Archie (18 wks, mini dachs) got diarhea (sp?) yesterday. i am trying to work out what could have caused it - is there a "cycle" i.e. eats something bad 2 days ago then diarhea appears? or can it come straight after eating something? or does it really just depend on the dogs digestive system?

I don't want to give him whatever has caused it again. He is actually fine himself, very lively and happy, playful etc so i'm not too worried.

I have banned everyone from giving him anything to eat - he is only allowed his normal food (naturediet) until he's better. i am trying to get him to drink more water too - is there anything else i should do? Also should i just feed him the normal amounts or a little bit more since he is "going" a bit more than normal..?

thanks guys! - this is the first time anything "bad" has happened to him so apologies for all the questions.

Hiya
It could be due to the heat. A lot of dogs get the runs because of this hot weather. Or, yes it is also possible that he may have eaten something. I wouldnt feed it nature diet while his tummy is bad. Give him something bland (normally you would be advised to starve it for 24 hours with just fresh water, but due to his age, I dont think this would be very safe). Try boiled chicken. It is very bland and not likely to cause diarrhoea.
See how he goes over a 24 hour period and if he is still loose tomorrow, It might be an idea to get him checked out by the vet. Puppies are a different kettle of fish to older dogs. Deffnatly see the vet if it doesnt clear up.
Good luck.

thanks steph - i didn't know that about the heat and diarhea - as he is very chirpy and in every other way behaving normally it is probably this, although one of our neighbours left him a big meaty bone outside - had i been at home i wouldn't have given it to him but unfortunatly husband did.
i was going to take him to the vet anyway if he didn't clear up. Thanks for the advice about the diet - i thought it was ok jsut to keep him on normal food. he is very very very greedy so will not be pleased but its for his own good!

Lucy x

Hiya
No problem. Keep us posted on how he is.
Take care
steph
x

Hi it was probably the meaty bone the bone marrow can be a bit rich for some dogs especially if the eat quite abit of it .One of my collies always had the runs after bones because of this.Hope he's better now Best Wishes Gillian

thanks guys - he is much better now - woke me up in the middle of the night needing a number 2 which he never does but it was much more solid, not quite back to normal but certainly diarhea. but i'm still keeping a close eye and may pop to the vets tomorrow if i'm not happy about it.

will ask my neighbours not to leave him anymore treats!

thanks for all the advice