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My dog has diarrhea & weight loss after vet visit. Shots or food?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 6 months and 16 days old | 115 lbs

I just took my dog to the vet Tuesday he’s had weight loss and a lot of poop issues. But 5 days before the vet he was fine and solid and only a tiny bit mushy and they did a fecal test.. it cameback negative for anything but now after the vet he came home and it’s been like this and like diarrhea. Is it cause of his rabies and distemper shot or from the wet food i gave him after the visit ? He can’t even control holding it and had liquid poop in my bedroom thts unlike him.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on September 13th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bear!

Diarrhea can be a sign of a vaccine reaction but since he was having abnormal stools prior to the Vet visit I think it is likely a continuation of his previous issues. I would still ask for deworming medications as adult worms do not always shed eggs that will show up in the stool sample. I would also change his food and get him on a puppy food that doesn't contain chicken. It is possible the weight loss and chronic abnormal stools are due to a food allergy. If that doesn't improve his weight and stools then I would do blood work and B12/folate/TLI/PLI testing for intestinal and pancreatic disease.

Causes of poor weight gain/weight loss and diarrhea in a puppy are: intestinal parasites, food allergy/intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic insufficiency.

Good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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