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Why does my dog have diarrhea? Could it be parasites on heartworm?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 4 years and 5 months old | 63 lbs

Luna has had the runs for a few days now and I'm worried it might be parasites or something (even though she takes her heart worm every month)

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amber W

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 19th, 2017

Unfortunately, even though Luna is on monthly its still possible for her to pick up a GI parasite. Different heart worm Preventatives protect against various GI parasites and no heart worm preventative can protect against all parasites. I'd recommend starting by taking a stool sample to your veterinarian to have it checked for parasites. You can also offer Luna a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice to see if this helps to slow the diarrhea. If her diarrhea persists she may have to have an exam with the veterinarian to ensure nothing else is causing the diarrhea. Please monitor her for other signs of illness like vomiting or inappetance and bring her to the vet sooner if these occur. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Luna is feeling better soon!

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