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My senior dog has diarrhea for days and won't eat. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shetland Sheepdog | Male | unneutered | 12 years and 10 months old | 43 lbs

I have a 13 year old sheltie, bought a different bag of dog food and he ate maybe half a bowl, and has diahrrea, since and lasted 4 days now. Over the course of these 4 days hasn't eaten more that a cup of chicken and rice 2 days ago and only drinking very little if any. Any suggestions? He doesn't seem in pain outside his normal joint pain.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on October 16th, 2018

Since he’s a senior dog and this has been going on now for several days I recommend a veterinary exam and treatment to control the diarrhea. They may give fluids to prevent dehydration which can become very serious. Once the diarrhea is controlled and he’s not dehydrated then I expect he’ll feel better and start eating again. He must have a sensitive stomach so stay with the food you know he does well with. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Harley.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 14th, 2017

    Hi, thanks for using Petcoach! Poor Solomon I think if he has been having diarrhea for 2 days it is time to have him looked at by your Vet. The causes of diarrhea are: food sensitivity, ate something that didn't agree with him, intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, metabolic conditions, or toxins. It may not be wrong to have senior blood work done if it hasn't been done lately and bring a stool sample. You could try changing him to a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice. Feed about 6 1/2 cups per day until 2 days of normal stools and start a probiotic. I like Purina Fortiflora. I've attached a link. Good luck! https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets/dp/50029

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