Why does my puppy have diarrhea with Blue Buffalo

Puppy Diarrhea: Causes, Treatment, and Symptoms

Raising puppies is nerve-wracking. There are so many things to keep track of, from keeping up with vaccine schedules to removing socks and other foreign objects from your puppys mouth. As if that wasnt enough to worry about, many puppies also experience something far less pleasant than chewing the occasional sock, and thats puppy diarrhea.

What Causes Diarrhea in Puppies?

Diarrhea is one of those frustrating symptoms for owners because it could mean that your puppy has anything from a potentially lethal virus to simple indigestion. Many serious and minor puppy ailments list diarrhea as a symptom, making it hard for owners to determine what is serious and what is not.

Dont panic. Despite the endless lists of horrifying diseases out there, there are six main causes of diarrhea in puppies that you need to know about:

1. Diet change or food intolerance
2. Bacterial infection
3. Viral infection
4. Ingestion of garbage, toxins, or foreign bodies
5. Parasites
6. Stress

Diet

There are many reasons why you might switch up your dogs diet. Maybe your vet recommended a higher-quality brand of food, or your local store ran out of your puppys usual food. Regardless of the reason, even a simple change in diet can cause diarrhea in puppies.

Your current food could also be a problem. Sometimes puppies develop intolerance or sensitivity to certain foods or ingredients. If you suspect that your puppy has a food intolerance or sensitivity, talk to your vet about the best way to manage their diet and resolve the diarrhea.

Bacterial Infection

Puppies have more delicate immune systems than adult dogs, which makes them more susceptible to bacterial infections. Salmonella, E. coli, Clostridium, and other bacteria can cause puppy diarrhea. These diseases are serious and are usually accompanied by other symptoms, like bloody diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, and vomiting.

Viral Infection

Perhaps the most worrying cause of puppy diarrhea is a viral infection. Parvovirus and distemper are both potentially fatal diseases that affect unvaccinated or partially vaccinated puppies. All viruses require medical attention from your veterinarian.

Ingestion

Puppies eat things that they are not supposed to. From garbage to poisonous plants, if your puppy can reach it, chances are they might try and eat it. Consuming garbage, especially garbage full of food, often leads to puppy diarrhea, and in some cases can cause blockages that require veterinary intervention to resolve.

Poisons and toxins also cause diarrhea. Call your vet or a local veterinary emergency center immediately if you suspect your puppy ate something potentially harmful.

Parasites

Young puppies are prone to parasites. Whether they are born with parasites or pick them up from the environment, parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and giardia all cause diarrhea in puppies and all require veterinary attention.

Stress

Sometimes the reason behind puppy diarrhea is simple. Stress can cause diarrhea in dogs just like it does in humans, and puppyhood is certainly a stressful time. Your puppy is constantly meeting new people and exploring new things, and adjusting to the routine of your household is sometimes enough to trigger stress-related diarrhea by itself.

When to Call the Vet

With so many causes of puppy diarrhea out there, how do you know when to call the vet and when to wait it out? As a general rule, play it safe. Call your vet and explain your puppys symptoms, and let your vet decide if they think that your puppy needs to come in for a visit.

Most cases of puppy diarrhea are not severe. However, if your puppy has any of the following symptoms, call your vet immediately:

• Bloody diarrhea
• Black, tarry stools
• Fever
• Pale gums
• Discomfort or pain
• Vomiting
• If you think your dog swallowed a foreign body or toxic substance
• Diarrhea lasting more than one day

You should also call your vet if your puppy has not received all of their vaccinations and is having diarrhea. Parvovirus causes diarrhea in puppies and is a potentially lethal infection that requires immediate veterinary attention.

Treating Diarrhea in Puppies

The treatment for your puppys diarrhea depends on the cause. Mild diarrhea caused by stress or a dietary transition often clears up with the addition of a bland diet, although it is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian about at-home treatment options and to rule out anything more serious, especially if diarrhea continues for more than a few hours. Make sure you provide your puppy with plenty of fresh water, as even mild diarrhea is dehydrating.

If your vet diagnoses your puppy with a bacterial or viral infection, you might have to hospitalize your puppy while they recover. Your vet might prescribe antibiotics to treat primary and secondary bacterial infections, and may also give your puppy intravenous fluids to keep them hydrated during their recovery.

Garbage ingestion might resolve on its own unless your dog ate something that caused an obstruction, but your vet may recommend switching to a bland diet until your puppys diarrhea clears up. Toxins and poisons require immediate veterinary attention, and the treatment varies greatly, depending on the toxin.

If your puppy has a parasite, the treatment regimen will depend on the kind of parasite and the severity of the parasite infection. Some parasites clear up with the administration of a medication, while others require a more in-depth approach.

Preventing Diarrhea in Puppies

Most cases of diarrhea in puppies are preventable. Here are some tips to help keep your puppys digestive system working smoothly:

• Transition your puppy to a new diet slowly
• If your puppy is in a kennel with other dogs, keep the facility clean and use the right disinfectants
• Vaccinate your puppy at the appropriate ages and keep unvaccinated puppies away from unvaccinated dogs and public places like dog parks and kennels
• Kennel your puppy when they are not supervised to prevent accidental ingestion of garbage and toxins
• Talk to your vet about parasite prevention
• Pick up after your dog

Diarrhea is your puppys way of letting you know that something is wrong. Whether the cause is an upset stomach or a viral infection, observing your puppys bowel movements is one of the best ways to monitor their health on a daily basis.

Lemonade pet insurance offers customizable policies for cats and dogs, so you can rest assured big-ticket vet bills wont catch you by surprise. A base policy covers diagnostics, procedures, and medications for unexpected accidents and illnesses. Plus, you can opt for preventative care and add-ons, so you can tailor your pets perfect policy.

Hi KGM801

Ive hear A LOT of people complaining about Blue Buffalo giving their dogs diarrhea. If you read through the Blue Buffalo thread on the review section there are tons of complaints, many have complained to Consumer Affairs as well and you can read those complains on the Consumer Affairs website. Last summer my friend got a new puppy and switched her from the food the breeder had her on (Science Diet) to Blue Buffalo and the dog got horrible diarrhea, she then tried another comparable food and the diarrhea cleared up overnight. So youre not alone! I think the company has some serious quality control issues, I know I lost my trust in the company after I got a bag of cat food covered with mold and dog biscuits with bugs in the bag

First off have you had the pup checked for worms, coccidia and giarrdia? If you havent do that.

Second this is a big decision because whichever I decide on will most likely be what I feed her for her whole life! PLEASE do not feed the same food for your dogs entire life! Feeding the same food for extended periods of time is so unhealthy. Pick at least two or three brands and rotate, dogs need variety. No single food can provide a living thing with all the nutrients they need.

Any 4/5 star food would be worth a try. I know Blue Buffalo runs about $50-$55 for the largest bag. Some 4/5 star foods in that price range that Id suggest checking out are: Earthborn, Merrick Grain-Free, Solid Gold Barking at the Moon, Natures Variety Instinct, Horizon Legacy, NutriSource Grain-Free and Horizon Pulsar.

If your pup is a large breed, however, there are other nutritional considerations and I would recommend picking a food off this list:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwApI_dhlbnFQXNYZW01VzRVV00/edit?usp=sharing

Adding some plain canned pumpkin and a probiotic supplement will help with the diarrhea. Good luck!

Why does my puppy have diarrhea?

What should I do if my puppy has diarrhea?

If your dog has diarrhea with no known cause (and even if the cause IS known) a vet visit is in order. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to giving your pet the best experience possible and lowering their risk for complications (such as kidney dysfunction from severe dehydration).

When should you worry about puppy diarrhea?

One or two rounds of poops are generally nothing to worry about, as this can happen from benign causes like stress. If you see your pet straining or making frequent piles with no end in sight, however, you should seek veterinary care. You should also seek help if you notice anything coming out in your pets poop, as that could point to a possible cause or secondary diagnosis.

What are the causes of dog diarrhea?

It can be normal for puppies to have diarrhea in certain cases, like if they are under stress, just went through deworming, could be dealing with an illness, or if they are getting used to a new diet. Keeping contextual awareness top of mind helps pet parents determine whats normal and what might warrant a vet visit.

What are the early signs of parvo in puppies?

Parvo can look different from pet to pet. Understanding the range of symptoms is key for early detection and support. Common early signs of parvovirus include bloating, loss of appetite, lethargy, fever or hypothermia (or, low body temperature), and loose stools. This can result in frequent blood diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

What if my puppy has diarrhea but acts normal?

If your pet has diarrhea but is acting normal, they could very well be experiencing nervous poops or reacting to a recent diet change, if youve just done one. If the problem persists past the next few stools, veterinary care may be needed to get to the bottom of the problem.

What to Do if Your Puppy Has Diarrhea

Theres much to celebrate when welcoming home a new puppy. However, anyone whos ever cared for a four-legged bundle of joy can tell you that its not always a walk in the dog park. For puppy owners in particular, providing daily care often means cleaning up messes and occasionally dealing with health emergencies. When a puppy comes down with diarrhea, it can mean juggling both jobs at once.

Three Common Causes of Diarrhea in Puppies

One of the reasons diarrhea can be so stressful for puppy owners is the sheer number of potential causes. Loose or watery stool might be a relatively benign response to everyday stressors, a reaction to something your dog ate, or signs of a potentially deadly condition.

Diarrhea on rare occasions is not necessarily alarming, but its important to note that diarrhea should be assessed with the puppys overall general health. Is the puppy alert? Are they eating? Is there vomiting as well? Is there blood in the diarrhea. Diarrhea in combination with lethargy, poor appetite, or vomiting can point to something more alarming and owners in these cases should not wait to contact a veterinarian. When in doubt, contact your veterinarian for guidance on whether your puppys case is routine or if it requires urgent attention.

Diet

Puppies have sensitive stomachs, and even subtle changes to their diets can result in unpleasant side effects like diarrhea. This is often a temporary nuisance, but its all the more reason to work closely with your veterinarian to devise a feeding plan. In addition to their dog food, curious young puppies may make a meal of anything they happen to find appealing. Garbage, feces, and other non-food items may lead to brief bouts of intestinal distress or present serious complications inside your dogs digestive tract.

Infections

Your puppys digestive system isnt the only part of its body that takes time to reach its full resiliency. Their immune system will get stronger and more resilient during their early months as well. This can leave growing dogs vulnerable to a range of both bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Make sure to discuss an appropriate vaccination schedule with your veterinarian to preemptively address conditions like distemper and canine parvovirus, which can sicken or kill unvaccinated puppies.

Stress

Daily life can be stressful, especially for a young puppy experiencing exciting firsts and milestones. Stress in dogs can cause symptoms like diarrhea, just like it can for humans! Thankfully, most puppies grow out of it.

Three Steps for Caring for Your Puppys Diarrhea

If the cause of your puppys sudden diarrhea isnt obvious, follow these steps to help make sure you dont both have a health emergency on your paws.

Monitor Your Dogs Symptoms

Pay close attention to your dog and their bowel movements when theyre experiencing diarrhea. As symptoms resolve or worsen, dog owners should report changes to their veterinarian while providing hydration and comfort.

Introduce a Bland Diet

Veterinarians often suggest that older dogs skip meals when theyre experiencing bouts of diarrhea. For growing puppies, fasting is usually not advisable. Bland, stomach-soothing foods like boiled chicken, rice, and pureed pumpkin can temporarily help your pup manage symptoms while keeping something in their tummies. However, always be sure to consult your veterinarian before introducing a new food into your puppys diet.

Get a Sample

Its nobodys favorite part of caring for a puppy, but collecting stool samples could be the fastest way for your veterinarian to diagnose the cause of symptoms like diarrhea. Testing your dogs feces can help identify the underlying cause, or at least rule out potential culprits, and develop a treatment plan. Lastly, when handling a puppy with diarrhea, always practice good hygiene and wash your hands after dealing with them, particularly in homes with very young children or immunocompromised individuals.

Three Ways to Help Prevent Puppy Diarrhea

When it comes to common puppy conditions like diarrhea, prevention is often easier, less stressful, and cheaper than treatment. New dog owners can help avoid digestive mishaps by taking a few simple precautions.

Close Garbage Cans and Drawers Securely

Some puppies will stick their snouts almost anywhere, and this can lead to an upset stomach if their nose leads them to something they should not eat. Keeping garbage cans securely closed can prevent dogs from chowing down on less-than-appetizing morsels. Always be sure to keep pups away from cleaning products and medications as well.

Keep Up With News

Puppy and dog food recalls are more common than you might like to think. By regularly checking in with Food and Drug Administration alerts, pet owners can ensure the food they are currently feeding isnt subject to any recalls or advisories.

Trust Your Veterinarian

You can reduce many puppy diarrhea risk factors by working closely with your veterinarian. Ask before making major changes to your dogs diet. Also, inquire about extra precautions you can take both indoors and out to help keep your dog healthy.