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My dog hasn't pooped after diarrhea and meds. Is it normal? Fever?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 7 years and 7 months old | 12 lbs

My dog Romeo had soft stools and diarrhea over past 3 days. We went to the vet and she prescribed a dose of diagel and metronidazole. He has not pooped today after the diagel yesterday. Is that normal to not poop after taking that or after a case of diarrhea? Also how can I know if he still has fever? He’s been playful today and ate twice.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on September 24th, 2020

I'm glad to hear that Romeo is playful and eating well! It sounds as though he's on the road to recovery. Don't worry - it's completely normal for dogs to go several days without having a bowel movement after experiencing diarrhea. However, if you see that he's straining to poop but can't go, or if he becomes lethargic, vomits or refuses to eat, those would be signs that he should be re-checked by his vet.

The only way to know if he has a fever is by using a thermometer rectally. If he'll tolerate it, you can use any digital thermometer and insert it just half an inch or so into his rectum. A normal body temperature for dogs is 100.5 F to 102.5 F. That said, since he's eating and playing normally, and the diarrhea has subsided, there really isn't a need to check his temperature. I hope that everything continues to go well!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 3rd, 2019
Scarlet may be a little constipated due to the illness, diarrhea, and change in her diet. If she is eating, drinking, urinating and acting normally otherwise, I wouldn't be too concerned. If she continues to be constipated after a couple more days, or starts showing signs of illness, I recommend you have her see your vet. See the link below for more information:
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951509
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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