My dog has diarrhea, is sleepy, and sick. What should I do to help?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 7, 2018

  Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Buddy!
  
  Causes of diarrhea are: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, ate something gross, toxin or medications, pancreatitis, food allergy/intolerance, new treat/food or table food. Sometimes we never know why.
  
  I would fast him for 12-24 hours. He likely isn’t eating because he doesn’t feel well. Start a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice after the fast. Feed 1 cup per 20 lbs per day as small frequent meals until 2 normal stools. If he still refuses to eat, starts to vomit or develops bloody diarrhea Buddy should see your Vet.
  
  I do not recommend any human medications.
  
  I hope this helps and I wish Buddy the best!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 20, 2018

  Diarrhea can have many causes. It is basically a problem with the stomach and intestines caused by a food over sensitivity, eating something that does not agree with the dog, intestinal parasites, bacterial infection, viral infection, the weather, food change, stress, a blockage, etc. 
  I would fast Dexter for 12 hours and then put him on bland food for two days, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to his regular food slowly over a few days. If this does not clear up the diarrhea or if he gets lethargic, he needs to see a veterinarian for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on.

  

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• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on December 30, 2016

  Unfortunately, by law it is illegal for the experts at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to prescribe any medication, including OTC drugs, without seeing the animal in person first. That's because doing so requires a veterinary client patient relationship which cannot be achieve via an internet forum. In addition, the experts cannot say for certain if a specific drug is safe for your dog. It sounds like your dog may be having diarrhea. This can be caused by GI illness, eating something rotten, a foreign body, a sudden change in diet, or intestinal parasites. You can try a home remedy first before having to take him into the vet. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, he starts vomiting food, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful