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Puppy has diarrhea after first shot and new food. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 2.5 lbs

My puppy age 2 months started having diarrhea after her first shot. I had changed her food right when we got her. She is a rescue. Age is an estimate breed unknown.she is tiny has several teeth. Eats solids good and drinks water. When should I worry? When will it go away?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 25th, 2019

Hi, and thanks for your question. As a first approach, I would suggest to start feeding with 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. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. 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!

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 27th, 2018

    At her age I would have the stool sample checked to make sure there are no bacterial or parasite in the stool that may be contributing. Stress can also play a factor given the change in home and environment. The best thing to do is change her diet to something bland such as boiled chicken and rice and get a canine probiotic from your vet or the pet store to add to the food to help. Once it clears, gradually mix in the puppy food back to transition her back to that. If bloody diarrhea starts or vomiting, then she needs to see a vet right away

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 14th, 2017

    This sudden change in diet can be the cause Eve's diarrhea, but it could also be due to her shots. You are correct that she needs to be on a puppy food, and it could be the combination of the diet change and vaccines leading to her symptoms. I would try offering her some 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 her normal diet. If her diarrhea continues on the bland diet or she refuses to eat the bland diet, then I would have her seen by a vet.

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    Answered By Amber W

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on December 26th, 2017

    Lulu is so cute! I'm sorry to hear she isn't feeling well. The diarrhea could be related to a food change or a mild reaction from her vaccines. If she is acting normally other than having mild diarrhea you can offer her a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice to see if this helps settle her stomach. However if the diarrhea persists for longer than a day or if she develops any other signs of illness (like vomiting, inappetance, or lethargy) she should be seen by a veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Lulu is feeling better soon!

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