I feel so helpless right now, and I really need some advice. My sweet old pup, who's over 14 years old and weighs about 13 pounds, has been having diarrhea for the past two days, and I'm starting to get really worried. He's always been a bit sensitive with his stomach, but it's never been this bad for this long. His energy levels seem okay-ish, but he's not eating like he usually does, and I'm scared he's going to get dehydrated. I've tried giving him plain boiled chicken and rice, but it doesn't seem to be helping much. For any fellow dog lovers out there, does anyone have experience with this? I’m wondering if I need to take him to the vet immediately or if there are home remedies that could ease his tummy troubles. Any advice or similar experiences would be hugely appreciated!
Thanks for your question. I'm sorry to hear your dog is having this issue. Diarrhea in dogs, especially senior ones, can happen for a variety of reasons. It might be a simple dietary indiscretion—maybe your dog got into something they shouldn't have—or it could be due to stress, a change in diet, or even an underlying medical condition like an infection or organ dysfunction.
For at-home care, start by ensuring your pup stays hydrated, as diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Offer them fresh water regularly or even some diluted, unsalted chicken broth. Consider withholding food for 12–24 hours to give their digestive system a rest, then reintroduce a bland diet like boiled chicken and plain rice in small portions.
It's vital to keep an eye out for signs that things may be more serious. If your dog's diarrhea persists past a couple of days, they seem lethargic, are vomiting, have a fever, show signs of pain, or you notice any blood in their stool, then it's important to seek veterinary care promptly.
I'd recommend booking a video consult with Dial A Vet so we can discuss further and ensure your furry friend gets the best care possible.
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