Mac has terrible diahrea

[jenn D]

I think it's the antibiotics because nothing else in his diet has changed. I have probiotic pills for dogs but the last three days he stools are terribly runny. He still 10 more days of antibiotics. It's so bad sometimes he doesn't get to the door in time so lots of steam cleaning. He fecal came back negative last week. How do I help him get through the next week and a half of medication?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

What kind of probiotics do you have? You want one with at least 5 billion CFUs per dose. Are you giving them at least two hours separate from the antibiotics?

You might want to try putting him on a homemade bland diet (50/50 plain boiled white meat chicken cut up very small & plain white rice or plain mashed sweet potatoes) til the meds are finished. I know that might be difficult with 3 other dogs in the house, but maybe you can give them each a spoonful of the homemade food on top of their kibble to diffuse tension at mealtimes. 

If the homemade diet won't work, you might try adding some pumpkin or mashed sweet potatoes to his regular meals. 

You might also ask your vet if you can give him Kaopectate. 

[jenn D]

Thanks Karen. I'll check the probiotic. I can give him the diet as all our dogs eat from their own bowls only.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Poor baby... are you giving Mac plain, non fat yogurt in addition to the probiotic? I always give both (daily, even in the absence of diarrhea) just to keep their systems 'in check'. One thing I've found with probiotic supplements is starting with a high dose can sometimes have a reverse effect. I always start with a low dose and work up. Hope Mac feels better soon.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

I've found the same to be true with pumpkin. Too much can cause the opposite of the desired effect. I hope that your boy's system starts to return to normal soon.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Poor boy.  Chicken and rice with probiotics help us. Hope he feels better soon.

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

You've gotten some good suggestions. I hope he feels better soon, poor boy!! 

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

I hope Mac is doing better now Jenn.