My senior dog has diarrhea but is eating normally. What should I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Border Terrier | 15 years and 6 months old
My 13 year old Jack Russell has had loose stools since Monday. Appetite OK and usual diet
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 23rd, 2019
These signs could be compatible with a colitis, which is an inflammation of the last part of the colon, usually related to dietary indiscretion. 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!
5Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 21st, 2018
This is very loose stool. Try the bland food for a few days (see my other answer). There is no way to tell why she has diarrhea from the way the poop looks. If the bland diet does not work in stopping the diarrhea or if your dog deteriorates, take her to the vet for an exam, as this may then be caused by kidney or liver disease or an infection.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 29th, 2015
Diarrhea can be a symptom of many illnesses, so if your dog has had chronic diarrhea and a diet change hasn't helped (such as being on a sensitive diet like you stated), then it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your local vet. Your vet can check for problems such as parasites or illnesses that may be causing digestive upset. Your vet may also recommend a senior blood panel to help check for any senior-related illnesses that may be causing the symptoms you see. Be sure to collect a sample of your dog's stool if you can before your appointment. In the meantime, offering something such as some plain yogurt, or even boiled chicken and rice can help soothe a minorly upset stomach, however an appointment is needed to address the underlying cause of diarrhea.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 21st, 2018
I am afraid no picture arrived. Diarrhea and throwing up can have many causes. It is basically a problem with the stomach and intestines caused by a food over sensitivity, eating something that does not agree with the dog, intestinal parasites, bacterial infection, viral infection, kidney disease, liver disease the weather, food change, stress, etc. I would fast LELE for 12 hours and then put her 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 her regular food slowly over a few days. If this does not clear up the diarrhea or if the vomiting increases, or if she gets lethargic, she needs to see a veterinarian for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 8th, 2020
Poor Dakota! I can give you a home remedy to see if that helps. Withhold food tonight, 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 her normal diet. If the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, she refuses to eat the bland diet, she starts vomiting food, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, she will need to see a vet right away. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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