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Puppy Diarrhea, Home Remedies & When to Call The Vet

by | Feb 16, 2020 | Dog Training & Care | 56 comments

Puppy Diarrhea, Home Remedies & When to Call The Vet

We love snuggling baby dogs with sweet puppy breath, Frito-smelling toes, lap snuggles, and then–OH NO, puppy diarrhea! What’s a pet parent to do about dog loose motion or explosive diarrhea? We’ve already had this issue with our new pup, Shadow, and had to deal with it. And one time Magical-Dawg suffered explosive diarrhea–not fun for any of us!

Of course, adult dogs also suffer from the occasional loose stool as well or they pass gas (flatulence). At any age, dog diarrhea can be a sign of something serious that needs immediate attention to prevent pet dehydration. This is not about puppy accidents during house training, but an illness your dog can’t control. Knowing home remedies, dog first aid, and when to call the vet about puppy diarrhea could save your pet’s life.

If your dog is also VOMITING, click here to get the free tips sheets.
puppy diarrhea

Puppy diarrhea ranks near the top as a common puppy problem, and being familiar with dog diarrhea treatment is important. Mild cases may be treated at home and get better but diarrhea can be deadly especially for puppies.

When you have a dog, poop happens. Knowing what to do is key, and it’s vital to recognize the difference between an aggravation and an emergency, and what to do with both.

Diarrhea isn’t a disease. It’s a sign of illness and caused by many conditions. You can get insight from the color of the poop, too, in this post.

Shih Tzu puppy, 3 months old, sitting in front of white background

Causes Of Puppy Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be associated with viruses such as parvovirus and distemper. It also can be caused by intestinal parasites like whipworms, hookworms; protozoan such as giardia, bacterium like salmonella and E. coli. Some types of intestinal parasites can be very difficult for veterinary tests to detect and it can take many tests over weeks to obtain a diagnosis.

Puppies also may develop diarrhea from a sudden change of diet, or even swallowed foreign objects. The stress of coming to a new home could prompt loose stools or vomiting. Overfeeding or eating out of the garbage also causes tummy upsets. Without knowing the cause, the right treatment can’t be suggested.

sick dogKinds of Puppy Diarrhea to See The Vet Immediately!

Diarrhea can point to conditions that could kill your puppy. Don’t wait—the resulting dehydration can make puppies even sicker.

A couple of years ago, Magic suffered from a bout of explosive diarrhea. I’d been called for jury duty, so I was gone–and discovered his illness when I returned home after the first day of service. Yikes! Magic had been drinking from the water-filled tank (aka man-made pond) on our property, and we suspected the run-off infected him with some type of parasite. It required a couple of weeks of medication for him to feel better. Had he been a baby, the situation could have been life-threatening. Learn more about what normal poop and poop problems look like. See the veterinarian immediately if your puppy’s diarrhea:

  • Looks black with a tar-like consistency
  • Smells extremely foul
  • Contains large amounts of red blood
  • Diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting, severe pain, fever, appetite loss or lethargy.

Depositphotos_18034765_originalHow to Treat Dog & Puppy Diarrhea At Home

It’s always best to get a vet check first. But your vet may recommend milder forms of diarrhea be treated at home. For instance, if it’s been less than three days, the dog or puppy still feels and acts well, and the diarrhea has a pudding-like appearance, home care may help.

Make sure that water remains always available. It’s very easy for puppies to quickly become dehydrated. Ask your vet about electrolyte replacement solutions like Petralyte. A sudden watery diarrhea can spill large amounts of fluid and important minerals out of the body.

  • Withhold food for 24 hours to let his tummy rest
  • Then offer bland meals (one-part boiled egg with two parts rice or cooked macaroni) in four to six servings for several days
  • Gradually transition the meals to regular food. Mix half/half, gradually increasing to regular food by end of the week.

It often takes a couple of days for your puppy’s tummy to calm down, and a bland diet can help. You’ll find all the must-know puppy-licious info in the book COMPLETE PUPPY CARE (much of it applies to adult dogs, too!).

Are you also dealing with vomiting? Learn more about dog vomiting and what you can do in this post about puppy and doggy vomiting. Or click below to get the quick tips list for treating vomiting at home (or making your dog vomit, in case of poisoning!).

CLICK to get TIPS: TREAT VOMITING AT HOME!

Has your dog ever suffered from diarrhea? Seems like it always happens on a holiday or weekend, too! What did you do? Although dealing with diarrhea stinks, knowing what to do can ensure that everything comes out all right. Literally.

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I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!

56 Comments

  1. Sajid AHMED

    I have brought a golden retriever puppy 2 months old, after 3 days at home he developed diarrhoea with vomiting, gave saline with metrogyl + pan+Intacef +botropase+ conciplex for 5 days 2 times, and stopped oral consumption during these days. After that he was given little water and his food, thought active his stool was watery, doc again adviced Diarest cool for 5 days, improved a bit, but mucus in stool still there. What should I do now?

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Your veterinarian needs to see the puppy again, for further tests or treatment. I’m so sorry your going through this and hope your puppy improves soon.

      Reply
  2. Vinod Oswal

    Hello, i have 3 month old lhasa puppy, he is was absolutely fine, as its our first pet in house today he had loose motion with slight liquidish while doing 3rd to 4th time with pressure in a span of 1 hour, pls suggests is he fine or need some remedies

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Young puppies with diarrhea should always be seen by a veterinarian. Please call the doctor for an appointment.

      Reply
  3. Ellie

    Hello. I have a Labrador of 3 weeks old. He has diarrhoea since yesterday but he is still playful and active. I had made him fast for 5-6 hours yesterday. I also give him a bowel regulator of 0.5ml before meal in the morning and at night. But his stool is still soft. I feed him human baby cerelac not the puppy formula one. Is that the reason? Or because he is not getting enough water and it’s because of dehydration. I don’t know the main reason. His stool is still brown, normal colour but does not have a firm shape. What should I do? Please help.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Hi Ellie, A three week old puppy should be eating a puppy formulation, not a human formula. Three weeks is VERY young to be away from his mom. I understand sometimes there’s no choice, of course. I’d recommend you get the puppy formula and begin to mix with a dry puppy food (make a mush) to get him started on solid food. Gradually reduce the liquid over the next 3 weeks until he’s mostly eating the dry kibble. I also hope you’ve had a veterinarian check the baby out. You’re right to be concerned about dehydration in such young babies. He should of course have water available all the time. Congrats on your new puppy!

      Reply
  4. Robel

    My puppy had a diarrhea with a little blood on it yesterday and she was playful then but now no blood on her poop but the diarrhea is still going and her mood went down too, she kinda lost her appetite because of this corona virus I can’t call for a vet and I don’t know what to do for her at home. please I need help
    \

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Most veterinary clinics ARE taking clients — you just have to stay in the car and they come out to get your puppy for the exam. Please call the clinic and ask for advice. I cannot diagnose your little one, or offer anything more than the advice in the blog. Dehydration is a real danger so be sure she keeps drinking water.

      Reply
  5. Franklin Steele

    Thank you, as always, for the great information.

    Reply
  6. Mikki Cuccinello

    How much kaopectate can u give a nine mo old puppy with diarrhea

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Hi Mikki, It goes by weight (not age of the dog). You can give 1/2 to 1 teaspoon for every 5 pounds the pup weighs– but NO MORE than 2 tablespoons every 8 hours. If after one day it doesn’t help, see the vet asap.

      Reply
  7. Marlena Wilson

    Hi I have a 5 month old lab puppy for the pass 4 days gas has had diarrhea. The first few days she couldn’t make it outside. The first night she was up ever hour which isn’t her at all. She would try going but couldn’t some of the times but when she did it was runny. The next day we took food away and just kept giving her water but she wanted food so we gave her a half a scoop. She has been acting like herself just with diarrhea. She’s still acting fine but she is still having trouble going and when she does it’s runny. What I do she since it doesn’t seem to be changing?

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Hi Marlena, Since she’s not improved, I would STRONGLY urge you to take her to the veterinarian. There are tests that can be run and medication given to help your puppy feel better.

      Reply
  8. Tom Honkanen

    We have a 5-6 month old Siberian Husky that was a rescue. He has had runny stool since we picked him up. The rescuer was feeding him a grain free food plus a probiotic. Should we continue the same diet? We started a different grain free food. Is grain free better?

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Hi Tom, great question. It may not be the food itself, but the change in diet. A sudden change often upsets tummies. So yes, at least at first, stick to the same food. To change the diet, do I gradually… mix 1/4 new with the previous food for a week, then 50/50 another week, and so on.

      Reply
  9. zerek

    i have a new mutt and she keeps having diarrhea right after eating we bought her from strangers who said she was all fine in vet checkups but she has been moved in three house 1.The first was the house we got her from 2.my house 3.my sisters boy friends she has also aten different food 1. the food from where we got her 2 My dogs food (she is a golden retriever) 3 sisters boy friends dog food 4. the puppy food we just bought her she is also 3 months old

    Reply
  10. Shana Faye Lagaday

    Hi please help me. I have a 9 week old lab puppy and his name is toby. I noticed this afternoon that he has a soft stool with a dot of blood then he pooped again and this time it was a watery yellow with small blood. But after that his poop became normal but the problem is he poops every an hour. Does this means he have a diarrhea? What should i do? Please notice me huhuhu

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      It’s normal for puppies to poop up to 5 times a day. If he’s defecating every hour, I’d wonder about the kind of food, or a possible digestion issue, even if the feces is well formed. I’d recommend you call your vet.

      Reply
  11. Laurel M Briggs

    What is a bland diet for a puppy with pudding poop?

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Hi Laurel, Veterinarians often recommend boiled chicken mixed with rice for a bland diet. It really depends on the cause of the diarrhea, though. That may not help if there are parasites or some other non-dietary cause.

      Reply
  12. Samantha Palma

    Hi.. We have a 2 months old lab that was bought the other day.. It was still fine but yesterday afternoon my aunt said it vomited yesterday night and this afternoon, it vomited again. The stool of it was very watery that it was almost clear. We visited the vet this afternoon before he vomited and gave some medications but our puppy still vomited.. What do you think I should do?? Thank you 🙁

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      I’m glad you saw the veterinarian. It’s really best to follow the doctor’s advice. Often, it takes a while for the tummy to settle.

      Reply
  13. Kayla

    hi thanks for the information. I have a year old girl lab and she started having diarrhea yesterday morning and all day today. Nothing has changed in diet or otherwise. Im just not sure if I should be worried or if there is anything I can do to help at home? is there anything you could recommend to stop the diarrhea? She is house trained completely and yet keep finding a runny mess.. she acts and seems perfectly fine.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      The tips are in the blog post link that you click to access them. Best wishes with your puppy. I always advise you call the vet to be sure, since every puppy is different.

      Reply
  14. Thomas

    Baki..I bought a Pomeranian puppy 45 days old 4 days ago…since then he got loose stool…he seems Fyn but still got loose stool..it looks watery…no vomiting …he doesn’t eat anything else only drinks milk…I’m worried about his health…should I take him to a vet…he is supposed to have his deworming injection on 10th…if this loose stool continues…what should I do…his stool is watery too..

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Hi Thomas, Yes, I’d take him to the vet immediately. Those tiny guys get dehydrated very quickly. Depending on the type of milk, that could contribute to the diarrhea (many dogs can’t digest cow’s milk).

      Reply
      • Thomas

        What should I give him instead of cows milk

        Reply
        • Amy Shojai

          Usually the recommendation is for a commercial puppy food, either canned or dry (you can moisten with water to soften dry kibble). There also are some “puppy formula” milk products from pet supply stores that can be used to transition the baby to the solid food.

          Reply
  15. Donna

    hi, I have a 9 week old male Cavachon and since we acquire him 3 days ago he has had loose poo. he seems fine in all other ways, no vomiting or lethargy. runs around quite playful and sleeps well at night. We feed him on pedigree dried food as we did not know what is previous food was due to the circumstances surrounding how we got him. he has had his 2 vaccinations and been wormed and chipped. should we be worried about anything more serious scubas Parvo. Thanks

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Hi Donna, Congrats on your new puppy! A change in diet can cause loose stools. It’s very positive that he’s feeling good with high energy. Those little guys can develop dehydration very quickly, though, so even if he’s not ill, I’d worry about that. Please call your vet for some advice today, before the holiday weekend has everyone shut down. It’s always better safe than sorry! The vet may recommend something to help control the diarrhea.

      Reply
  16. Lainey

    My 6 month old goldendoodle has had diarrhea for 3 days now. We haven’t changed any foods and I can’t figure out what might be causing it. I’ve read that it can help to fast for 12 – 24 hrs then introduce easy foods like rice or pumpkin before going back to the normal diet. Is 6 months too young to fast?

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Hi Lainey, Thanks for visiting the blog. Yes, temporary fasting can help rest the gut when it’s a transient upset tummy. But if this has gone on 3 days, I would STRONGLY urge you to check with your veterinarian and follow her/his advice.

      Reply
  17. Vicki Clayton

    Thanks for the added information that coming to a new home can cause loose stools. he got his second Parvo shot the afternoon we adopted him (He’s 3 1/2 months old). Jamie is being fed food the rescue center sent home, he’s drinking lots of water, playing and just generally seems fine. His stools were pretty firm when we stopped on our way home and then the first 2 times at the house. Since then they have been much softer with a few very runny. It’s been about about 48 hours so I’m not panicked. Thought I’d give it another 24 hours. Then go to the vet.

    Reply
  18. Ash

    Hi I have 5 month old lab that is having diarrhea. Today is Tuesday. She had it on Sunday, didn’t eat much that day but seemed normal otherwise. didn’t eat breakfast yesterday, but had dinner then a normal poop last night. This morning she had an accident in her crate and it was diarrhea again. went outside and she tried to get more out of her. She also did not want to eat her breakfast this morning. Again, she seems normal otherwise. I had her at my office on Friday and a coworker fed her way to many pupperoni and treats like that. I’m not sure if that could be affecting her but we have not been giving her any treats like that since. Any advise or insight is really appreciated!

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Hi Ash, First off–congrats on the new pup! And secondly, while I am NOT a veterinarian and can’t give medical advice, the timing of the extra treats sound very suspicious. *s* I always advise calling your vet for expert input. Meanwhile, the tips on the handout (did you get that in the pop-up option here?) offer some basic home remedy tips.

      Reply
      • Ash

        Thank you for such a quick reply! So excess treats given 4 days ago could still be affecting her? It would certainly be a relief if that’s the case. I will monitor the situation and the call the vet if it happens again. I really hope she’s ok soon! Thank you Amy!

        Reply
  19. Betty Jo Vagedes

    My 5 month old Boxer started with vomiting, diarrhea and slight (103/104) fever 6 days ago. Took him to his vet 2x (Tues & Wed). 4 shots, oral meds & special food from vet. After shots, appetite and energy returned but still has diarrhea.

    His stool was checked on Thursday and was clear.

    Can I try giving him some child Pepto Bismol? What dose? He’s 34-36 pounds.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Hi Betty Jo, I’m glad the vet took a look at the baby. It can take a while for the stool to firm back up. The dose for both Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate for dogs is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon for every 5 pounds of body weight (a maximum of 2 tablespoons) up to 3 times a day (per the veterinarians cited in my pets “first aid” book).

      Reply
  20. Sunny

    Please help!!!!
    My 8 weeks old American staffy is doing loose poops since this morning.this is our first pet and I am bit worried,
    Today is 6th day with us and no changes in diet!!!!

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Hi Sunny, Congrats on the new pup! As the post says, when the dog still feels good otherwise, you may be able to simply give the tummy a rest. I always recommend calling the vet just in case, though–to get specific recommendations. Check the puppy’s gums (lift the lips) and if they look cold or pale, the pup needs the vet. If the pup still wants to play and bounce around, I’d wait a bit and then follow the “remedy” steps if it continues. Sometimes just an exciting day can upset the digestion for these little guys.

      Reply
  21. Baia Marb

    Please help! It’s the third day since my 3 month old spaniel had diarrhea and vomiting. Took her to the vet on the first day where she recieved some fluids and a few meds for fever, vomiting and the diarrhea. She got better and started eating but soon threw it all up. Her diarrhea never stop though. Took her to the vet again where she was given some fluids and different meds as well as one to boost her appetite. It didn’t work. She hasn’t eaten all day and she keeps vomiting out some foamy white liquid. Her diarrhea stopped though but she’s really weak and restless. Is there anyway or anything I can feed her just to give her enough strength for the night?

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Oh dear, so very sorry your puppy is having these issues. The foamy vomit probably simply is from stomach acids, making her feel yucky. I wouldn’t feed her anything–could make vomiting worse–but use some Karo syrup or honey and rub on the inside of her gums. That will absorb through the tissue to combat low blood sugar. Offer just small amounts of water (or ice to lap), or even diluted Pedialyte. You really need the vet to see your pup again, this isn’t something that should wait. I know, it always happens on weekends, too!

      Reply
  22. Kristina A Hoffman

    My 12 week old lab-coon hound mix was fine and then all of a sudden he started drooling excessively and has diarrhea. My husband thinks it is too many treats. We are trying to housebreak him with a bell and treats. Could this be the reason? Or would it be something else?

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Please call the vet. It could be treats, or the pup could have gotten into something toxic–that can cause drooling as well as diarrhea. Don’t wait–better a false alarm or something worse!

      Reply
      • Kristina Hoffman

        It was the treats. Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it!

        Reply
        • Amy Shojai

          Yay! Love hearing that, thanks for the update.

          Reply
  23. jeannette watson

    I have a 12 wk old GSD who has been on a grain free gluten free etc puppy food since i got her at 8 wks old She has soft stools all the time unless I add pumpkin to her food How long can I expect her to have soft stools?? How long can I continue to add pumpkin without causing any other issues? I have not had this ptoblem before in other puppies Not runny or foul smelling I know the signs of parvo She UTD on shots and worming

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Hi Jeannette, Is this the same ration the breeder fed the puppy? Did the pup have soft stools at the breeder’s, too? After four weeks I’d strongly recommend a vet check to see if something else might be going on, or if it’s with the food.

      Reply
      • jeannette watson

        no I changed foods during the first week I got her I gradually switched brands of food as I wanted her to be on a grain, gluten free diet like my other dogs I don’t know if her stool was soft at the breeders But I will def check with my vet if this continues How long can I continue to give her pumpkin in her food to help with her soft stools? I have been doing this for about a week They firm up but if I stop the pumpkin we are right back to soft again, which leads me to believe it is the food

        Reply
        • Amy Shojai

          It may indeed be the food. Not every dog does well on the same food so you may need to consider something with more fiber (that the pumpkin appears to provide) rather than the one that’s causing soft stools. Again, I strongly urge a veterinarian to provide her/his expert advice on this. Good luck! (Love those GSD pups! but some do have sensitive tummies).

          Reply
  24. Mike

    My Lab is 9 weeks old and we just changed his diet today to kibble. He had very watery (and explosive) diarrhea in multiple spots in the house, but he seems to be fine and still wants to play. Should i be worried?

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Changing the food suddenly can cause diarrhea. Usually, it’s best to introduce new foods gradually–mix 50/50 with the old diet at first, and gradually increase the amount of the new food, over a period of several days. If the diarrhea goes on for more than a day, get him to the vet! It’s good that he’s still wanting to play–puppies, though, can become dehydrated very quickly so don’t delay. Best to call your vet and ask, too. *s*

      Reply
  25. Cathy

    I have a 10 week lab puppy who threw up 2x and has diarrhea. How much kaopectate should she have

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Hi Cathy, sorry your puppy is having problems. With puppies, I highly recommend a vet visit. That said, the typical dose for kaopectate for diarrhea for dogs is 1/2-1 teaspoon for every 5 pounds the dog weighs. So if the pup weighs 10 pounds, that would be one to two teaspoons, for example. It can be given once every 8 hours. Please call the vet first to confirm! Hope the baby feels better soon.

      Reply
  26. Gwendolyn Wilson

    I have two shih tzu one had diarrhea and now the other one has it is that a virus

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Hi Gwendolyn, there is no way for me to tell you if your dogs have a virus. Diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and many other things. I would strongly advise you to see the veterinarian for a diagnosis.

      Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Why Won't Puppy Go On Grass? & How to Stop Dogs Pooping in YardAMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - […] poor pups. Other dogs may associate pottying on the grass with feeling bad, if they had a case of…
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  4. Pets Car Ride Safe Travel with Pet Safety Harnesses - […] is a great product for keeping hair, mud, or other bodily insults like diarrhea or vomit from car sick…
  5. Car Ride Safety: Crash Test Dummies & Car Seat Covers - […] is a great product for keeping hair, mud, or other bodily insults like diarrhea or vomit from car sick…
  6. Puppy Vomiting & Why Dogs Vomit: How to Treat Puppy Vomiting At Home - […] quicker than the bigger or adult dogs. Puppy vomiting is even more serious when accompanied by diarrhea. It’s important…
  7. Dog Treats from Safe People Foods: 10 Holiday Treats Dogs Can Eat - […] pumpkin. Dogs often love the taste of pumpkin. It also works great as a natural remedy for either diarrhea…
  8. Can My Pet Make Me Sick? Is Dog Coronavirus Contagious to People? - […] pets, there is no evidence that the canine coronavirus or feline coronavirus (that most commonly cause diarrhea) are contagious…
  9. National Dog Week: Celebrating with Amy's Top 6 Popular Puppy Posts - […] #1: Puppy Diarrhea […]
  10. Swallowed Objects & Dogs: Symptoms & First Aid for Dogs Eating Objects - […] jaundice—a yellow tinge to the whites of the eyes or inside the ears—along with vomiting, diarrhea, and refusal to […]
  11. Easter Candy & Pets Safety - […] candy indulgence can pose digestive upset with messy diarrhea results and a need for you to invest in a…
  12. Easter Lilies Danger for Cats: A Deady Combination - […] plants include rhododendron, sago palm, kalanchoe and schefflera. Azalea can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, coma and death. Eating or…
  13. Puppy Development: Stages of Puppy Development Birth to Two Years - […] life. It’s vital to keep puppies safe from parasites or diseases that can cause devastating diarrhea dangerous for […]
  14. Dog Tail Injury: How to Prevent and Treat Dog Tail Trauma - […] Antibiotics may also be needed. Check with your vet to be sure any medication doesn’t cause diarrhea or other…
  15. What Is Holistic Pet Care: New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs & Cats - […] medicine approach. In mainstream western medicine, a drug can be given to stop the puppy’s diarrhea. But that’s like…

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All three books combine in the trilogy (audio), discounted from $24.99 to $2.99 for a limited time at these links…

Leaving Pets Behind: Choosing Pet Sitters

When the holidays or business travel rolls around, pet sitters can be a big help when you plan vacations with or without your dog or cat. After delaying plans for over two years due to the virus, many of us now will travel to visit family and friends, have folks visit, or spend vacation time away from home. Time off from work and a change of routine offers humans much-needed stress relief. But the same is not always true for furry family members. That’s where pet sitters come in. This week is the 29th annual Professional Pet Sitters Week™ — do you have a pet sitter for your furry wonders? Here’s what you need to know!

Cover Reveal: DARE OR DIE, a September & Shadow Thriller #7

COVER REVEAL for the latest September & Shadow Thriller! If you love thrillers, mysteries, or suspense that include pets, watch this space for DARE OR DIE, coming soon! In each of my thrillers, I include HERO PETS nominated by readers and voted on by the public. In the past, the books have included every day dogs and cats, service animals, and beloved companions that now live on in the stories. Last week, I announced the latest contest, and today I sent out the invitation to nominate pets to my newsletter list. The suggestions already started pouring in. Watch this space to VOTE on your pick for HERO CAT and HERO DOG.

AAHA: THE STANDARD OF VETERINARY EXCELLENCE

While I was at the BlogPaws conference some years ago, I attended a special session sponsored by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA.org). Having previously worked as a vet tech, I’m familiar with this organization and learned even more during the presentation by Dr. Heather Loenser. If you’re not familiar with this wonderful organization, here’s what you need to know.

What Is AAHA?

The American Animal Hospital Association, founded 82 years ago, is a voluntary accrediting organization for small animal hospitals in the United States. That’s right…accreditation is VOLUNTARY, and it is not required by law. Only 12-15% of animal hospitals have gone through the rigorous and stringent evaluation process to attain this distinction.

That’s not to say that animal hospitals without AAHA-accreditation don’t offer great care from talented and dedicated veterinarians. Dr. Loenser noted that to achieve accreditation requires cooperation and dedication from the entire staff, from veterinarians and technicians to front desk staff and everyone who has a “paw” in the success of the practice.

6 Easy Fresh Breath Tips & How to Brush Doggy & Kitty Teeth (Without Getting Bit!)

Do you brush dog teeth? How about brushing cat teeth? The AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February to help prevent pet dental problems.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3.

But it’s never too late (or too soon) to get your pets’ pearly whites checked out by your veterinarian. Often the doctor has some great tips for keeping cat teeth clean and dog breath at bay, including how to brush doggy teeth.

Does the thought of brushing dog teeth make you cringe, roll your eyes, whimper, slink away–and feel guilty? You’re not alone. But once that puppy-sweet breath morphs into curl-your-eyebrows stench, it’s long past the time to address that stink-icity.

Inspirational Book Giveaway & Thriller Teaser Info

Today, I have a fun surprise to share with you… Most times I send these notices out to my newsletter, but this offer (sorta-kinda different for me!) begs sharing widely. I’ve teamed up with 50+ fantastic authors to give away a huge collection of Inspirational Fiction & Non-Fiction books to 2 lucky winners!

Oh, and read on for a hint about the upcoming thriller DARE OR DIE and how to nominate YOUR special pet for a hero pet character!

Does Your Pet Have Paunch? How to Know They’re Overweight & What to Do

Ok, who doesn’t love a little paunch on your favorite pet? I have to admit a round puppy or kitten tummy just begs to be cuddled. Adult cats commonly have a pouch–primordial pouch–that won’t go away even when they weigh the right amount. Even wild cats have this extra-belly, possibly as an added protection from tooth-and-claw, or to give more flexibility when running. But more than that and it’s important to recognize when it’s a sign of something serious or is putting your pet at risk of long-term harm.

I get it. The chubby look on some pets can literally melt hearts! 😍But as someone who has been in this industry long enough, I know that a little chubbiness can lead to some pretty large and serious health issues. Paunch and obesity in pets are serious issues that shouldn’t be ignored. Let’s take a closer look at pet paunch and what you can do to help manage your pet’s weight.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 87% of veterinary professionals surveyed consider pet obesity a disease. But the same survey found that fewer pet owners think their pets are obese versus the general percentages that actually are. This means a lot of pet parents aren’t recognizing that pudge as a potential problem.

Top 5 Dog Exercises to Keep Fido Fit and Strong for Life

It’s time to get physical! Love it or hate it, exercise is just as important for your dog as it is for you. I walk on my desk treadmill every day to keep my joints loose and muscles toned. The Pet Health Network notes that obesity can lead to future health issues like arthritis, heart and breathing issues, and can even take two years off your dog’s life!

I love sharing pet health tips from other pet professionals. But always check with your veterinarian about your own dog’s specific issues, to make sure they stay happy and healthy. Here are my top five fitness tips for dogs.

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Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author.  You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website. 

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