Expert: Renee Cox - 10/22/2008

Question
We recently purchased out beautiful boxer pup a week ago.  he is now 9 wks. old Since having him his stools have been loose.  Over the past 2 days it has become severe especially at night for some reason.  he is taking water well, slower to eat in the morning(we are feeding Eukanuba large puppy food).  I am attempting to only allow small amounts at a time. The diarrhea has turned to a brown completely liquid putrid smelling(somewhat metallic in odor)at night.  I admit it is active and stressful here as we also have a 2 week old infant. He remains active and playful and does improve through the day although never a "normal" formed stool.  We have a vet. appt. this sat. Should I move that up?  We have no prior experience with boxers.  He is a precious addition to our family and never wants for attention!  Thank You!

Answer
Hi. Congrats on your new Boxer baby! It sounds like your boy could have coccidia. Trust me, once you smell it, you'll never forget it. The first signs are usually a loose stool, not eating well, and then on to vomiting. This is a pretty common problem, stress usually brings it out, such as the stress of coming to a new home. I would get your boy in as fast as you can. The faster you get this in check, the better. Ask the vet to check for coccidia, it's a simple test. Sometimes, you'll get a false negative, so I would ask for Albon just to be on the safe side. He may also give you something to stop the diarrhea, and vomiting if that starts. If I can help with anything else, let me know!