My dog has diarrhea, straining, ate paper towels. Should I worry?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Takoda! Causes of diarrhea are: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, dietary indiscretion (ate something gross), pancreatitis, toxin ingestion, medications, food allergy/intolerance, new treat/food/table scraps. The straining is due to inflammation and that he feels like he has to defecate but there is little to no stool left. The scooting can be from anal irritation, stool stuck to his anus (check and clean) or his anal glands are full If the diarrhea is bad, then I recommend fasting him for 12-24 hours to rest his GIT and to stop adding "fuel to the fire." Then start a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice. Feed 1 cup per 20 lbs per day until 2 normal stools. If the diarrhea continues, he stops eating or starts vomiting he should see your Vet. I hope this helps and I wish Takoda a speedy recovery!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You should monitor her for signs of vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, lack of appetite. As long as she is bright, has normal energy level, has good appetite and is passing normal stools, she should be fine. However, if you notice any of the worrying symptoms, you should get her checked by your local vets in the morning.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If Kalua is still acting sick, straining to pass stool, vomitting or not eating you may need to take him to the vet. A paper towel by itself probably wouldn't cause an obstruction but if there was grease on it or he ate something else he could have gastritis, pancreatitis or an obstruction. If he is acting more normal today, feed a bland diet such as chicken and rice for a couple of days (Plain, no fat, skin, bones or seasoning). But if he continues to vomit or not eat, has diarrhea or constipation he should be seen by his vet. I hope he feels better soon.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Dixie. Chances are this paper towel will dissolve in her stomach acid, and I would just keep an eye on her for now. If you see vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or a loss of appetite, then you will need to take her into a vet right away. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Diarrhea can be observed with conditions such as colitis, gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, among many other possibilities. This is not likely to be related. I recommend that you have Luna evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They may choose to check for parasites and to start medications for diarrhea depending on the results. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I would not be too concerned that she has not defecated yet today. The diarrhea may be due to stress colitis, or inflammation of the colon secondary to the stress of boarding. This should resolve on its own with a bland diet as you are feeding her. You can also try adding in 2 teaspoons of metamucil fiber powder to her meals twice daily to help bulk up her stool. She may not be defecating yet because her stools forming up and not coming out as quickly. I would monitor for signs of vomiting that could indicate that the watch band that she ate is causing a blockage of her intestines. This is a surgical emergency. It is possible she will pass the watch band by herself in her feces, so I recommend monitoring her feces over the next few days for passage of the band. I hope this is helpful!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Gastric upset, or gastroenteritis, can be caused by many different things including toxins, raw meat, bones, bacterial infections, viral infections, or simply a food that doesn't agree with the body. Other possible causes include IBD, food allergies, and cancers in the gut. If she has a bit of diarrhea and GI upset, but is otherwise normal, eating/drinking well, and has good energy, then she likely just ate something that upset her stomach. I recommend that you feed her a bland diet of boiled/boneless/skinless chicken breast and boiled rice, in small frequent meals for the next 3 days. After this re-introduce a good quality kibble. If the diarrhea gets bloody, she stops eating, is vomiting, or weak and lethargic, then bring her to the vet for bloodwork and x-rays. Best of luck with Daisy! I hope she feels better soon!