My dog has small, runny stools for a week. Is it a blockage? Vet?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that Roko is having problems. I always tell clients that if signs persist, worsen, or other signs develop after 12-24 or even 36 hours (depending on their severity), I advise a check up at their veterinarian. If the pet is acting sick then the waiting time goes down to zero, they should be seen immediately. So if Roko doesn't act sick or isn't uncomfortable, you could probably wait this out and see what happens. If he is constantly straining to have a bowel movement then of course he should be seen immediately. Vomiting and diarrhea can have many causes such as intestinal parasites, dietary indiscretion (eating things dogs are not supposed to eat), overgrooming with resultant hair ingestion, toxin ingestion, foreign body ingestion, other problems with the gastrointestinal tract, problems with organs outside of the gastrointestinal tract, among many others. Your vet can get a detailed history and do a thorough exam. Once those are done, a diagnostic plan and treatment plan can be discussed and implemented. Possible tests include fecal/blood/urine tests and xrays as a starting point, called a minimum data base. If Roko isn't acting sick and straining a lot you could try some canned pumpkin with his food which is high in fiber. 1-2 teaspoons with each meal (canned pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie filling). This will increase fiber to the gut and hopefully get the gut back on track. Good luck with Roko.

If you recently changed foods to Taste if the Wild it’s possible that the food is to blame. An intestinal blockage usually causes vomiting and no stool passing. Occasionally a growth in the colon or rectum can cause stool to appear smaller and flattened or ribbon like but you would also probably see Kip straining to defecate. I would recommend seeing your for a physical exam as the next step to see what they think.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Signs of a blockage are usually not eating, lethargy and vomiting. Rarely (less than 10%) just diarrhea. It is most likely an upset stomach. I would avoid giving beef raw hides. If the diarrhea is bad then fast him for 12-24 hours then offer a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice. Feed 1 cup per 20 lbs per day until 2 normal stools. I wish you the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Since she is exhibiting some signs of eating foreign material, it is very important at this point to make sure that she is not obstructed as that will require therapy. I would highly recommend you consider having her evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check on this with abdominal radiographs and proceed with therapy accordingly. Keep in mind that in some cases of an obstruction, surgery is necessary and the sooner it is diagnosed, the better the outcome tends to be. Have a good day!

Unfortunately it might happen, especially in the small intestine. Usually the signs (vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, lethargy, inappetence) are seen in the following 48hours after ingestion. Hope this answer was helpful, but 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

It doesn't sound like an obstruction - not impossible, but usually they won't be able to keep their food or water down. So, I think it is less likely. He is probably drinking a lot because of the diarrhea. If you are worried about an obstruction though, you need to get him back to your vet for a follow-up and x-rays. If you want to try something else at home I would suggest this: 1. Give ONE dose of Immodium. They come in 2mg tablets. Give him one tablet. Please, ONE dose only or you will cause other issues. You can use generic - loperamide. 2. No food for 6-8 hours. Nothing. Water is OK. 3. After 6-8 hours then start feeding small amounts of a bland diet every few hours. Bland foods like: scrambled eggs, plain rice, plain pasta, boiled chicken or turkey, human baby foods (meat flavors). No butter, oil or spices on the food. If all if going well do this for a few days and then slowly transition him back to his regular food. 4. Continue the Proviable as directed. If he starts vomiting at any time he needs to see the vet ASAP. Otherwise, try this and see how he responds. 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.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The symptoms of gastrointestinal blockage include vomiting, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, small stools or no stools at all. If Sassy ate the incontinence pad a few days ago and she has not developed signs of anorexia and vomiting, most likely she does not have a blockage. If the only worrying sign at the moment is abnormal stool appearance, you should try bland diet for 2-3 days. However, if Sassy looks unwell or starts to vomit, you should take her to your local vets right away.