Dear VetBabble,
My 5-week-old puppy used to have healthy stool, but over the past couple of days, he’s been experiencing diarrhea with blood and mucus. He just had more diarrhea after eating dry food. What should I do to ensure his well-being and do you have any suggestions for food and routines to follow?
Causes of Diarrhea in Puppies
First, let’s acknowledge that diarrhea is not uncommon in puppies, and it’s crucial to understand the potential causes. Diarrhea can be caused by various factors, including dietary changes, parasites, infections, or eating something they shouldn’t have. To dive deeper into the reasons why a dog may have diarrhea, you can refer to the VetBabble article, Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea?
For puppies, specifically, diarrhea could also be caused by a condition called coccidia. Coccidia is a parasite that can affect puppies and young dogs, causing diarrhea among other symptoms. You may find it helpful to read our article, Coccidia in Dogs and Puppies: What It Is and How to Treat It, as it provides additional information on this issue.
Steps to Address Puppy Diarrhea
Now that we’ve covered the potential causes, let’s discuss what steps you can take to help your puppy. It is essential to ensure he is on a high-quality, easily digestible puppy food during this time. Switching to a tinned, intestinal-based diet such as Royal Canin or Hills for 72 hours is a good option (but do not fast a 5-week-old puppy). Encourage as much fluid intake as possible, but avoid milk or dairy products.
You may also want to consult our article, Diarrhea in Dogs: When to Worry, for more information on when it’s appropriate to seek professional help for your puppy’s diarrhea.
Additionally, schedule a fecal exam for your puppy to check for parasites or other issues. It would be best if you also gave your puppy a good quality, oral worm dose if he has not been treated within the last two weeks.
Understanding Your Puppy’s Poop Schedule
As your pup recovers, it’s important to monitor his bowel movements to ensure he’s back on track. To understand what is normal for your puppy, consult our article, How Often Should My Dog Poop?. This information will help you ensure your puppy is healthy and his digestive system is functioning as it should.
Remember, the key here is to be patient and attentive to your puppy’s needs. By providing high-quality food, encouraging hydration, and taking proactive steps to address potential health issues, you’re setting your puppy up for success in his recovery from diarrhea.
