My dog has brown liquid poop, shivering, and lethargy. What's wrong?

It sounds like your dog is very uncomfortable or even painful, probably in his belly from your description of his symptoms. The diarrhea could be caused by any number of things; intestinal parasites, a bacterial infection, even being constipated will sometimes manifest as diarrhea because liquid feces is all that will get by the impacted fecal material. It could be as simple as a dietary indiscretion, meaning he might have gotten into the trash and eaten something that didn't agree with him. If he continues to have loose stool, or starts vomiting, loses his appetite, acts lethargic, and/or develops a fever, get him in to be seen by your vet right away as this could indicate a more serious problem.

It sounds like Moose may have some gastro-intestinal upset. You didn't mention vomiting-- If there's been no vomiting then that is good. However, decreased appetite and the loose stools are concerning. When the colon (large intestine) is inflamed, sometimes they feel like they need to poop even though there isn't anything more coming out. As for what may be causing the GI upset, it could be gastroenteritis which is inflammation of the stomach and or intestines-- this could be from eating something out of the ordinary such as getting into the garbage or eating mulch, etc, or it may be secondary to anything from kidney disease to cancer. I don't see Moose's age listed; if he is older, the concern that there is a more serious underlying problem is higher. If he is a younger dog, gastroenteritis is more likely. Since he seems lethargic, I strongly recommend that you take him in to the vet at your first convenience. If the lethargy is getting worse, or if he starts vomiting or having blood in the stool or vomit, seek emergency care. If you are unable to take him to the vet, you can offer a bland diet (boiled chicken and white rice) for a couple of days and see if that helps. If it is not improving, please get him in for an exam. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello! It would be helpful to know for sure if the feces contained a piece of string. If so, it's worrisome that Shadow ate string and that there may be additional pieces stuck in her intestinal tract. This would require a vet visit for an x-ray and possible abdominal surgery. However, if it's only mucous, it may be that she has a bout of colitis. This can be caused by diet change, bacteria, or parasites, and usually treated with a bland diet and probiotics or other medications. If you are unsure whether it was a string, it would be safest to have her evaluated by a vet. Even if it is colitis, she could benefit from evaluation and treatment, especially because she is having less energy.

Diarrhea can be caused by a food sensitivity, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, an intestinal blockage, bacterial infection, viral infection, the weather, food change, stress, etc. Drooling is usually a sign of nausea, but can also involve bad teeth or an injury or tumor in the mouth. I would fast Jacob for 24 hours and then put him on bland food for two days, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to regular food slowly over a few days. If this does not clear up the diarrhea or if your dog gets lethargic, heneeds to see a veterinarian for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on.

The ocular discharge may or may not be related to his lethargy, decreased appetite, and usual stool volume and color. As long as the eye is not red, I would not worry too much. The lethargy, decreased appetite, and stool are suggestive of a primary gastrointestinal, pancreatic, or liver problem. You are doing a good job of trying to keep him hydrated. Continue the pedialyte and offer some chicken and rice. Discuss bloodwork including testing for pancreatitis, and abdominal x-rays with your veterinarian.

Poor guy. It sounds like your pet Shiro has a bout of colitis (inflammation of the colon) which can often be caused by intestinal parasites. I would highly recommend having him seen by your vet soon for a fecal exam and medications to help resolve his colitis. Only antibiotics can help resolve this in most cases, which has to be prescribed by your vet. Until you can get him seen you can start a probiotic with him, such as Culturelle over the counter or Fortiflora. This can help with some of the inflammation by restoring the good intestinal flora. I hope that your furry friend Shiro feels better soon! Best of luck and take care.

It always concerns me when young puppies get lethargic. Puppies are more susceptible to the effects of dehydration and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) than adult dogs, so diarrhea is more serious for Wallace than it would be for an adult dog. If he's back to acting normally, eating, drinking, and doesn't have further diarrhea or vomiting, it's perfectly fine to continue monitoring him at home. However, if he remains lethargic, has more mucousy diarrhea, begins to vomit, or refuses to eat or drink normal amounts, then you should have him examined by his vet. Your vet will need to do a physical exam. Depending on their suspicions based on their exam findings, they may recommend some diagnostic testing or may opt to start him on some medications. Possible causes of this type of issue include stomach upset from a virus, intestinal parasites, among many other issues. If your vet finds that Wallace is dehydrated, they'll also be able to give him some fluids. I hope that he feels better soon!