Puppy has diarrhea...what should I do?

Jensen has been having loose poops since we brought him home on Friday, but tonight he had two bouts of diarrhea. I have an appointment with the vet tomorrow just to get him checked out but should I do anything for him in the meantime? My sister suggested boiling rice for him, but I don't know if I should. Any advice?

Re: Puppy has diarrhea...what should I do?

Hmmm, hard to give advice only because I don't know WHY he's having diarrhea. But for our dogs, if the diarrhea doesn't stop by the next day, we call the vet & also boil rice. Most of the time, our dogs wouldn't eat if they had any issues just because their appetite was gone. (like humans...who the heck can think about eating when the stomach is cramping up like that?)

Just watch out for dehydration. Sometimes, if we noticed our dog(s) getting dehydrated, we'd boil rice & only give them the water that the rice was boiling in. He'll let you know when he's actually hungry again, but maybe he'll at least take a few sips of water. Always trust your gut if you think something's wrong. HTH

Message edited 11/23/2009 7:38:28 PM.

Re: Puppy has diarrhea...what should I do?

Don't go overboard on the rice or he'll stop pooping altogether! I figured you were going to have diarrhea issues with all the excitement and food change. No worries, here's what you do:

Replace half his normal food in one meal with 1/4 cup of cooked rice. If you're feeding him 1 cup in the morning, only feed 1/2 food and 1/4 cup cooked rice.

You can also give him plain boiled or baked chicken (no oil) but the rice is easier.

To keep him hydrated, let him eat ice cubes. You can't make him drink but I haven't met a Lab yet that can resist ice cubes.

Sorry he's got the squirts. That's one milestone down though! Make sure his butt doesn't get irritated too if there's anything left behind. This is going to sound totally nuts but I actually have non alcohol baby wipes for that purpose.

Good luck and I hope you get a clean bill of health tomorrow!

Message edited 11/23/2009 7:43:41 PM.

Re: Puppy has diarrhea...what should I do?

i agree w/greenfreak and just wanted to add that aunt libby's can of pumpkin will help the loose stool too...one tspoon in his breakfast/dinner will help!

Re: Puppy has diarrhea...what should I do?

Totally forgot about pumpkin, you're absolutely right!

Re: Puppy has diarrhea...what should I do?

Thanks guys. I had no idea about the pumpkin. I gave him some rice with his food before and he has been drinking. He was napping a long time tonight but is now up and playing with his toys. I'll keep an eye on him. I'm so glad I made that appointment with the vet tomorrow!

ETA: I spoke too soon...now he is laying down again. Is it normal for a 6 month old lab to lay down so much?

Message edited 11/23/2009 10:21:40 PM.

Re: Puppy has diarrhea...what should I do?

Make sure you aren't quickly switching his food. Have you given him any new treats etc? Def get the vet to check it out and keep him hydrated.

Re: Puppy has diarrhea...what should I do?

Re: Puppy has diarrhea...what should I do?

Posted by greenfreak

Posted by Renee615

Is it normal for a 6 month old lab to lay down so much?

You've got to relax Renee. Give it time, you'll get used to his personality. Brinkley is the laziest lab you'll ever meet, always was that way. I know he's healthy, he's just not hyper. Be happy he's not like Marley, ripping your house to shreds!

Good luck today at the vet!

Message edited 11/24/2009 12:42:48 PM.

Re: Puppy has diarrhea...what should I do?

Posted by greenfreak

Posted by Renee615

Is it normal for a 6 month old lab to lay down so much?

You've got to relax Renee. Give it time, you'll get used to his personality. Brinkley is the laziest lab you'll ever meet, always was that way. I know he's healthy, he's just not hyper. Be happy he's not like Marley, ripping your house to shreds!

Good luck today at the vet!

Message edited 11/24/2009 8:51:33 AM.

Re: Puppy has diarrhea...what should I do?

I still check if my dog and my husband are breathing occasionally.

Re: Puppy has diarrhea...what should I do?

Posted by greenfreak

I still check if my dog and my husband are breathing occasionally.