inflammation or ulcers in one part of the gastrointestinal tract, bacterial infections or viruses, helminths, protozoan parasites (giardia, coccidia), poisoning, tumors in the lower intestine, etc. Each condition requires its own treatment. Therefore, have your pet tested, get a diagnosis, and treat them.
Gulya
I give my dog Entero Zoo in situations like this. Diarrhea doesn't just happen; it means there's poisoning or an infection, and this enterosorbent removes all the unnecessary waste.
Dasha is a veterinarian
This is only symptomatic therapy. The underlying cause of the diarrhea remains. As soon as the medication is stopped, the symptoms will return. Furthermore, while the symptoms are being suppressed, there's a risk that the disease will develop into more serious complications. Therefore, it's best to see a doctor to rule out infectious diseases that require specific treatments (serums, antiviral, or antibacterial drugs, for example).
Tatiana
Good afternoon. Could you tell me how to treat my dog's diarrhea? I'm a female Ca de Bou, 2 years and 3 months old, spayed, dewormed, and vaccinated. She eats super-premium dry food. Her stools are normal—twice a day. After guests arrived (she was fed pretzels, sausage, and cheese), she started having bloody diarrhea (a little blood). We treated her with Enterofuril and Filtrum-Sti for 4 days, feeding her small amounts, and it seemed to improve a little—no blood, but only 3-4 times, and the last portion was runny. After stopping treatment, she started having diarrhea and blood again. We're feeding her only dry food and some black bread crumbs as a treat. What else can I do to treat her? Thank you.
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! How many days did you "feed" your pet this food? Ideally, you should have started a 12-hour fast right away (feed in the evening, remove the food, count down 12 hours, and feed in the morning. Or vice versa, count down 12 hours from the morning feeding). It's not recommended to go any longer, as this type of fast will cause more harm. Water (or even better, chamomile tea or Vetom 1:1) ad libitum. Then, white charcoal (1 tablet = 10 kg of body weight) three times daily. Emprobio (3-5 ml orally twice daily for up to 10 days) or Hilak (5-8 drops per 1 teaspoon of water orally, also twice daily for up to a week). You can give other probiotics or prebiotics that you trust. Katozal can be administered intramuscularly (1 ml twice daily for up to 10 days), and Verakol can be administered for intestinal mucosal restoration (the same course). Switch to a therapeutic food for dogs with gastrointestinal diseases (a course lasting 4-6 months). If blood in the stool persists, Dicynone can be administered intramuscularly twice daily for 7-10 days, and Aminocaproic acid can be given half a tablet 3 times daily for up to a week. If the animal does not improve within the first 2-3 days, consult a veterinarian for a comprehensive examination.
Tatiana
Thank you so much! We fed him supplements for one day, then the effects started. I started giving him Enterofuril again. Starting today, I'll start giving him White Coal, Emprobio, and Veracol. He'll be on treatment for 10 days. Can you recommend some therapeutic food? He's currently eating Brit Care lamb and rice. He's allergic to chicken, NSAIDs (Flexoprofen), Gelakan, and Arthroglycan. He's feeling well today. He's jumping around like an elephant. Thank you again!
Irina
Hello.
My 10-month-old Papillon puppy. On Friday afternoon, I fed him cottage cheese (it was past its expiration date, but I didn't try it, so I'm blaming it). By evening, diarrhea started, and during the night, he had four loose stools. In the morning, I gave him a Linex capsule and rice water, and by Saturday, he had no more stools. On Sunday afternoon, he had normal stools, so I gave him half a boiled egg, and then the diarrhea started again. He had four more stools that night, one with brightly colored blood. In the morning, he had solid, formed but soft stools. I gave him half a charcoal stool, but he's lethargic, not eating, and hasn't gone to the bathroom since.
I usually feed him dry food "Monge" in the morning, cottage cheese in the afternoon, and porridge with meat or vegetables with meat in the evening.
What could this be? And should I continue giving charcoal and Linex?
Thank you.
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! Has your pet been vaccinated? Has it been dewormed? Bright red blood indicates fresh bleeding, so the puppy needs to be examined. Charcoal should be given an hour before or after feeding or other medications (about 3-4 times a day). A 12-hour fast should be given (feed in the evening, remove food at night, leave only water/chamomile decoction/vetom, then feed again in the morning). Select a food for animals with gastrointestinal diseases (usually called the gastro series). This will help with improper feeding, but it is important to rule out infectious/parasitic diseases or inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract. For this, a veterinary examination is necessary.
Angelica
Hello. We have an 8-year-old female cocker spaniel. Recently, after a terrible heat cycle (she felt terrible, drank a lot, and walked little), a few days later she started having diarrhea. It wasn't severe, though, and she didn't pass much. She ate chicken the whole time, as usual. And buckwheat. She rarely ate Pedigree liquid food. We didn't give her anything new. Then she became constipated. She either had one bowel movement a day or didn't have any at all. The next day, she tried to go to the bathroom, but it was very runny and very little. She's not as active as usual. After this heat cycle, everything has changed drastically (she walks weakly outside, and it's impossible to get her to run fast. Not completely lethargic, but still. She's been like this for about 5-6 days now. We don't know what to do.
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! Take her in for an in-person appointment. Do an ultrasound and get a complete blood count and biochemistry panel. It's important to rule out any inflammatory processes in the body (especially in the uterus). Has she been dewormed recently? Was she in heat? Has she ever given birth, or is she still in heat? Have you taken her temperature?
Anna
Hello! My dog is 8 years old. For the past month, she's been having regular diarrhea, not every day, but often, of a mushy, light-colored consistency. Lately, she's been obsessively eating dog feces, which is why we're muzzling her for walks. She's done this before, but selectively and infrequently, and now, even with the muzzle on, she tries to eat it. I haven't changed her dry food; she's been eating it for over a year.
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! Deworm your dog! Dogs (especially strays) often have pinworm eggs in their feces. This can cause worsening bowel movements. Change the dog's food; it seems to be budget-class and lacking in vitamins and minerals, which is why they're eating feces. Give them a vitamin supplement. Also, see a veterinarian. Light-colored stool is also a sign of liver problems (liver enzymes don't color feces properly). Walk your dog on a leash and with a fine-mesh muzzle to prevent them from eating feces.
Anna
Hello. My 8-year-old male dog vomited a large amount of undigested food one night a week ago. He refused to eat for a day and a half and was lethargic. We started giving him Enterosgel. The vomiting stopped, but severe diarrhea set in. We're now giving him Regidron. He's active and cheerful, but he can't eat because he has terrible diarrhea. Please help.
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! First of all, it's important to rule out infectious and parasitic diseases (when and with what was the last vaccination and deworming?). Even if these are eliminated, inflammation in the digestive tract (stomach and intestines) will remain. A 12-hour fast is necessary first (with free access to water). Instead of water, chamomile tea, oak bark tea, rehydron, or vetom (your choice) are recommended. White charcoal, enterosgel, and probiotics (Hilak Forte, Emproyuio, Linex, for example) are recommended. Catosal and others are good metabolic boosters. Veracol is used to restore the intestinal mucosa. When the diarrhea stops for a day or two, give a good anthelmintic. Feed rice in water or super-premium or holistic food for sensitive digestion.
Zoya
My dog has been treated with antibiotics and antiemetics for three days, but the diarrhea persists. She's refusing to eat, her blood albumin is low, and fluid is accumulating in the abdominal cavity. She's been given plasma, but her albumin rises and then falls again. What would you recommend? Thank you in advance.
Dasha is a veterinarian
Hello! First of all, it's necessary to determine the cause of the persistent ascites. Has an infectious etiology (at least viral peritonitis) been ruled out? Has the liver been examined? Has an abdominal ultrasound been performed? Has the dog been catheterized to facilitate the constant drainage of transudate (edema fluid)? Please understand that prescribing treatment without knowing the cause of the condition is ineffective and even very dangerous. The animal requires in-person monitoring by a veterinarian. Only the veterinarian can decide whether to prescribe diuretics, medications to support cardiac and liver function...
Lyudmila
Good evening! Please help. My Pekingese has had diarrhea for two days now. It's bright yellow. The clinic is very far away. Can I give him filtered lactic acid and metronidazole? How often? What's the dosage? My dog weighs 8 kg. Thank you. I'm really looking forward to hearing from you.
Daria is a veterinarian
Hello! A face-to-face visit is still advisable to determine a more comprehensive treatment plan. There is no information about feeding and housing (as well as deworming and vaccinations). You should also inspect the mucous membranes for yellowing. Probiotics can be given, as well as smecta for "consolidation," ideally Serenia. Instead of water, use Vetom 1.1 and Regidron. I can advise the dosage of metronidazole (Trichopolum, Metrogyl). Tablets are 250 and 500 mg. 15-25 mg/kg is given with food, meaning 120-200 mg per pet (half a 250 mg tablet or ¼ a 500 mg tablet is the minimum, slightly less than ½ a 500 mg tablet is the maximum). Give twice a day (every 12 hours). But a more comprehensive treatment plan is needed.
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