Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why is my puppy's diarrhea back after metronidazole treatment?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 6 months and 13 days old | 7.2 lbs

My puppy is officially off metronidazole today. We were required to give it to her for 10 days .06ml every 12 hours for diarrhea. Her last poop (a few days ago) was solid. She's been on a bland diet of boiled chicken. I'm just concern that now she's off the meds the diarrhea will start back up. We missed a dose or two & it happened again. But once we started the meds it stopped. Her X-rays etc all came out clear. So if it happens again what are the possibilities of it being?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on August 14th, 2017

Hi and thanks for your question. If the diarrhea starts again after the metronidazole, it could any number of issues. If she was diagnosed with a parasite, like Giardia, or a bacteria, it could be she still has the parasite or bacterial present in her GI and will need another round of metronidazole. That is not totally uncommon. A viral infection may be another possibility as well as a food allergy or inflammatory bowel disease. I hope this helped!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 26th, 2019

    Hello sorry to hear about Luna. Theres a chance that she could continue to be reinfecting herself if she is defecating around the same areas she is eating or if her stools are not being cleaned up shortly or if she has coprophagy. If she does indeed have this persistent giardia infection then she would indeed to continue on the metronidazole and other dewormers until her stools are formed. I would recommend that you also re-test her stool to make sure that she is not suffering from a different type of parasite infection that is not treated by metronidazole. Speak with your veterinarian about her persistent signs and ask him about testing another stool sample. Hope this helps and best of luck.

    Vote icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 25th, 2017

    Although the fecal tests were negative, it is not entirely out of the question that Coccidia could have been missed. This is a common parasitic organism affecting puppies and can cause profuse diarrhea. Worst of all, ordinary dewormers and metronidazole will not get rid of it. A coccidiostat or coccidiocidal drug such as Albon or Corid will be needed in order to rid the body of this type of organism. I would definitely rule this out before beginning to explore further diagnostics. In addition, I don't know what types of dewormers were used initially, but in order to cover just about every basic worm the best choice tends to be Drontal Plus. In regards to treatment for diarrhea, there is another product called Diagel that can be used in the short term that can help stop this type of fecal production. In terms of dietary changes, you may want to consider adding something fibrous to the diet. Pumpkin tends to be good choice. Hope this helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored