Diarrhea After a Dog Gave Birth

Bitch nursing puppies

Diarrhea is having bowel movements more often than normal and either loose or more watery stool. Diarrhea after giving birth to puppies can be either normal or a sign of a problem, depending on the severity and how long it lasts.

Pregnancy

As the puppies grow larger, more pressure on the internal organs also may cause loose stools. According to VetInfo.com, mild diarrhea in pregnant bitches is not abnormal.

Whelping

The stress of whelping can cause your bitch to develop mild diarrhea. Eating more than a couple of placentas may also cause diarrhea, according to Pet Education. As long as there is no blood in the stool and the diarrhea stops in a day or two, this may be normal.

Food Change

Your bitch eats more food while pregnant and nursing. If the diet change is too fast or the food is very different from the dog's normal food, it can create intestinal unbalance and cause loose stools or diarrhea. Ask your veterinarian for medication safe for a nursing bitch.

Parasites

Intestinal parasites or worms may cause your bitch to have diarrhea after whelping. Take a stool sample to the veterinarian for testing.

Other

Your bitch may have a disease, virus or bacterial infection causing the diarrhea. If diarrhea is severe, bloody or continues more than two days, take it to veterinarian immediately to avoid risk to bitch and puppies.

References

• VetMed Washington State University: Diarrhea
• Vet Info: Whelping Dogs: Fact vs. Fiction
• Pet Education: Whelping (Giving Birth) in Dogs

Resources

• Veterinary Partner: Birthing Puppies
• Vet Info: Tips for Safer Dog Whelping
• Well Vet: Treating Acute Diarrhea And Chronic Diarrhea in Dogs