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Puppy Diarrhea

Poop emoji

Well this stinks!

We are sorry that you have found yourself here. Maybe you had a bad night and didn't get much sleep. Maybe you had to clean your puppy's YES space (again?). Whatever it is, please know we appreciate all you do, including managing diarrhea! 

Aside from diarrhea, if your puppy is otherwise normal and has no other signs of illness, to start things, um, moving in a more solid direction, please evaluate your puppy's stool using the fecal scoring chart below, and then follow the corresponding instructions. 

If your puppy still isn't feeling better after following the protocols outlined here, you can visit your local veterinarian, and we are also here to help. 

So take a deep breath - we've got you. We hope the your puppy is back to sleeping through the night, eating regular kibble, and ready for adventures again very soon! 


Topics covered on this page:
 

Fecal Scoring Chart

How are your poop scoring skills? To ensure we're all speaking the same language, you will need to score the puppy's stools. Diarrhea is defined as two or more #6 or #7 stools (refer to the scoring chart below). If the puppy is not having diarrhea but their stools aren't consistently well-formed, reach out to your leader. We will need to take different steps than those outlined here.

Fecal Scoring Chart showing scores (ranging from 1 to 7) and corresponding specimen example photos and written characteristics of each score.

Chart courtesy of Purina Institute

Score!

Download a copy of the chart to have as a handy reference.

Instructions: Puppies with Diarrhea Who Are Otherwise Normal

Step 1

  • Is the puppy having diarrhea? Review the Fecal Scoring Chart. Diarrhea is defined as two or more #6 or #7 stools.
  • Is the puppy otherwise normal? Normal means the puppy has good energy and appetite, with no other signs of illnes.
  • If both of the above are true, proceed to the next step.
  • If the puppy has other signs of illness, see Instructions: Puppies with Diarrhea Who Have Other Signs of Illness (below).

Step 2
It's time to use the Diarrhea Kit that was provided as part of the Puppy Packet you received with your guide dog puppy. The Diarrhea Kit includes:

  • Commercial bland diet (kibble)
  • Psyllium husk powder (fiber source)
  • Probiotic powder

The diarrhea protocol is as follows:

  1. Stop feeding regular diet and begin feeding the kibble in the kit (same #cups/day as regular food) or you may choose to feed a home cooked diet (see recipe below). Note: Bland diet refers to either home cooked or the kibble provided.
  2. Begin probiotic powder. Sprinkle 1/2 packet on meal once per day for 10 days.
  3. Begin psyllium (fiber) powder. See below for more details.
  4. Offer water regularly.

Do NOT fast the puppy or give them Pepto Bismol or Imodium.


Does diarrhea resolve within 2-3 days using the bland diet, probiotic, and psyllium from the kit?

  • If YES: Continue bland diet, probiotic, and psyllium for 48 hours, then slowly transition to regular kibble using the following ratios/meals:
    • 3/4 bland diet + 1/4 kibble for 3 meals,
    • 1/2 bland diet + 1/2 kibble for 3 more meals,
    • 1/4 bland diet + 3/4 kibble for 3 more meals.
  • If NO: Increase the psyllium powder by 1/2 teaspoon twice daily.

Does diarrhea resolve (no diarrhea for 12 hours) within 2-3 days on bland diet with EXTRA psyllium?

  • If YES: Continue bland diet + probiotic + psyllium for 48 hours. Continue the full dose of psyllium as you transition back to regular kibble as outlined above.
  • If NO: At this time, we recommend a vet exam, a fecal test, and changing the diet to Royal Canin HP Puppy. If the vet appointment is delayed, ask the vet clinic about dropping off a fecal sample and ask your leader about ordering Royal Canin HP Puppy. Be sure to bring Diarrhea Handout for Local Veterinarians (PDF) from your Diarrhea Kit.
    • NOTE: If diarrhea hasn't improved after five days of Royal Canin HP Puppy, update the local vet (antibiotics might be recommended). If the puppy still has diarrhea after trying Royal Canin HP Puppy and antibiotics, please call or email VFA.

Does the stool remain normal through the transition back to regular kibble?

  • If YES: Yay! If the puppy had psyllium powder added to their diet, taper off psyllium gradually over 1 week after the puppy is fully transitioned to regular diet.
  • If NO: If diarrhea returns during the transition or as you reduce psyllium, resume feeding only the bland diet and contact your leader. See #12 in Diarrhea FAQs (PDF).

Home Cooked Bland Diet Recipe

Ingredients

  • Cooked white rice.
  • Choice of protein: boiled skinless chicken breast OR low-fat cottage cheese

Instructions

  • Combine 3 parts rice to 1 part chicken or cottage cheese.
  • Feed a total of 4 cups per day, spread out over 3-4 meals.
  • Do not feed exclusive homemade diet for more than 5 days without consulting a local or GDB veterinarian.

Instructions: Puppies with Diarrhea Who Have Other Signs of Illness

Signs of Illness include a large amount of blood in stool, vomiting more than 3 times in a day, lethargy (low energy), fever, whining, inappetence (won’t eat), drooling, or possible/known dietary indiscretion. 

If any of the above signs are present, notify your leader and bring your puppy to your local veterinarian.

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, you may need to seek care at an emergency clinic if your local veterinarian is not availale within 24-48 hours or less. 

We’re so sorry the puppy isn’t feeling well and hope things improve quickly!

Once you are at the vet's office, call GDB’s Veterinary Financial Assistance (VFA) team for authorization if treatment will exceed $200.

Veterinary Financial Assistance (VFA) Program Contact Information

If you do need to take your puppy to the veterinarian for treatment, please call the VFA team for authorization if treatment will exceed $200.

If you are at the emergency clinic after-hours because diarrhea is severe and/or the puppy is listless or lethargic, follow the veterinary care guidelines In the Event of an Emergency.

Visit the Veterinary Care page for detailed GDB veterinary contact information.

VFA Team Contact Info Quick Reference

Phone: 800.295.4050
(option 2 > option 2 again)

M-F 8am – 5pm Pacific
(After-hours help also available)

[email protected]

Diarrhea Resources

Visit the Diarrhea Resources page for more information and to download the FAQ and more.

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