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Puppy's diarrhea & mucus after metronidazole. Is it good bacteria?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 6 months and 20 days old | 7.2 lbs

We recently took my puppy to the emergency room for diarrhea. Everything came out clear & they prescribed metronidazole for 10 days. After 10 days her wet stool came back. Our vet told us to finish the meds & prescribed new food because she thinks it's a food allergy. Her poop has remained solid for the past few days but just now it was wet with a lot of mucus. My vet did mention metronidazole killing off good bacteria in my puppy's stomach could this be the issue? She doesn't have worms.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on August 21st, 2017

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I agree with your veterinarian. Sometimes small intestinal bacteria (the good and needed bacteria) can be depleted with the use of antibiotics. For this reason, I think it would be worth considering a probiotic which your veterinarian could prescribe which help reestablish the good bacteria. Otherwise, if Snowball does not improve, it would be worth considering further diagnostics such as an abdominal ultrasound to rule out possibilities such as inflammatory bowel disease though this seems unlikely. I think this could help her. Good luck!

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I would make sure your vet rules out giardiasis and campy. Both of these can commit lay cause recurrent issues especially if they are in your area and she is reinfected herself. I would also try to add in a probiotic. I like propectalin. It use to come in a powder but I am unsure if you can still get the powder. I know you can still get the paste form. Some dogs also do better on foods that are designed for sensitive stomach so you may want to try science diet I/D. If she doesn't better with that, you can keep her on it long term if necessary. Finally, make sure you are watching her outside. She could be out there eating bugs, dirt or poop - all of which can cause an upset stomach. I hope this helps!

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