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My dog has diarrhea for a week. Should I withhold food or give meds?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 9 years and 9 months old

My dog has been having diarrhea daily for a little over week now. I fed her bland diet of boiled chicken and brown rice but she still has diarrhea. She is not vomiting. Should I stop feeding her completely for a day? Also, I have some left over metronidazole from my other dog's stomach infection a few weeks ago. May I give her some metronidazole?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 16th, 2018

Poor Paloma! I would recommend a vet visit for her because she has had diarrhea for over a week and the bland diet has not worked. No, do not give her the metronidazole. Drugs prescribed for another dog should never be given, as it may be the wrong drug for the cause of her diarrhea and the wrong dose. It has reached the point where veterinary care is needed for this issues, and I would call your vet today to set up an appointment for her as soon as possible. Best of luck.

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