black lab/ pit bull mix with loss of bowels

Question
my boyfriends black lab/pit bull mix has been sick recently, he has been having diareah all over our carpet and someone told me that he will just get worse and worse and die if we don't find a new home for him because he is only taken out to go bathroom (we live in a small 2 bdrm upstairs apt) he does not have anywhere to run and get the exercise or fresh air that he needs (my boyfriend got this dog before i moved in with him and he is way to big for this apt.) i was just wondering if you could tell me if this was true, will he just get worse if we keep him? and please any advice on how to convince my boyfriend that for the sake of the dogs health he should be with people who have a big yard so he can be outside?   thanks  ~Joni~

Answer
Hi Joni,  Unfortunately it is not true, a lot of big dogs live in apts.  It would be advisable to take him for a walk, but that would be true for any dog that lived in an apt.  As far as the diarrhea, it is being caused by something physical.  Either he has gotten into something, had his food changed recently, or has picked up a virus.  The way he can die from diarrhea is that he gets dehydrated from having diarrhea and not getting enough fluids to make up for it.  If he has had diarrhea for more than 3 days, then you do need to take him to the vet and see what might be wrong with him.  It does not have anything to do with living in an apt.  Wish I could be of more help.

Dawn