My German Shepherd has diarrhea and eats his own stool. How to stop?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on January 17th, 2017

  ForBid is a common product that is available over the counter and can be used for this purpose, but in my experience it doesn't always help. You could certainly give it a try, but for many dogs the only effective way to prevent them from eating stool is to pick it up right away after they go to the bathroom.

  

  4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on August 22nd, 2018

  Hi there. Diarrhea since you have had her is definitely concerning, and makes me suspicious that she has an underlying GI problem of some kind causing this. She may have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI, which is common in German Shepherds), inflammatory bowel disease, a food allergy or intolerance to something in her diet, or some type of parasite or infection. The underlying cause will need to be diagnosed and treated in order to resolve the diarrhea. Because of this, I would recommend taking Kate to the vet for an exam and diagnostic work-up. This will likely include a basic fecal screening for parasites, as well as possibly specialized lab work to check for the other problems listed above. Your veterinarian should be able to get her started on appropriate treatment for the problem depending on what is found.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Susan England-Foster

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 7th, 2017

  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.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 2nd, 2018

  Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Remi! Diarrhea can be from many things: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infection, are something gross, food allergy or especially in German Shepherd pancreatic insufficiency and inflammatory bowel disease. I would fast him for 12-24 hours to rest his intestinal tract. Then feed a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice. Feed 1 cup per 20 lbs per day until 2 normal stools. I like Hill’s Science diet, Royal Canin, Purina Proplan or Iams/Eukanuba. Good luck!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful