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My senior dog has diarrhea for days, is lethargic, and not eating.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Labrador | Male | unneutered | 100 lbs

MY OLDER GOLDEN LAB (8) HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING DIARRHEA FOR THE LAST SEVERAL DAYS. HE IS EATING MINIMALLY. AND DRINKING A LOT OF WATER. THERE IS NO VOMITING. HE IS ALSO GETTING US UP SEVERAL TIME PER NIGHT TO RELIEVE HIM SELF OF STOOL. THIS IS UNUSUAL FOR HIM. HIS FOOD HAS REMAINED THE SAME. HE DOES ROAM THE BACKYARD. WE ARE NOT AWARE OF HIM EATING ANYTHING UNUSUAL. HE IS LETHARGIC BUT NOT OVERLY SO. HE HAS LOUD GASTRIC SOUNDS. MONEY IS VERY TIGHT, WE ARE RETIRED.HELP!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 5th, 2019

Poor Jack. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, he starts vomiting food, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 26th, 2018

    Throwing up can be caused by a food sensitivity, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, an intestinal blockage, bacterial infection, viral infection, the weather, food change, stress, etc.  I would fast Mozart for 24 hours and then put him on bland food for two days, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to regular food slowly over a few days. If this does not clear up the vomiting or if the vomiting increases, or if your dog gets lethargic, it needs to see a veterinarian for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on.

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