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Ask the Vet About Diarrhea in Dogs and Cats
Ask the Vet About Diarrhea in Dogs and Cats
Dr. Michael Dym
As a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Dym has over 19 years of experience and dedication to enhancing the overall health and well-being of pets. His commitment and passion for pet health continuously drives him to learn more about the art and science of homeopathy through ongoing training and education.
Submit Your QuestionDate: Aug 13, 2020
Category: Diarrhea
Pet Type: Cat
Topic: Kitten is puking and has diarrhea.
Question:The kitten I rescued has white discharge from his anus, throwing up and has diarrhea. What can I do? Any suggestions? Thank you
Answer:Determining the underlying cause of the diarrhea is ideal. Start by having your veterinarian analyze multiple different fecal samples looking for intestinal parasites because that is the highest rule out for kittens. Many parasites are not treated by over-the-counter dewormers, but if that is your only option, try to use a more broad spectrum dewormer like fenbendazole.
Date: Aug 12, 2020
Category: Diarrhea
Pet Type: Dog
Topic: New puppy is sick
Question:We have a 3 week old puppy who is the runt of a litter of 6. He became weak and wouldn’t nurse so we began feeding him milk replacement with a syringe 3 days ago and he is more active now but today he had a small amount of blood in his stool which was runny. I’m wondering if it’s the replacement milk upsetting his stomach but it says it’s made for new born puppies or could it be something more serious?
Answer:It could be a lot of things (like intestinal parasites, food is too concentrated, etc), so definitely see your veterinarian if it continues. If that isn't immediately an option, try diluting the food out just a little for just a couple of days to see if that helps.
Date: Aug 8, 2020
Category: Diarrhea
Pet Type: Dog
Topic: Diarrhea
Question:My 12 yr old dog got 2 shots 2 days ago and gas had diarrhea after is this normal?
Answer:Just a little can be normal - as much from the excitement of the day as from the vaccine. It should subside very quickly. If it doesn't, have your veterinarian recheck her.
Date: Aug 2, 2020
Category: Diarrhea
Pet Type: Dog
Topic: Bloody Stool
Question:My dog has been constipated for about 3 days but 2 days ago, which was the start of her constipation she started to poop blood, she barely eats i gave her some meat and she ate it but only about 5 small chunks of it. I’m just starting to get worried she’s also been vomiting but has only vomited about 4 times. What should i do?
Answer:With the vomiting and blood, it really is ideal to go ahead and see your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis and more targeted treatement. If that isn't immediately an option, a good probiotic like this one: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Fast+Balance+GI+Paste-prod10905.html And a broad spectrum dewormer is another good idea - even if she was properly dewormed as a pup - one that covers whipworms & Giardia is often helpful and won't hurt, like this one - be sure the active ingredient is fenbendazole: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Safe+Guard+Canine+Dewormer-prod12324.html
Date: Jul 29, 2020
Category: Diarrhea
Pet Type: Cat
Topic: Diarrhea in Cats
Question:Is Pepto Bismol harmful to cats? I have read and heard that it is, but it stops diarrhea. I know a few people who have given it their cats. But, I do not want to harm my cat. I've been to my local vet and after spending a arm and a leg, nothing I received helped. With all this in mind, I have found Children's Pepto Bismol and it does not have the harmful ingredient that that the adult Pepto Bismol has. I am now wondering if the harmful ingredient is what stops the diarrhea and if so, will the Children's Pepto Bismol without the harmful ingredient stop the diarrhea? Thank you for your help, Mike.
Answer:Do not use pepto in cats, especially long term. A probiotic like this one may help, but diagnosing and treating the underlying cause is always best: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Proviable-prod12083.html
Date: Jul 26, 2020
Category: Diarrhea
Pet Type: Dog
Topic: Parvo
Question:Hi, we picked up our 8 week puppy, who had her first round of shots, the Breeder told us that she was treated for worms because another puppy in the liter had worms. She is eating and drinking but has had quite a few diarrhea accidents. She does seem to be sleeping a lot since we picked her up today. Should we be concerned if it’s Parvo?
Answer:Honestly, parvo usually hits them later, when they are closer to 3-4 months of age, and it usually starts with vomiting and extreme lethargy, then the diarrhea comes later. Intestinal parasites are much more common at this age - the ones that over-the-counter medication doesn't cover (Giardia, coccidia, etc.) so have your veterianrian check a fecal sample if it continues.
Date: Jul 16, 2020
Category: Diarrhea
Pet Type: Dog
Topic: diarrhea after dewormer
Question:We got our 8 week old German Shepherd two days ago. Before we picked her up, she was taken to the vet, vaccinated, and given dewormer. She checked out as a healthy pup. Tuesday night she had worms in her stool. Yesterday her stool turned very runny with no worms. Yesterday evening she declined to eat and was drinking very little. She had bloody and mucousy diarrhea in the night that is still happening this morning. She is now popping live worms. She will not eat or drink. Is this a normal reaction? I haven't had a puppy in over 10 years.
Answer:No, most of that is not normal - the diarrhea and the blood are worrisome and I would have your veterinarian check her out if that continues. (Seeing worms in the stool after deworming is normal.)
Date: Jul 1, 2020
Category: Diarrhea
Pet Type: Dog
Topic: sick
Question:for the last few days my dog has been throwing up and has diarrhea but she plays and acts fine and shes eating and drinking water but i have to give her canned food but she usually eat dry food but she refuses it.
Answer:Determining the underlying cause of the vomiting and diarrhea is ideal. Start by having your veterinarian analyze multiple different fecal samples looking for intestinal parasites. There are so many causes, I will attach a link to our article about diarrhea that goes over many of those causes and discusses various treatments, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/diarrhea-dog-cat-30.htm
Date: Jun 16, 2020
Category: Diarrhea
Pet Type: Cat
Topic: Soft stoll with blood
Question:My puppy had her shots and now i noticed shes been having soft stool and with a bit of blood
Answer:Determining the underlying cause of the diarrhea is ideal. Start by having your veterinarian analyze multiple different fecal samples looking for intestinal parasites. There are so many causes, I will attach a link to our article about diarrhea that goes over many of those causes and discusses various treatments, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/diarrhea-dog-cat-30.htm
Date: Jun 7, 2020
Category: Diarrhea
Pet Type: 2
Topic: Bloody Diarrhea
Question:My golden retriever/labrador has had diarrhea since we took him home 2 weeks ago. He has not had his shots yet. I called a vet and they prescribed deworming medication and a bland diet. They recommended white rice and boiled hamburger. It seemed as though he was feeling better after the medication was done and gone. His diarrhea went away and the past few days with him back on his puppy food he has had diarrhea again. Today we notice some blood in he stool too. What should I do and what could be the cause?
Answer:At his age it is probably intestinal parasites, even though they dewormed him for the common ones - probably one of the less common ones. Determining the underlying cause of the diarrhea is ideal. So Start by having your veterinarian analyze multiple different fecal samples looking for intestinal parasites. There are so many other causes, I will attach a link to our article about diarrhea that goes over many of those causes and discusses various treatments, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/diarrhea-dog-cat-30.htm
Date: Jun 4, 2020
Category: Diarrhea
Pet Type: 2
Topic: Shit
Question:Can?t take shit for days
Answer:First, be sure it is constipation - most dogs strain when they have diarrhea and, of course, they are treated entirely differently. Here is a good article, written by another veterinarian, from a site that I trust about constipation: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951509
Date: May 24, 2020
Category: Diarrhea
Pet Type: 2
Topic: Recent dx. of giardia
Question:My 6 year old Pointer Mix had a dx. of Giardia last month, was treated with Panacur for 6 days. She recovered but now is experiencing diarrhea again. Could it be another course of Giardia? The RX was very expensive, so is there a med less expensive? Thank you.
Answer:Ask your veterinarian that diagnosed your dog with Giardia for some metronidazole - it works better for a lot of dogs.
Date: May 22, 2020
Category: Diarrhea
Pet Type: 2
Topic: DAPP & 4dx in house vaccines
Question:My goldendoodle has has diarrhea after his vaccines. The morning poop is normal. But the afternoon/ evening Are liquid. He acts normal and playful. Just concerned that the cause of this is due to vaccination since it started directly after. It has been 3 days now and still not normal. Is there anything besides boiled chicken and rice to help treat this?
Answer:Call and inform your veterinarian that this has happened even if he is normal tomorrow am - this is an adverse reaction to the vaccine and they will need to note it in his chart. If he still has diarrhea in the am, I would also get some prescription medication from your veterinarian. Until then, you can try a good over-the-counter probiotic like Fortiflora - here is a link to read about it, with the price: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Purina+FortiFlora-prod10376.html
Date: May 19, 2020
Category: Diarrhea
Pet Type: 1
Topic: Kitten food or something else
Question:She is 6 wks 1.7 lb laat tues when i took her to vet. She said test cameback no parasites but shes always hungry so i got royal canine kitten wet and started to give 50/50 to her nixed with royal canine mother and kitten which is what she was originally on, she wont take diarrhea med and has had diarrhea in tray and on my floors for two days i have gone back to just giving mother and kitten tiday and introducing dry food do you think it will help? Not sure what to do she is always hungry and vet said to get dry food but i thiught kitten formula was a step up from mother and kitten thank you
Answer:If the diarrhea persists, I would have your veterinarian recheck her stools again fo rparasites - some are shed intermittently so one negative fecal may not be enough to diagnose them. Dry food will give her more calories - wet food is ~80% water. Maybe try a blander food like Purina Kitten Chow. (Kitten and mother & kitten should be very similar formulas)
Date: May 18, 2020
Category: Diarrhea
Pet Type: 1
Topic: Kitten with loose stools
Question:I have a kitten that is approximately 8 weeks old. She is using her litter box, eating and playing. I noticed some loose stools in her litter box. Is this normal for a small kitten? Thank you!
Answer:No, that is not normal. Determining the underlying cause of the diarrhea is ideal. Start by having your veterinarian analyze multiple different fecal samples looking for intestinal parasites. There are so many causes, I will attach a link to our article about diarrhea that goes over many of those causes and discusses various treatments, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/diarrhea-dog-cat-30.htm
