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Is soft puppy stool normal after metronidazole for diarrhea?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 6 months and 14 days old | 7.2 lbs

My puppy is just getting off metronidazole after 10 days for diarrhea. Her stool this morning was soft. she was on the medicine she only pooped a total of 3 times it was solid. I asked earlier & I was told to see my vet again because it could be something else. Now her stool is getting to be a little more solid so is it still a cause for concern? Or maybe she just needs to get it out of her system before it's completely normal? Her X-rays/radiographs came out clean. Everything else is normal.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on August 15th, 2017

Hi! I would say that it is likely ok. Sometimes it takes a bit longer to see results. If it is just soft and Snowball is otherwise fine, I would just give it a few days before getting concerned. Keep in mind that metronidazole is not always a curative medication for diarrhea but rather an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties that help with colitis. This means that it will not treat an underlying disease every time. Perhaps try a few days on a bland diet mostly composed of boiled chicken or turkey and rice. If no resolution within a few days, it may be appropriate to start her on a probiotic or try a different medication such as Tylosin. Best of luck with her!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 12th, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bailey. It sounds like the metronidazole is starting to work. Soft stool is an improvement over diarrhea. It is obviously not resolved yet. I would give it another 48 hours. If she is not having formed stool by then, I would contact her veterinarian. She may benefit from a diet change, a probiotic or may need further testing. I hope this information helps!

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on August 17th, 2017

    Hi there! Thanks using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are certain gastrointestinal diseases that can cause the clinical signs you describe. These include inflammatory bowel disease, dietary indiscretion, antibiotic responsive diarrhea, among others. Normally, the work-up for this presentation after taking into account that he has already been on 2 courses of metronidazole showing some response, include abdominal ultrasound and bloodwork. Another thing that can be tried is a course of probiotics as some dogs can develop intestinal bacterial overgrowth and probiotics and help regulate intestinal flora. A course of another anti-diarrhea medication such as Tylosin can also be attempted. Ultimately, you could try a different sensitive stomach diet in case that Dudley is experiencing dietary indiscretion. Good luck!

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 6th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, less stool or several days without stool after diarrhea and starting metronidazole is normal. As long as he is eating/drinking, not vomiting, acting normal and not straining to poop things should normalize soon. Good luck!

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