Is dog diarrhea normal during heartworm treatment? When to worry?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My rescue is being treated for heartworms is diarrhea normal and when should I worry and call his vet? He has already had 2 injections, 1 left
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 4th, 2016
Diarrhea can be normal after Immiticide injections, especially if he is also currently on steroids (often used concurrently to reduce inflammation and chances of embolisms). You should worry if you see signs of coughing, extreme lethargy, pale gums, not eating, or any random bleeding episodes. Other than that a little loose stool is not very concerning for a severe reaction. You can try a bland diet of boiled plain chicken and rice or cottage cheese tonight to help settle the stomach. If the diarrhea continues past 12-24 hrs then antibiotics +/- probiotics may be prescribed by your vet to help get the intestinal flora back to normal status.
31Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on July 17th, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Sometimes loose stool can develop after taking a medication. I would initiate a bland diet as outlined below and see if this helps. If the loose stools continue, I would recommend switching the food and adding in a probiotic such as Purina Fortiflora, which can be found online or at your local Petco. If the loose stool does not resolve, then I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Max so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Gave my dog heart worm medicine yesterday. This morning and now afternoon his stool looked odd. Usually it’s dark brown like the pure balance I give him but today it’s light brown with possible mucus and small red chunks. What could this possibly be
My dog had her first heartworm treatment last night and this morning I found blood in her stool, it that normal or should I be worried? I've already called my vet but they won't be back in their office until tomorrow. Should I take her to an emergenc
My vet has Dose 1 of Heartworm treatment Vaccine on the 16th and Dose 2 of the shot on the 17th and has been diarrheaing with blood ever since and it's frequently. Is this normal?
My puppy started heartworm prevention tablet and has very loose stools. He eats royal canin dry puppy German Shepherd food. In the morning, I give it to him with a topper for dry food and the rest of the day he eats it dry. Can it be the med that is
Can heartgard cause a dog to do diarrhea? Look at the pics please!! I gave him heartgard at 10 am at the vet when we got home at 11:50!he did the restroom like this? Is this normal?! I called his vet and sent him picture he said it was normal but I w
My rescue dog got her first immiticide injection for heartworms today & I also gave her the prescribed tramadol 50mg half tablet & whole prednisone 5mg tablet at 3pm. I am suppose to give her another dose & the shelter vet said to give it to her arou
How long does it take for diarrhea to go away after treating whipworms?
My 8 week old puppy tested positive for hookworm on April 5th at the vet, was treated there with a milky substance and given heartworm (flea, hookworm and heartworm in one) on April 6th. (not due for round 2 of heartworm until May 6 I was told) Apri
I dewormed my adult dog and now she has the runs is that normal.
How long will my puppy have diarrhea after deworming?
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
