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My senior dog has diarrhea for days and won't eat. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shetland Sheepdog | Male | unneutered | 12 years and 10 months old | 43 lbs

I have a 13 year old sheltie, bought a different bag of dog food and he ate maybe half a bowl, and has diahrrea, since and lasted 4 days now. Over the course of these 4 days hasn't eaten more that a cup of chicken and rice 2 days ago and only drinking very little if any. Any suggestions? He doesn't seem in pain outside his normal joint pain.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on October 16th, 2018

Since he’s a senior dog and this has been going on now for several days I recommend a veterinary exam and treatment to control the diarrhea. They may give fluids to prevent dehydration which can become very serious. Once the diarrhea is controlled and he’s not dehydrated then I expect he’ll feel better and start eating again. He must have a sensitive stomach so stay with the food you know he does well with. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Harley.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on August 14th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petcoach! Poor Solomon

I think if he has been having diarrhea for 2 days it is time to have him looked at by your Vet. The causes of diarrhea are: food sensitivity, ate something that didn't agree with him, intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, metabolic conditions, or toxins.

It may not be wrong to have senior blood work done if it hasn't been done lately and bring a stool sample.

You could try changing him to a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice. Feed about 6 1/2 cups per day until 2 days of normal stools and start a probiotic. I like Purina Fortiflora. I've attached a link.

Good luck!

https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets/dp/50029
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on November 14th, 2019
Poor Happy! The diarrhea could be due to many conditions including eating something he shouldn’t have, bacterial over growth, parasites or even organ disease. Since the diarrhea has continued beyond 24 hours and he is not eating, I recommend to have him examined by the veterinarian today. With continued diarrhea, there are often bacterial shifts in the gut that will make matters worse regardless of the initial cause. Make sure to bring in a sample of fresh stool. The doctor will check him for parasites and bacterial over growth. I hope Happy starts feeling better quickly! Please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My senior dog has diarrhea but is eating normally. What should I do?

These signs could be compatible with a colitis, which is an inflammation of the last part of the colon, usually related to dietary indiscretion. 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 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!

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