My dog is lethargic, has soft stools, and won't eat. Try bland diet?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 2 months old | 70 lbs
2 yr German Shepherd had been eating Hills Science Diet for the last week and a half or so... now seems lethargic, turns away from the wet food so he knows it's bad, stools are normal but softer. He eats the dry again in little bits with me near him. Reading recalls and freaked out. If anything I see Vit D toxity being a reoccurring topic. Sticking to cheap dry food, what other things to try? I just want him flushed of this poison. Bland diet? How to help his levels rebalance If it did top high
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 8th, 2019
Hi and thanks for your request. It is unlikely that toxicity is a problem at this stage. Differentials for inappetence are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. The approach must be logic, starting from offering different kind of food.I would recommend a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. A check up is needed if inappetence lasts for more than 24hours. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 12th, 2018
Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. With no lethargy, decreased appettie or vomiting, I think this is a good assessment so far. If things don't improve within 24-48 hrs or if any new symptoms develop, then a vet visit is warranted. Loose stool can indicate an intestinal parasite problem, dietary indiscretion (eating something that upset his intestinal tract), or any of a number of intestinal issues (i.e. malabsorption, inflammatory bowel disease, etc). I hope that everything returns to normal after a bland diet. YOu can also add in 1-2 tsp of canned pumpkin for extra fiber, which can help bulk up the stools. A probiotic can also be tried. Over the counter Culturelle is the only one I would reocmmend. Best of luck and I hope that Wolf's stools return to normal soon. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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