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My dog's severe diarrhea won't stop after home remedies. When to see vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | 36 lbs

My 10 year old pug has been having such bad diarrhea that it's just dripping out of him. I've given him rice, probiotics, and Imodium

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 14th, 2020

If the diarrhea has been going on more than 24 hours and Lj hasn't improved with bland food, probiotics, and Immodium, then it's time to see a vet. There are many possible causes of diarrhea: stress, dietary indiscretion, infection, parasites, and more serious issues such as inflammatory bowel disease, Addisons disease or cancerous changes. You've done a great job trying the simple initial interventions that can help - but if that didn't do the trick, then it's time to have Lj checked out. Hopefully it's still a simple cause that will respond to a course of medication, but sometimes further diagnostics or long-term therapy are necessary.

Your vet will likely recommend starting with a fecal sample check to look for microscopic parasite eggs. Depending on exam findings, they may also recommend some initial screening bloodwork to evaluate general body function and help screen for some of the conditions that can be associated with diarrhea. Or, they may recommend an initial course of medication to see how Lj responds and go from there.

Hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Andrea
Veterinarian
Published on July 22nd, 2018
Diarrhea can be very frustrating. You're puppy may need to be on meds longer and on a special diet longer. Probiotics that are for dogs are also good to help correct the problem.
My puppy had this problem and I had to send a special diarrhea panel to the lab and so a special antibiotic for a month.
Maybe sure your pup had a giardia test and ample deworming. Stay on the meds and special diet your vet recommends and don't stop too early.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 2nd, 2019
I am sorry that Cable is not well. I know you are frustrated but please keep in mind that all animals "read the book" so sometimes treatment and testing are not straight forward. Just like in human medicine. During the surgery did the vet take any biopsies of the inside of the intestines? That would have been good to do to check for inflammatory bowel disease as well as some other bowel disorders.

EPI is a possibility although he is a bit young to already be showing symptoms. Simple blood and fecal tests can accurately detect if the condition is present. Canine trypsinogen-like immunoassay (cTLI) is the preferred diagnostic test for EPI. cTLI in combination with Vitamin B12 and folate level tests give us the best assessment of pancreatic function. So, if those have not been done I would suggest doing that.

In the meantime I would do daily Fortiflora probiotic - one packet on food daily.

( https://www.allivet.com/p-1130-purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets-fortiflora-dog-supplement-box-of-30.aspx )

Hope this helps. If you have more questions you can always opt for a private consultation where we can chat back and forth. That way you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 16th, 2018
These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver) a bit more severe than your vet initially thought. Another clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs) and possibly antibiotics may be needed this time.
Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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