Bloody feces Black or tarry feces Fever Pale gums Discomfort or pain Vomiting If your puppy has diarrhea and hasn’t gotten all of its shots yet, as diarrhea can signal parvovirus If you suspect the puppy has swallowed a foreign body or toxic substance

Feces tests can help the vet identify a parasitic infection, such as giardia. A blood test can help the vet find bacterial or viral causes for diarrhea, as well as poisons or toxins that your puppy has gotten into.

If your puppy has a bacterial infection, it’s likely that your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source If parasites are the cause of the diarrhea, your puppy will need to take an anti-parasitic medication to eliminate them. In minor cases of diarrhea that are caused by changes in diet or eating too much, your veterinarian may just suggest that you put your puppy on a bland diet and keep it hydrated until the condition clears up.

It is common for puppies to need intravenous fluids when they are coping with diarrhea. Their bodies are small and can become severely dehydrated very quickly. There are a variety of very serious conditions that can make your puppy fatally ill very quickly, the most common of which is parvo virus. Without quick treatment in a veterinary hospital, parvo will be fatal for a puppy. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source

If your veterinary office isn’t open, contact an emergency veterinary hospital about what to give your puppy.

Cooked white rice Cooked boneless, skinless chicken Canned pumpkin Boiled, skinless potatoes Scrambled eggs, cooked with no fat

For instance, Purina Fortiflora canine and Promax are great options for dog probiotics. Don’t give your dog probiotics meant for humans. Their gut bacteria are different, so they need a product that’s formulated for dogs.

You can also put a small amount of water on your puppy’s meals so that it gets water while eating. Although some people reduce a puppy’s access to water in the evening, so that it doesn’t urinate in the night, if your puppy has diarrhea, you shouldn’t restrict access to water at all.

If your puppy’s anus gets sore from wiping, apply a barrier cream to the anal area so that it feels better. For instance, apply F10 cream for dogs to soothe the skin. However, don’t apply any products made for humans because they may contain zinc, which is toxic to your puppy if it licks off the cream.

Talk to your vet about what diet might be best for your puppy. They are likely to suggest a higher quality food that has fewer ingredients than the one you have been feeding your dog.

Even if two food brands have similar ingredients, it’s likely that they will be different enough to upset your puppy’s stomach. If you need to change the type or brand, change it gradually. This will allow your puppy’s digestive system to get used to new food without shutting down.

However, you can give your puppy commercial training treats that are made specifically for puppies. These treats are low in calories and are typically safe for a puppy’s digestive tract.

Your vet will let you know when your puppy is old enough to get specific vaccinations. The age varies depending on the specific vaccination, but most are given to puppies when they are between 8 weeks and 12 months old. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source

If your puppy does get into a chemical, call your veterinarian immediately to let them know you are bringing in your puppy and get it veterinary care right away.