What do I do when my 7 month old puppy get diarrhea at least twice a week since I he was 8 weeks old?

Question

I'm trying to avoid going to the doctor, as I am a single mother of 2 and really can't afford it right now. So if there is anyone out there that had or knows about this, please let me know what I should do.
Thanks!!

Ok.. enough with all the negativity!!! He has all his shots.. he is well taken care of.. just asking anyone who might have similar problems.. before spending all kinds of money!!! If you don't have an answer to my question.. don't bother answering...PLEASE!!! You guys can really make people feel bad, who are just trying to do the right thing.

Answer 1

Put him on an elimination diet (start with only one type of food, eg. his kibble) and build it up by adding another type of food the next day, and so on. Work out from that what is making him ill. Then avoid feeding him whatever it is. Easy and no vet needed!

But what will you do when you REALLY do need the vet? Best if you put aside some money every week (even if only a few pennies) against that day!

Answer 2

If you can't afford the vet I'm afraid I must question why you own a dog. What about his vaccinations? Neutering? What about if he gets really sick or injured? Have you not got enough to deal with financially with two kids?

For the dog's sake I'll give you this advice: diarrhoea is common in pups, they have sensitive stomachs. I trust diarrhoea that has been going on this long isn't really hideous - just squishy poos, right? Not really watery? If it's watery or ever gets blood in it, or he starts vomiting as well, there is no excuse not to go to the vet.

Try finding the right food for the puppy. They can't just be fed on any old dog food. You could start by finding something bland - chicken and rice stuff. Or just literally feed lean chicken and boiled rice for a while. Feeding dried food only (this is fine as long as it's good quality stuff, preferably proper puppy food) should also help fix diarrhoea.

I'm assuming the puppy is wormed - using proper veterinary stuff, not petstore stuff. This is an absolute must for puppies, if only so you can rule out worms as a cause of the diarrhoea.

Please, think about what I've said.

Chalice

Answer 3

Well even if his food was working for him before it might not be agreeing with him now. The first thing a vet will tell you is that they don't care for his food and he should be eating their crap that they sell such as a low residue food. First if you know for a fact he hasn't gotten into anything that will cause his diarrhea then I suggest you ask the vet to check his anal glands. When my dog has anal gland issues the first thing that happens is she goes a lot, keeps straining and straining and nothing comes out, she has a solid poop then diarrhea then she does the constant putting her but down with no success. The second thing I would do is look for a different brand of food as it doesn't appear this one works anymore if he's pooping a lot and having diarrhea. However, Giardia, as others have listed, is also a possibiity, non stop diarrhea is a sign of Giardia it's a parasite and no worms are present, they need to be dewormed for three days, poop picked up every day. Also be careful, Giardia can be passed from dog to human, so wash your hands if that's what he has.

Answer 4

How often do you change his food? Has he been on the same food the whole time he's had this problem? Is it possible he might be getting into other things other than his food?

Do you have him on a monthly deworming scheduale? Is he on any daily vitamens, supplements or medications?

Well with the food, if he's been on the same brand for this whole time, and still has the runs, I'd change his food. Its possible he might have a food allergy..... its becoming more common to see some dogs allergic to chicken or beef. If you believe this is the case, you can try him on a duck or vennisen dog food.

Are you feeding him wett or dry dog food? Dry food is the best, just provide plenty of water. Dry food will help keep tartar off his teeth, keeping his teeth healthy and helping them last longer. Dry food also is less common to give dogs the runs like cann food will (can food helps keep the poo moist - wet).

If you've changed his diet alot - which is common, because many times you'll find yourself trying to find the right food for your dog, esp. if they have a belly problem..... Make sure you are introducing the food properly. You start, with 3/4 of the old dog food serving and 1/4 of the new food mixed together. Do that for a 5 -7 days. After that go 1/2 old dog food, and 1/2 of new food for anothere 5-7 days. After that, go 1/4 old food, and 3/4 new food for about another week. After that its probably safe to give a whole serving of the new food. If at any time your dog gets the run, go back a step and keep him on that step for anothere 5-7 days. If not matter how patient and gradually you've tried to introduce the new food to your dog and he's still get the runs from it, you might want to look into another food.

Another question? What are you feeding your dog, some food like Kibble and Bits taste really great to your dog, but it has no nutrive value and has been most commonly to induce runny pooo. Try to find a diet that has a good meat, grain (barley or oatmeal - great for sensitive stomaches) and veggies and berries. Wellness, Innova, Wynsong, Wolfpack, Newmans organics, - something along those lines.

Now, when was the last time your dog had a fecal test for parasites? Do you have your dog on a monthy dewormer? Its might be another thing to consider, parasites can be zoonotic (pass to people) and can really do a number on your pets Gastro Intestional tract - make them have the runs. Commonly vommiting with go hand and hand with the runs, but it just depends on what parasite has infected it host.

Your best bet really is to have a vet look at your dog, when you a little extra cash, and time (being a single parent is not easy). Your vet will be able to make a sound diagnosis on your dogs condition. Make sure you bring a sample of your pups poo that day so they can run a test for parasites.

For now, if the runs get so bad, you can try a home made meal that will settle the stomache.

First take your pup off his food for 12 hours, provide plenty of water. Cook up some rice depending on the size of your dog, and boil some chicken - no salt no seasoning. Cool it, and this recipe will help settle their belly. If your pet isn't taking well to the rice, you can try boiling some potate, peeling the skin, and mashing it with some boiled chicken. Later you might want to try just a bit of spinage (to replenish his iron). This should help stop the runs.

Just alot of things can be the culpret of the runs, your best bet is to make sure he stays hydrated and get him to the vet as soon as you can.

Best of luck

Answer 5

It could be nerves and/or diet. When your dog gets diarrhea the best thing to feed him is a combo of fried ground beef and rice. If you find this agrees with him, you may want to use this as his food all the time - alternate with potato & pasta - maybe ground chicken or turkey. But the beef and rice will firm his stools up and help in the meantime.
Your puppy has 2 little ones (I assume they are young) playing with it and it may be overwhelming at times. Some dogs need time alone. A crate is perfect for this - put a blanket over it and leave the door open. The children should know not to go near it. If you don't have one and can't afford one, pick a spot (under the kitchen table) for a special blanket for the dog (entice the dog there with toys for him to learn) and tell the children that's his "safe spot" and they must leave him alone. It's not a case of them hurting him I'm sure....he's just a baby and is overstimulated.
Also, the recalls now in dog food make me wonder. Please consider cooking for him. You can also bake for him. Lots of work but well worth it. Recipies can be found on the internet. If you have a freezer, cook ahead of time and freeze individual meals and take them out nightly to thaw.
My dog had diarrhea a lot and I thought she was lonely while I was at work so I took her to an expensive doggy daycare but within a week she was worse...back to the vet who said she was a nervous wreck so I left her at home and cooked for her. Wasn't easy with a job, kids, home to clean etc but she was worth it and it helped the problem.
Good luck.

Also...you may want to look into pet insurance...some can be very affordable - I highly recommend it.

Answer 6

I'm not sure where you live but in the uk you have the pdsa which is a charity that exists purely for people in your situation,they have animal hospitals all over britain and will treat your dog for nothing more than a donation of a couple of quid.The vets here are sometimes better than private practices as most are there to help animals rather than earn money.

Answer 7

All puppies are born with worms and they can cause havoc with the poor little critter. Gosh sakes make sure you have de-wormed him/her, you can just pop into a vet clinic tell them its weight and they will give you the proper amount to give. Another thought is that perhaps the little ones food is not agreeing with it. You may want to change his/her food. Hope this helps. I know it can be a real nightmare trying to enjoy a family pet, and being a single mom with limited income. So lots of love and common sense honey. Good Luck!

Answer 8

i took my Akita to the vet and they told me it was notthing serious and I should leave him outside for a few days and he started eating my lawn and he was better. But I suggest to see the vet first before trying anything else

Answer 9

if you can't afford the vet you shouldn't have a dog

Answer 10

vet if u cant afford vet bills u cant afford a dog