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Why is my dog straining after diarrhea? What should I do at home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Saint Bernard | Male | neutered | 2 years and 1 month old | 150 lbs

My 2 year old male St Bernard has diarrhea and is straining after he gets a little out; almost like there's an occlusion or partial blockage. He tries to go a few times an hour. No noticable fever. No diet change. What should I do?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 27th, 2019

It's actually normal to see some straining after diarrhea. Odie still feels the urge to do, but nothing comes out making it look like straining. I can give you a home remedy to see if that helps. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, he starts vomiting food, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away.
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