Can Heartworm Treatment Cause Frequent Bowel Movements and Accidents?

Heartworm treatment can lead to more frequent or looser stools. One antibiotic commonly used alongside it can upset the stomach, and the strict rest dogs need during treatment means fewer walks and less chance to go outside. Four bowel movements a day isn’t unusual for some dogs, depending on the food, but accidents in the house are worth mentioning to your vet.

Please don’t change her diet or add supplements during treatment without checking first. Your vet can tell you whether a medicine is likely to be the cause, whether a more digestible diet would help reduce stool volume, and whether a stool test is needed to rule out parasites or an infection.

Within the activity limits your vet has set, take her out on a leash for short, calm toilet trips more often, especially soon after meals. Call your vet promptly if she has diarrhea, blood in her stool, vomiting, coughing, breathing problems or weakness during treatment. See our guides to dog diarrhea and bowel incontinence in dogs.

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