Q:  I just got a little Black Lab/St Bernard puppy 5 days ago. When we got him the lady told us that he had been having some diarrhea, and she gave us some pills to give him. I don't know what they are called. He still had his diarrhea this morning at 8:30. He hasn't gone to the bathroom since. I've brought him outside to see if he needs to go and he will get in his squatting position, but can't actually go. So, it's like he's constipated now. None of the other animals have any problems. I haven't brought him to the vet yet. I'm worried about him. Do you have any advice for me?

A:  Congratulations on your new addition. He sounds very cute. We see diarrhea in puppies quite often and for the most part it is not dangerous. However we do want to try to take care of it as soon as possible. He may not be constipated, but have colitis (inflammation within the colon) making him try to defecate without any feces being there. You need to have him checked out by your veterinarian who will have to check his feces for parasites, bacteria or a virus. Taking him to the vet is really the best way to make sure your little guy is on the right track to getting better.

For now you can try feeding him just some boiled or steamed chicken and rice. This should help firm up the stool until he can be checked out.

Your question has been answered by the following veterinarian:
Daniel Lauridia, DVM

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