My dog has had diarrhea for 3 days. He is still eating and drinking but the diarrhea won't stop.
Three days of diarrhea in a dog that is still eating and drinking is worth monitoring closely but is not yet an emergency for most adult dogs. However, for puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with existing health conditions, see a vet after 24 hours of diarrhea due to higher risk of dehydration. For otherwise healthy adult dogs, try a bland diet for 3 to 5 days: boiled boneless skinless chicken breast mixed with plain white rice in a ratio of one part chicken to two parts rice. Feed smaller portions more frequently (3 to 4 small meals per day instead of 1 to 2 large ones). Make sure fresh water is always available. Add a tablespoon of plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) to each meal — the fiber helps firm up stools. Remove all treats, chews, and table scraps during recovery. If diarrhea continues beyond 5 days, contains blood or mucus, is accompanied by vomiting, the dog becomes lethargic or stops eating, or you notice weight loss, see your vet. Bring a fresh stool sample in a sealed bag for testing. Common causes include dietary indiscretion (ate something they should not have), stress, intestinal parasites, food sensitivity, or bacterial infection.
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