It is important to realize that a high frequency of bowel movements is not synonymous with diarrhea. When diarrhea begins in your pet, notify your veterinarian for help in deciding whether you should wait the diarrhea out or make an appointment to have the problem assessed. This is especially significant in young pets. Viral diarrheas, such as parvo virus, could kill your young pet. Puppies and kittens dehydrate very quickly.
Veterinarians can initiate rehydration and fluid support.
For diarrhea in adult pets, Dr. McCullough suggests withholding food for 12 to 24 hours. Then start your pet on small frequent meals of boiled hamburger and rice and see if the diarrhea stops. However, if blood, foreign objects, or greasy feces are being passed, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian. Chronic diarrhea with sustained weight loss needs to be assessed by your veterinarian as well. Coming home to a pet unable to control bowel movements because of diarrhea is not a pleasant experience, as most pet owner's know.