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My pregnant dog has diarrhea days before delivery. Is it normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 9 months and 26 days old | 40 lbs

She only has a few days or so left in her pregnancy. For the last couple days she's tried to poo but only ends up leaving behind a small pile of diarrhea (maybe no bigger than a silver dollar size) every time. I don't think any other pregnant dog I've cared for has done this.. is it normal?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 27th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Diarrhea is never 'normal.' In a pregnant dog it could be due to hormones, impending labor, from worms or diet change (most put pregnant dogs on puppy food). I would contact your vet for medications since she is pregnant, start a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice and add in a probiotic like Purina Fortiflora. If Lucy is not fully vaccinated I would worry about viral infections as well. I wish you and Lucy the best!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 6th, 2019

    This can be normal whether she is pregnant or not. I suggest you get her some [probiotics](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/proviable-dc-chewable-tablet-for-dogs) and start her on them. If the diarrhea continues for a few more days after starting them then I suggest you get her to your veterinarian for an exam. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 13th, 2019

    I sure hope she is not having labor. This is WAY too early. If you are worried, you should have her examined by your vet. I think the most likely cause of her issues is stress. I suggest you get her this probiotic and start her on it. I would use it a minimum of two weeks but you can use the whole box which is 30 days. ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Purina-Fortiflora-Canine-Nutritional-Supplement/dp/B001650NNW/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=canine+fortiflora&qid=1560422622&s=gateway&sr=8-5 ) You can also try feeding her a bland diet for a couple days like scrambled eggs, plain rice, plain rice, boiled chicken......no butter, spices or oil.

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