My puppy has soft, grey stool. Is it EPI, and when should I see a vet?

Many times dogs with epi will have grayish stools that appear to have a sheen. That being said, the stool color cannot be used to diagnose disease conditions. If you are worried about epi in Kia, a blood test can give the accurate results. Thank you for using Pet Coach!

This could be due to the presence of mucous coming from the last part the intestine. It may be compatible with colitis, which is an inflammation, usually dietary related. As a first approach, I would suggest to start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. 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!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Personally the color doesn't bother me but the consistency does. That is diarrhea. It is too soft and not formed. I would go back to the Royal Canin food as it sounds like he digests that one better. Be sure though that he has had his stool tested for intestinal parasites and is up to date on his DHPP vaccines. Good luck!

Hi there, I wouldn't be worried about one stool like this, but if it worsens or there is any vomiting, disinterest in food, or lethargy, that would warrant an emergency exam for a pup his age. Parvovirus is of serious concern if he is not fully vaccinated. If his stools remain soft but he is otherwise well, I'd recommend calling your regular veterinarian. They may recommend an exam or prescribe probiotics or a diet change if they have already seen Cliff. Puppies his age are generally dewormed every two weeks to eliminate all the life cycles of the most common parasites. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

The most common reason that we will see soft stool (with or without blood or mucous in it) in a puppy is some type of intestinal parasite. You didn't mention how old Ivy is or if your vet has checked a stool sample, but puppies can commonly have intestinal parasites. Some are microscopic, so the only way to know that they have them is for your vet to look under the microscope. And even if a puppy has been dewormed, it is common for them to have other intestinal parasites since there are no many different types of parasites and they each require a specific type of deworming. So, my first recommendation is to have your veterinarian do a fecal check on Ivy, then decide on an other treatment. Sometimes puppies need a probiotic for their intestinal tract depending on their age and diet history, so be sure to talk to your veterinarian about that as well. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, and thanks for your question. These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs) may be needed. 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!

Soft stool has multiple causes. It may be gastrointestinal upset or inflammation, intestinal parasites or due to dietary indiscretions just to name a few. As long as Remy is acting normally, you don't necessarily need to take him to your veterinarian. You should submit a stool sample though to diagnose intestinal parasites. Try withholding food for 24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet in small, frequent amounts until the stool is normal then transition slowly to his regular diet. If the soft stool does not resolve or if Remy develops lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or vomiting them have him examined by your veterinarian.