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My dog has diarrhea, lost weight, and seems sick. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 3 years and 6 months old

Hi my dog is 3 years old and he’s a staff Thursday morning we came down and he has diarrhoea in the kitchen and again outside so we gave him toast and starved him for s few hours then gave him his usual Tins winalot tins, then yesterday he had them again just outside so we gave him boneo dry biscuits, today he had them in the kitchen again when we came down and he’s lost quite abit of weight he’s just not him self

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amber W

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 23rd, 2017

Poor Paddy! Diarrhea and weight loss can be due to a number of things including interstinal parasites, bacterial overgrowth, inflammatory bowel disease, and food sensitivities. Because of his weight loss I'd definitely recommend taking him to see a veterinarian sooner rather then later. They can check for parasites and put him on medication if necessary. You can try giving him a bland diet of boiled chicken and sweet potato or rice for the next few days. I'd aim to give him about a 50:50 mixture of protein to carbohydrate. He should eat about 2 -3 cups of this mixture twice daily. After two to three days start to reintroduce his regular food slowly. You may also want to try a probiotic like Fortiflora. If his diarrhea and weight loss does not resolve in the next few days he really should be seen by a veterinarian. I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Paddy is feeling better soon!

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    With continual diarrhea, you will have to take him to your vet for testing. They can check a sample for worms and do blood work for an infection they may consider X-rays since he is dropping weight. Until you can get him seen, you can try to feed boiled chicken and rice as it is bland and easy to digest. They also make probiotics for dogs that you can mix in the food to help

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