[jandtspencer]

My 10 week pup has been on science diet for a couple of weeks now. Stools had been formed and regular, now they are runny and he is having them often. What could be the problem when I haven't changed his food. Before this he was on wellness canned food but I tranitioned him to dry science diet with no problem. Please help!

[shazamataz]

Hey jandtspencer :)

Diarreah is something that puppies just sometimes get.
In saying that, there are a few causes such as parasites and worms that will need treatment.

Make sure he gets plenty of fluids so he doesn't get dehydrated. And feed bland food such as rice and chicken.

If it lasts more than a couple of days you need to get to the vet.

:)

[jandtspencer]

Hey jandtspencer :)

Diarreah is something that puppies just sometimes get.
In saying that, there are a few causes such as parasites and worms that will need treatment.

Make sure he gets plenty of fluids so he doesn't get dehydrated. And feed bland food such as rice and chicken.

If it lasts more than a couple of days you need to get to the vet.

:)

It's not actually "diarreah", it's semi formed, semi liquid. He is not getting water all day long but he is getting as much as he will drink 3-4 times a day. He went to the vet for his initial visit 4/20 and had his shots, deworming, new pup check-up, etc. his next visit is 5/12. Do you think I should try a different dry food or just stick to what I've been giving and see how it goes? He seemed like he liked the dry science diet at first and now he acts a little picky about eating it. Thanks for the help, just wanted to add a little more info.

[shazamataz]

Ok well here's a little tid bit I found...






Diarrhea in Dogs and Puppies


All dogs, at one point or another have had a about of diarrhea. Most diarrhea lasts a couple days, however when loose bowels continue over a long period it is a cause for concern; especially if the diarrhea gets severe, and is uncontrolled liquid squirts. Think of the dog as your baby (human). If your baby has a soft stool in his/her diaper, it may not be a cause for you to seek your doctors advice. For instance, if you have tried a new food which upset the baby's belly. If this is the case for your puppy, it may be fine for you to treat it at home. However, if your baby, had uncontrolled diarrhea, you would seek a medical doctor's advise, as there could be an underlying cause. Like a baby, a puppy can dehydrate FAST from severe diarrhea. REMEMBER, diarrhea can be mild or severe and the treatments differ.

In a young puppy, diarrhea can be caused by viruses and parasites. A stool sample to the vet is a good idea to check for Coccidia (Coccidiosis), Giardia, Trichomonas or other infections. If your litter of two week old puppies gets diarrhea, it could be worms. Normally we do not worm pups till 3 weeks, but some do it at 2 weeks. When worms become active, it can cause diarrhea. If the diarrhea worsens, even after using a worming medicine, you may need to check for coccidia. The incubation period is 13 days, and the Dams often carry it. They would come in contact from the Dam at birth, or shortly after. They are not born with it. If a 13 day old puppy has diarrhea, it often means coccidia. This requires vet medicine to treat. It can be found in a stool sample.

Some dogs/puppies can get diarrhea from the excitement/stress of being away and then coming home.

Some dogs get doggy flu bugs, others may eat a strange food and cause stomach upset.

Diarrhea from change is common. You need to deal with it and not ignore it.

Ignoring diarrhea in a puppy lowers the immune system, and can dehydrate even an adult dog.

Puppies can get a bug much easier if they are down and weak, so diarrhea is not something to ignore.

Ask your vet for a sheet on what to do for diarrhea. Each vet has slightly different versions but they all have a sheet, as it is common.

The following home remedy is for early onset diarrhea. A dog with severe diarrhea, needs Vet attention, as he needs fluids.

The greatest worry with ongoing diarrhea is dehydration.

If you are treating the early onset of diarrhea, and the dog is not showing ANY signs of dehydration, you need to fast the dog for a day - no water no food. (I find that a full 24 hours is to long for a puppy under 8 months, and you may want to give her some bland food throughout the day, (rice and chicken), and a bit of water and then NOTHING until the next morning), small pups try 12 hours. This rests the tummy. For a dog or pup with secondary severe diarrhea (uncontrolled liquid squirts), omitting the water is NOT an option, they MUST have fluids, if dehydration is happening. But if dehydration is not a problem, and diarrhea is early onset, and controlled, omitting water for a bit helps. 12 hours is usually OK for a puppy. It is just to give the tummy a rest. This is easier done at night.

BUT... If the puppy has severe diarrhea, (progressed into more Serious Diarrhea), and dehydration could be a secondary problem, YOU MUST give the puppy water, or better yet, pedialac, or sub fluids (lactate ringer), under the skin intravenously, (talk to your vet). Mild diarrhea is soft stools, or pudding texture, serious diarrhea, is projectile, uncontrolled watery texture - LIQUID SQUIRTS.

Do NOT fast any puppy under 7 weeks. A young puppy, with diarrhea, usually needs medical attention immediately. Pups under 4 weeks can dye quite quickly with diarrhea.

It can sometimes be hard to determine the cause of diarrhea unless further testing is done. It is a good idea to take a stool sample to your vet, if diarrhea, cannot be stopped in a couple days, OR if it has blood in it, or if it is watery squirts.

It is important to consume the same amount of fluids as the volume that has been lost in order to prevent dehydration.

So, if your dog has a couple runny poops, omitting water for a bit is OK. (For EARLY onset diarrhea.) To stop diarrhea, before it progresses to secondary severe diarrhea.

BUT... If the diarrhea, has turned secondary, and is coming out as fast as you put fluids in, intravenous may be needed. DO NOT OMIT water on a dog, with uncontrolled severe diarrhea.

Diarrhea can be treated at home in the early stages, and if caught early, turned around. The key with diarrhea is to stop it fast, BEFORE it turns into secondary diarrhea with dehydration. Once the immune system is down, it is an invitation for other problems.

If the dog is vomiting and or has diarrhea, and is dehydrated then you must seek VET attention to administer fluids intravenously. A good test method for dehydration is, if the skin on the dog's neck stays up, when lifted and doesn't drop down instantly in place when released.


RECIPE for early onset diarrhea (soft stools)

Pepto Bismol every 3 - 4 hours. (You will need a syringe... good luck!)
liquid pink Pepto 1/2 to a tsp each time, for every 10lbs of dog.

I personally haven't tried it but apparently vets use it.


If you want to change the diet you can but you will have to do it very slowly so it's not going to be a quick fix :)


WHOOPS... I actually didn't mean to copy the whole thing! I highlighted the bit I was meant to post... could be handy anyway lol

[jandtspencer]

Thank you!

[shazamataz]

Hope that helped :)

[Catsmine]

It sounds a lot like your puppy may have caught the cold that our weather is causing in all species. High pollen then heavy rain then hot'n'humid can do a number on anybody's sinuses. If he's also eating grass then it's likely a cold and upset tummy. Be sure to mention it to your vet, but if there's still some form to the stools he shouldn't require a special trip.