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Recurring Diarrhea, Eye Discharge and Skin Bumps in a 7-Month-Old Puppy

by A reader

Reader Question
My 7-month-old Vizsla has had diarrhea on and off for the last month. She doesn't usually seem very sick, as long as I keep her hydrated. A fecal test found no parasites, and a Giardia test was negative. She also has thick eye discharge, which isn't normal for her. Since before the diarrhea started, she has had small bumps on her back and head; they aren't red and don't seem to itch or bother her. I switched her food about 3 weeks after she got sick to see if that would help, and it didn't. Any ideas on what is wrong?


Answer from Our Team

It's good that she's bright and staying hydrated. Diarrhea that comes and goes in a young dog has many possible causes, and a single negative fecal test doesn't rule out parasites, because some, such as whipworms and Giardia, shed eggs or cysts only now and then. Your vet may suggest repeat fecal tests or a broad deworming.

Changing food once usually isn't enough to test for a food problem. A proper food trial uses a single new protein or a hydrolyzed diet, fed strictly with no other treats, for several weeks. Your vet can help you choose one.

Because she also has thick eye discharge and new skin bumps, she should see her vet rather than waiting. Diarrhea, eye discharge and skin changes together in a young dog can have one cause, including some infections, so it's worth checking that her puppy vaccines are complete. The bumps can be checked quickly with a skin scraping or a needle sample, which looks for mites and other causes. Go back sooner if she stops eating, vomits, becomes lethargic or has bloody diarrhea.

See dog poop chart, diarrhea in dogs and dog bowel movements.

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

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