Runny Mucus Diarrhea

by Pam Rider
(Atlanta, Georgia)

Reader Question: How Can I Treat My Dog's Diarrhea?

Our puppy 11 week old puppy is having a diarrhea problem. Her stools where fine and was wormed just last week (Oct.13th) and has seen the vet regularly since she was 8 weeks old. Three days ago the diarrhea started and tomorrow is Saturday. Our vet is closed on weekends.

She is active and eating but it seems she is losing weight. Of course she is active chewing everything but I puppy proofed the house and have the appropriate chew toys. She was also wormed for tapes 2 weeks ago. I have other dogs. They are fine. Emma is on Science Diet puppy small bites. All the dogs eat separately. She has gone outside and just maybe when I wasn't looking ate grass or something.

Any ideas...thank you...

Veterinarian Answers Reader Question Regarding Treating Canine Diarrhea

Hi,

The list of potential causes for diarrhea in a puppy is exceptionally long. For example, your dog might have eaten something she shouldn’t have; she could have a gastrointestinal infection, or be suffering the effects of gastrointestinal parasites (this is possible even though she’s been dewormed).

Puppies with diarrhea can become quite sick very fast, so you will need to keep a close eye on her if you cannot get her in to your veterinarian’s office immediately. As long as she is eating, drinking, not vomiting, and seems to feel fine otherwise, there should be no harm in giving her 24 hours to see how she does.

Simple cases of gastroenteritis (e.g., those that are caused by eating or drinking something nasty) will often begin to self-correct in that amount of time. You can help things along by giving her a product like Proviable-KP, which contains a paste that helps firm up runny stools and probiotic capsules to reestablish normal intestinal flora.

If, however, your puppy’s condition declines over time, do not wait until your regular vet is open; get her in to the nearest after-hours clinic immediately.

Best of luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM