My dog must either be sick or ate something bad but he's had diarrhea when I got home from work. I just got him from the SPCA a week ago. He's about a year old. His energy level is the same as always and he's not acting different. When should i call or take him to the vet?
2007-08-08 11:55:58 · 12 answers · asked by H2OPOLOCat 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
My dog must either be sick or ate something bad but he's had diarrhea when I got home from work. I just got him from the SPCA a week ago and took him to the vet last Thursday. He's about a year old. His energy level is the same as always and he's not acting different. When should i call or take him to the vet?
2007-08-08 12:14:00 · update #1
If you changed his food it may be that. You could cook some rice and chicken and give that to and see if it helps. Make sure he has plenty of fresh water. If the diarrhea continues call your vet. He has had big changes in his life and it could be that. Just keep an eye on him. All the best;~)
2007-08-08 12:01:41 · answer #1 · answered by SureKat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd be concerned but not panicked. If his energy level is good, I'd withhold food tonight, and tomorrow feed the bland diet my vet recommends which is white rice and cottage cheese. Then slowly transition back to his regular food.
Did you change the food you were feeding him from something other than the SPCA was feeding? Rapid food changes will do this every single time. You have to transition slowly over a couple weeks.
If he starts to act otherwise sick or if this doesn't clear up with a rest and bland diet, I'd call the vet.
2007-08-08 19:03:23 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One episode of diarrhea is nothing to worry about right away.
Put him immediately on a diet of boiled chicken and boiled white rice, and absolutely nothing else. And plain water to drink. Also, give him 1mL or 1 mg per pound of body weight in Pepto Bismal (as in, 25lbs, equals a 25mg pill, or 25 mL of liquid). That should help.
Give him about 24 hours, if he doesn't seem to be clearing up, there may be an underlying problem like worms or coccydia. If he stops eating, seems lethargic, stops pooping altogether, or continues to have diarrhea for more than 24 hours, see a vet. If things settle down, it was probably just a tummyache- dogs get those just like people.
2007-08-08 19:02:29 · answer #3 · answered by Dreamer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whenever someone gets a new dog from the shelter, they should take it to the vet within the first week. IN fact, many shelters now give you a coupon for a free vet visit.
I highly recommend that you take your dog to the vet-this is just standard procedure anyway. He needs a regular exam and a fecal to check for worms (a cause of diarrhea). Not all worms are visible without a microscope, and there are different types of worms that needs different types of meds, that is why a fecal is so important.
2007-08-08 19:02:07 · answer #4 · answered by iloveeeyore 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This may only be because you are feeding him a different type of dog food.(If you are).This normally shows up with-in a couple of days and if it has been a week, your puppy's problems may be something different. It is a good idea to check with a vet. Not all Animal Shelters are extra careful about little stomach bugs etc. It's been a week though so chances are it had nothing to do with the shelter. Most really do try to be careful. I'm sure he has had all of his shots? Parvo, etc?
2007-08-08 19:06:39 · answer #5 · answered by Ava 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd call the SPCA ASAP. They should have a vet or access to one since you only got him a week ago. Don't wait. Or call a vet right away.
2007-08-08 19:00:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A vet appointment wouldn't hurt anyway. He could have picked up any number of things at the SPCA, though the volunteers do their best.
2007-08-08 19:01:10 · answer #7 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be a change in his diet or sometimes it can happen if the weather is really warm. There are also other factors which could contribute i.e. worms.
Try giving him a light meal tomorrow such as egg scrambled with water instead of milk. If this doesn't help see a veterinarian.
2007-08-08 19:02:00 · answer #8 · answered by Kizzy_ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should call the vet and tell them the symptoms. It could be something as simple as nervous stomach, something he ate, or it could be parvo which can be deadly, esp if you have other animals in the home.
Better safe than sorry.
2007-08-08 18:59:01 · answer #9 · answered by Munya Says: DUH! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's probably adjusting to new food, new environment. If he hasn't been checked out recently, you may want to bring him into a clinic to have his stool checked- it may be worms or another parasite.
Make sure he's getting lots of water, you don't want to let him get dehydrated. If it continues for more than a day, definitely call your vet.
2007-08-08 19:00:18 · answer #10 · answered by Sassy's Mom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋