My dog has chronic diarrhea and eats weird things. What should I do?

Question

Bear has had intermittent bouts of 3-10 straight days of diarrhea since about 4 months old. Never been bloody but sometimes foamy and mucousy. During longer bouts he has decreased energy and groans occasionally. May lose appetite for a day or 2 but always drinks. Wants to eat paper, fabric, and grass a lot. Otherwise, normal dog. Stool always (-) for parasites. Sometimes Flagyl clears it up quicker. Changed his food several times; now grain-free, salmon and sweet potato. What else can we do? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 10 months and 16 days old | 40 lbs

Susan England-Foster · Accepted Answer

poor Bear! Chronic gastrointestinal issues can be very frustrating. It is great that he is having negative fecals but that only is ruling out parasites. Irritable bowel disease, chronic pancreatitis, maldigestion, food allergy, food sensitivity and even fungal disease can cause diarrhea. I would recommend some basic blood work to make sure Bear's protein levels are normal. Most patients can have resolved stool issues with diet. I would recommend a prescription diet from your vet that is limited ingredient or even hypoallergenic diet. I would do a food trial for 4-12 weeks until you find a diet that helps with his stool. Sometimes dogs are actually sensitive to the micro and macronutrients found in the food that is not on the label.

My dog has chronic diarrhea and eats weird things. What should I do?

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