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My dog has diarrhea and is lethargic, but still eating. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 2 years old | 13.8 lbs

Our dog is having liquid bowel movements, but isn't refusing to eat or drink. She originally experienced symptoms Saturday/Sunday overnight. She continued last night and most recently had a liquid bowel movement after eating boiled chicken breast. She has been slightly more lethargic than usual. There is no blood in her stool and it is a light to medium brown color. What would you recommend doing to help her feel better?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on September 18th, 2017

Hi and thanks for your post. Liquid bowel movements (diarrhea) can have many causes: intestinal parasites, bacterial infection, viral infection, or a food allergy. You may try giving her plain canned pumpkin (no the pie filling) in her food to see if that helps firm up her stool in a day or two, but if not, Ellie will need to see her veterinarian for a fecal test to check for parasites and a fecal culture to check for bacteria. If she is not up to date on vaccines, parvovirus is also a possibility. Lastly, if all else as been ruled out, a food allergy may be suspected. I hope this helps and I hope Ellie's diarrhea gets better!

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on November 30th, 2016

    Poor Star! She may have intestinal parasites or an infection of some kind causing the diarrhea, or she could have eaten something spoiled that has upset her stomach. Since it's been going on for 2-3 days now and pumpkin has not helped, I would recommend having her checked by a vet - he/she can do a fecal exam to check for parasites or other problems, and can also get her started on prescription medication to treat the diarrhea symptomatically in addition to treating any issues that are found.

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