runny stools

Question
My nine year old cocker spaniel has had extemely runny stool for the past 48 hours.  I thought it might be the flu, but it is not getting any better.  I am at wits end, I don't know what to do to help her.

Answer
Hi Kelly!  If your dog is acting normal in every other way, this may just be a slight stomach upset. The best way to relieve the stomach of an upset and to firm up stool would be the following:
Withhold food for 12 hours to give the stomach a rest.
After the 12 hour fasting period, feed her boiled chicken (boneless and skinless) and white rice.  The chicken is extremely bland and easy to digest and the rice works as a firming agent.  Feed her this mixture for two days.  On the third day incorporate a bit of her normal dog food. Each day add a little more of her dog food and a little less of the chicken/rice.  By the 6th-7th day, she should be completely back on to her normal diet.  If you see diarrhea after another 48 hour period from today, a vet visit would be necessary.
If you are noticing any of the following symptoms accompanying the diarrhea, a vet visit is necessary:
Lethargy
Listlessness
Lack of appetite
Significant increase or decrease in water intake
Painful abdominal area
vomiting
Black, tarry diarrhea
Pale gum/tongue color
I hope this helps, and please let me know how she does!
Hilary