Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

What can I give my senior dog to firm up loose stools at home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 18 years and 9 months old | 15 lbs

My elderly dog has had loose stools for a few days,What can I give him to firm it up again. Thank you for your help. Dwight

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 12th, 2017

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. I would recommend starting a bland diet of chicken and rice with egg and potato. I would feed this three days past resolution of the soft stool. I would also recommend adding a probiotic such as Purina fortiflora, which can be found at your local pet store or online. You may also add pure canned pumpkin about a tablespoon at each meal to help solidify the stool. If tiny appears to be constipated at any time on this diet then transition back to the regular dog food. If the stool does not improve or becomes diarrhea, I would bring a stool sample to your veterinarian and have tiny examined. Further diagnostic tests can be performed if this becomes a chronic problem. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other concerns. You can also contact me via text consultation if needed.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 6th, 2019

    As a first approach, in case this episodes are dietary related, I would recommend to start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. If that is the case antibiotics and more investigations may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my chicken pale, tired, not laying, and pooping neon yellow?
Is your pet chicken pale, tired, or pooping neon yellow? A Licensed Vet Tech shares vital steps for your hen's concerning symptoms. Get expert guidance now!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored