7-Month-Old Irish Setter With Diarrhea Who Won't Eat or Drink

Thank you for your question, Jane. Yes: a young dog with diarrhea that is refusing both food and water should see a vet the same day.

Puppies and young dogs can become dehydrated quickly, and not drinking makes that more likely. Call your vet promptly, and go to an emergency clinic if your vet isn't available, especially if she starts vomiting, seems weak or tired, or you see blood in her stool. If she isn't fully vaccinated, ask about a parvovirus test.

Bring a fresh stool sample if you can, and mention that she has had loose stools on and off since you got her. Recurring soft stools with mucus in a young dog can be caused by parasites such as Giardia or by other gut problems, so it's worth getting to the bottom of it once she's feeling better.

Our guide to diarrhea in dogs lists the warning signs to watch for.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.