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Why is my dog not eating or pooping after finishing antibiotics?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 70 lbs

My dog had a weird infected wound at the bottom of his paw. I went to the vet with him, and the vet prescribed anti-biotics and anti inflammatory pain killers. 2-3 days after the antibiotics finished my dog would not eat his food nor will he poop. It’s been going on for three days where he hasn’t eaten his food. He has been drinking. However, he popped very little in the past 3 days, and when he did it was either diarrhea, or a weirdly shaped stool. What should I do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 24th, 2020

I would call your vet to see if it could be a side effect of the medications prescribed. Remember, if no food goes in, there won’t be stool to come out, so I think the biggest problem is not wanting to eat/nausea. Some medications can cause this to happen. Or there could be a second issue causing the poor appetite. You can try bland human foods like boiled chicken breast and cooked white rice to entice Lucky to eat.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 6th, 2017

    These signs could be due to the recent use of antibiotics. Sometimes a bland diet such as white rice/boiled chicken helps but other times an antibiotic specific for colon issues is needed. You could try calling your veterinarian and discussing is trying a bland diet is ok or, depending on the antibiotic used, if they think further treatment is needed.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Joy Fuhrman, DVM, MBA, CPA

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 30th, 2017

    You may want to feed him a bland diet of boiled chicken (no skin, no bones) and rice for the next few days until the diarrhea resolves. Once he is feeling better, you can gradually transition him to his regular diet.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

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I'm sorry, I forgot to add that can be normal to see a period of no pooping after a dog has diarrhea, especially if the dog hasn't eaten. That is why my answer was more focused on getting Boomer to eat. I hope this helps!
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Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sometimes antibiotics can cause a deceased appetite and anorexia. If that was the cause then she should start getting better in the next day or so. If no improvement, have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck! I hope she does well!
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