New Puppy or Dog at Home? How to Support a Settled Tummy

Bringing home a new puppy or rescue dog is exciting, but those first few days are a big change for them too. New surroundings, new people, new routines and often new food can all affect your dog's digestion, so loose stools in the first days at home are very common.

The good news is that there is a lot you can do to help your new family member settle in.

Why the first days can upset the tummy

A dog's digestive system relies on a balanced community of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Stress, travel and a sudden change of diet can all disrupt that balance for a while. Deworming treatments can also have a temporary effect on stools.

6 tips for a smoother start

1. Keep the same food at first. Ask the breeder or shelter what your dog has been eating and stick with it for the first week or two.
2. Change diets gradually. When you do switch foods, mix the new food in slowly over 7 to 10 days, increasing the amount little by little.
3. Go easy on treats. It is tempting to spoil a new arrival, but too many new treats at once can upset the stomach.
4. Feed small, regular meals. Puppies especially do better with several small meals a day at consistent times.
5. Keep fresh water available. Good hydration is always important, especially if stools are loose.
6. Create a calm routine. A quiet space to rest and a predictable daily routine help reduce stress, which in turn supports digestion.

How fiber, probiotics and prebiotics can help

Dietary fiber supports normal stool consistency, probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, and prebiotics feed those beneficial bacteria. Together, they can help support your dog's digestive health during times of change.

Our Stool Fiber plus Probiotic for dogs combines fiber with a probiotic, prebiotic, electrolytes and B-vitamins to help support digestive health and normal stool quality. For puppies, please check with your veterinarian or nutritionist before use.

When to call your vet

Mild, short-lived tummy upsets are common, but contact your veterinarian promptly if your dog:

• Has loose stools that last more than a day or two
• Is vomiting, or has blood in their stool
• Is lethargic, not eating or not drinking
• Is a very young puppy, as they can become dehydrated quickly

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