FAQ - Health

Do you have a dog-related question that you cannot find an answer to? Please feel free to email me with your questions, using the "Bug me by E-mail" link on the top right of my blog. Make sure that you include as much information about the problem as possible.


last updated October 24, 2008


QUESTION
I took my new puppy to the vet for the first time today and found out he has roundworms. How did he get them and what are they? Is this something I should be really concerned about? The vet gave me some medication to give to him. Will he get them again? He is 12 weeks old.

ANSWER
Worms are really common in dogs, especially in young puppies. Young pups get normally get worms in one of two ways: one, while they are still in the uterus, and two, while they are drinking the mother's milk. Older puppies and adult dogs get worms from eating dirt or dog feces that contain worm eggs. You can read more about roundworms here.

Simply follow through with the medication that your vet has given you. Sometimes it takes more than one course of medication to get rid of all the roundworms, so make sure that you have the vet re-examine your puppy to declare him clear of worms once you're through with the course of treatment. After this, your dog should be treated for prevention purposes every so often.



QUESTION
My 5lbs Chihuahua ate a piece of chocolate. I know chocolate is harmful but how much would a dog have to ingest in order for it to hurt her? Can I give her creme peroxide like you use on your hair to make her throw up instead of regular hydrogen peroxide?

ANSWER
Chocolate is dangerous to dogs because it contains theobromine. In milk chocolate, there is about 40 to 60 milligrams of theobromine in each ounce. In dark chocolate, that content is much higher.

Theobromine is toxic for your dog if there is 100mg of theobromine for each kilo of your dog's body weight. It can also cause problems as low as 20mg per kilo of body weight. One kilo is 2.2 lbs. If your dog is 5lbs, she can have problems from eating chocolate if she's had as little as 40 to 45 milligrams of theobromine, which is about what is in one ounce of milk chocolate. Most likely, you may see vomiting, diarrhea, nervousness and restlessness in your dog.

Hydrogen peroxide is perfectly safe to use to make a dog throw up. Use 1/4 cup and suck it up into a turkey baster or syringe, then squirt it as far back into the throat as possible and make sure it was swallowed. The dog will throw up in about a minute. DO NOT EVER use the stuff for coloring your hair! It is NOT the same!



QUESTION
My Golden Retriever swallowed a 6" piece of a Bully Stick treat about a week ago. It hasn't shown up in his feces at all, but he's going normally. Are Bully Sticks digestible or should I be worried?

ANSWER
Bully sticks are 100% digestible. A bully stick is just a dried bull's penis, so there is no reason why it should not be completely digestible. While it's certainly not ideal that he swallowed it whole, it's unlikely that it will hurt him in any way. You may see a relatively large piece or pieces coming out with his poop, but I wouldn't be worried unless he's not eating normally or acting strangely.



QUESTION
Is it true that Hartz products are causing pet deaths and sickness? I read about it on a blog and want to pass the information on, but I want to make sure that it is true and not just a rumor.

ANSWER
Yes, Hartz products are dangerous to our pets. This is not a myth but a fact backed up by the heartbreaking stories of thousands of pet owners whose pets have been hurt or killed by their product. There are a number of reputable websites that contain accounts of pets hurt or killed by Hartz products, such as Itchmo, 911 Pet Rescue, and Rip Off Report. One site, Hartz Victims, provides a place for owners whose pets were hurt by Hartz products to share their stories.



QUESTION
My 5 months old Corgi is throwing up. He accidentally ate a lot of our other dogs' food. I know that eating another brand suddenly can upset a dog's tummy. Should I still feed him his puppy food even though he's throwing up? Do I need to take him to the vet?

ANSWER
Does your puppy show any other symptoms of feeling sick besides throwing up and possible having runny poop - such as having a fever, being lethargic, etc? If so, I would have your puppy seen by a vet. If not, then I would let the throwing up and runny poop run its course (no pun intended) and then go back to the regular puppy food.

What I would do right now, while he's still throwing up and if he has soft stools, would be to make sure that he is drinking enough water. Puppies can easily become dehydrated when they are sick, so this is very important. If he is reluctant to drink water, try offering plain chicken broth instead. Most pups are more likely to drink that and it will keep him dehydrated. You may also want to put him onto a bland diet for a day or two so his tummy can settle before you go back to his puppy kibble. I would use cooked rice with chicken broth and a bit of 100% plain pumpkin for day, then start back with the kibble.



QUESTION
Are there any clothes that I can buy that will protect a dog's shaved area after surgery?

ANSWER
Most dog owners tend to just use old T-shirts for this purpose. They can be great for covering spay sutures and other parts of the dog's body while it's healing to prevent the dog from chewing on it or to keep the shaved area warm and clean.

I've used a two T-shirt method on dogs to cover both front and back. For the front part, put the T-shirt on like you would normally. For the back part, pull the rear legs through the arm holes of the T-shirt and the tail through the neck. The easiest way to secure the shirts is by tying to bottom of the T-shirt, which will hang loose around the dog's middle, into a knot, or pulling it up and securing it with medical tape.

If you have a small breed dog or you don't have any old T-shirts to use, you can get children's shirts and other T-shirts for this purpose for very cheap at your local thrift store. Most shirts retail at thrift stores for $1 to $4. Get several so that you can change shirts on your dog if one becomes dirty.



QUESTION
My dog had a cut on his paw, which we had treated at the vet's. The problem is, he is now licking at the paw and it's getting all raw. Is there any way I can keep him from licking at his paws?

ANSWER
If the problem is just with licking the pad, provided that everything has been cleaned up and treated properly, then I would do the following: pull a sock over his paw and secure it above the joint using VetWrap or medical tape. (Don't tape it ultra tight, just tight enough to keep the sock on.) That'll keep your dog from messing with the cut.



QUESTION
How can I get my Husky to take his pills? He fights back and even bites me when I try giving them to him.

ANSWER
I'm assuming from your post that you're currently trying to give him the pills by placing them in his mouth and making him swallow. This is a method that only works with dogs who will let you handle their mouths without trying to bite at you. If you use that method, have the dog sit, then open their mouth, tilting their head backwards. Drop the pill as far back in the mouth as possible, then let the dog close his mouth, hold it shut (gently) and blow on his nose. The blowing will get your dog to attempt to lick his nose, which will lead to him swallowing the pill.

If that method is not safe to use with your dog, then there are many other ways to get a dog to take one or several pills. The first method is to mix it in with his regular food. If you're only feeding once a day but need to give pills several times, try feeding several meals throughout the day instead, mixing the pills under with the food.

If that doesn't work - and some dogs smell very strongly to dogs and will be left in the bowl - try wrapping the pill in a high-value treat. A high value treat is something that your dog absolutely loves. It's even better if it has a strong odor so that it will mask the smell of the pill. For a lot of people, pushing the pill into a piece of hot dog, lunch meat, or cheese works quite well. Peanut butter or liver treats are two more options. Pet stores also sell "pill pockets" which are edible for dogs and have a strong odor.



QUESTION
I am a first time dog owner and just bought a 6 week old puppy. We have had her for about a week and am concerned because she is still having soft stools. Is this normal?

ANSWER
It's not necessarily normal, but it isn't completely abnormal, either. Puppies (and adult dogs, too) can get diarrhea due to a huge variety of reasons, such as having been rehomed to a new family, a switch in food, a change in daily schedule, having eaten something out of the ordinary, having recently had shots, or having one of many parasites or diseases common in pet dogs.

Whenever you have a puppy with diarrhea, you really do want to be very careful and address it immediately since puppies can quickly become dehydrated which can kill them. If you're a first time owner, I would take the puppy to the vet for a thorough exam and also advice on how to keep puppy hydrated. Your vet can show you what to do.

Also, where did you get the puppy? You should know that no reputable breeder would ever sell you a puppy at only 6 weeks old, and in most places it is actually illegal to separate pups from their litter before 8 to 9 weeks old.



QUESTION
How can I prevent my dog's paw pads from cracking? We walk everyday and usually walk along the road which is cement. I tried using a paw creme from the pet store but it didn't seem to make a difference.

ANSWER
There are a lot of different products out there that you can try and that work to varying degrees, depending on your dog and your situation. It's also very important that when you crack a paw pad, the pad has time to heal so you don't keep re-tearing it.

A good product that is easy to find is Bag Balm. It comes in a square green metal tin and is sold at most drug stores. In my area, I can also find it at WalMart where it's sold in the dog aisle. Another good product is Soothables Tender Foot Pad Creme. They sell it at some pet stores. If you cannot find it at a pet store, try an online working dog supplier like Ray Allen. They usually carry them.

Lastly, if tender paws are a big problem and you keep cracking pads no matter what, you may want to give some consideration to a quality pair of booties, such as Muttlucks (not the fashion ones they sell at the pet store!), to help protect your dog's paw.



QUESTION
When my 6 year old Westie gets up from a nap, he sometimes limps in his back legs. It doesn't usually take long but it does worry me. What could this be?

ANSWER
I would make a vet appointment for an exam and maybe even back and hip x-rays to get an idea what is going on and whether it might be caused by a disease or degenerative condition.

In dogs your Westie's age, temporary limping after getting up and with a lot of exercise is very often due to mild forms of arthritis or other joint and bone problems. Most of the time, if you catch them early, you can manage them by adding supplements to your dog's diet, for example. Only your vet can tell you what is the cause of your dog's limping, though, so get him checked out.



QUESTION
My 4 month old female has greenish pus coming from her vulva. It dries to the tip and recently when she goes pee it leaks a little towards the end. I asked her vet about it and he said that puppies this age don't get UTI's and that it's normal. Is that true?

ANSWER
I think you should get a second opinion from a different veterinarian, at the very least. Personally, I would probably be inclined to change vets altogether because your vet is absolutely incorrect when he is telling you that "puppies this age don't get UTI's." Puppies your dog's age most definitely can and do get UTI's. While it's not so common that they all get it, it's definitely seen. What this sounds like to me is not so much a UTI but vaginitis. Vaginitis is the term used for inflammation or infection to the vagina, which is very common in young puppies.

One thing it may have to do with is the shape of your puppy's vulva. Try this article to read more about how the shape of the vulva can affect the health of a puppy, and this site to read more about vaginitis and UTI's in puppies.



QUESTION
Is it possible for a dog to get a nosebleed from hitting his head?

ANSWER
That would be really unlikely. Dogs can get nosebleeds from trauma (being hit) to the nose / muzzle but in most cases, the amount of force necessary for that to result in a nosebleed would also fracture the bones. If your dog has a nosebleed and you're unsure of the cause, it's always best to have him checked at the vet. Nosebleeds can be an indicator of infection or illnesses such as cancer.



QUESTION
My dog is about to start her "period" and doesn't seem to feel well. She is whiny all the time and not very playful. Can I give her Motrin, half a human tablet? The Motrin is for her cramps. Is there some kind of "dog Motrin" that I can buy at the pet store?

ANSWER
Never ever give your dog Motrin! I cannot stress this enough. Motrin, Advil, and Tylenol can seriously damage your dog's internal organs and if it is given in too large a dose or too many times, it can and will kill your dog. It is extremely easy to overdose on Motrin because of the amount of ibuprofin in each pill and because many products include more than one ibuprofin ingredient. It's best to stay away from Motrin altogether due to these dangers.

If your dog needs a pain medication, you can purchase various brands of canine buffered aspirin at the pet store and from your vet. Make sure that you follow the dosing charts on the bottle and/or consult with your vet in regards to the correct dosage. In an emergency, you can use human buffered aspirin. Human buffered aspirin should not be given without consulting with your vet first because dogs can get ulcers much easier than people do and aspirin can cause them.



QUESTION
How do vets know when my dog needs booster shots?

ANSWER
Most veterinarians vaccinate based on a vaccine schedule, so they give a booster shot whenever the schedule recommends it.

However, there is a lot of research and materials out there in regards to vaccines being potentially dangerous or harmful to your dog. One vaccine expert you should check out is Dr. Jean Dodds, who advocates minimal vaccinations. When you minimally vaccinate, you still go in annually, but instead of doing annual shots, you have them run titers. Titers check to see which antibodies are present in a dog. If there are antibodies, the dog does not need to be re-vaccinated.



QUESTION
Is it possible to kiss the black off my dog's nose? I know this sounds stupid but I kiss my dog (he's a Miniature Pincher) on his nose a lot and it seems to be getting a brownish / pink kind of color instead of being black.

ANSWER
Don't worry, you didn't "kiss" the black off your dog's nose. What this is most likely to be is the "winter nose" or "snow nose". Some dogs tend to loose pigment in all of their nose or parts of their nose when it's very cold outside, so instead of black nose leather it will be brown-ish or partially brown. This is actually pretty common with a lot of breeds.



QUESTION
My puppy is four month old and lost all her front baby teeth. I am wondering if she also will loose her back teeth? And if so, when should I expect this to happen?

ANSWER
Yes, she will loose them as well. Puppies have a full set of 28 "milk teeth" - 4 canines, 12 incisors and 12 molars. The incisors and canines grow in first, the molars last. Around three to four months of age, your dog is going to start loosing milk teeth and growing in her adult set of teeth, which consists of a total of 42 teeth - a lot more than the puppy teeth she has.

The first to fall out are going to be her incisors, her front teeth. She will start growing her adult incisors in first. Around four to five months of age you will see her adult molars and canines to grow in. By about six months, she should have her full set of adult teeth.



QUESTION
I have seen several dogs with these ugly, rough spots on their elbows, but don't know why they are there. What causes them? Yella has them on both his elbows. They don't seem to bother him at all, I just wanna know what causes them and why they are there.

ANSWER
Those spots are calluses. Elbow calluses are very common in dogs, especially in short-haired large breeds such as Labradors. They are usually caused by laying on hard ground for long periods of time, such as sleeping on tile, concrete, or linoleum. But they can also appear in dogs that sleep on carpeting. Calluses are generally nothing to worry about, but should be checked every so often - like when you're grooming your dog - because they can become infected. If they are red or Yella is acting like it hurts to have the callus touched, it's time to get it checked out.



QUESTION
I have a Pomeranian and I was wondering if it would be okay to get her shaved right before winter? I would put a sweater on her so that she won't freeze.

ANSWER
No, don't shave your dog! Pomeranians are a breed that originates in northern Europe and have been bred with that nice double coat so they could withstand winter temperatures safely. A Pom's coat is a double coat. It's made up of a soft, fluffy undercoat and a coarser top coat. This type of coat traps air between the layers of coat which helps keep the temperature at the dog's skin comfortable in extreme temperatures (cold and hot).

A double-coated dog should never be shaved, even in summer. Any reputable groomer will refuse to shave your Pom or at least warn you about possible problems and issues shaving causes. (In Poms, for example, the top coat often does not grow back properly if it is shaved!) Your dog has his coat for a reason. Leave it where it is and just maintain it properly by brushing it every couple of days to remove loose hair and prevent matting.



QUESTION
I think I should get my 1 year old dog fixed. I don't have plans to breed him. But I've heard that people get their dogs shaved because they want their personalities to change, and I don't want my dog's personality to become any different. Would neutering affect his personality?

ANSWER
He is actually the perfect time to have him neutered because he is fully grown. And, obviously, neutering is the responsible thing to do as a good owner.

One of the main concerns of early spay and neuter (6 months or younger in small dogs, 1 year or younger in large dogs) is that it affects the hormone production that is also responsible for growth and development. But at Al's age, he's done growing and can now be altered without physical side effects.

As far as his personality, Al does not have his "adult" personality yet. You will see personality changes between 1 year and 2 years old, the "teenage stage", regardless of whether you get him altered or not. Some people experience a more laid-back attitude after altering, but that does not hold true for all dogs. Some change little or not at all.



QUESTION
My 1 year old Chihuahua pants a lot. What causes that?

ANSWER
Dogs can pant for a lot of different reasons, although people usually associate panting with the dog being hot or overheated. However, dogs also pant for a lot of other reasons. They pant when they're stressed, when they are happy, when they are excited, and also when they are in pain or discomfort.

It can be hard to 'read' the panting if you're new with this dog or haven't been paying much attention to their body language and expressions. However, a dog that pants from stress and a dog that pants happily look very different. A stressed dog's body language and eye movement will also indicate stress, along with tight corners of the mouth, ears back, etc. A happily panting dog will have a relaxed mouth and body posture.

If this is a recent development, take your dog to the vet to have her checked out. Sometimes dogs pant because they are in discomfort or pain even if they show no other signs of illness or injury.



QUESTION
Can dogs be outside in the snow and cold weather? I have a female Pomeranian, about 5 months old. I was wondering if they can be in the snow and cold weather, or if will they freeze? Do I need to get her a coat or booties?

ANSWER
Pomeranians usually do very well in cold weather. They were originally bred in northern Europe and have a coat that protects them from the weather - especially cold and wet.

You most likely won't need to get her a coat, especially not for normal walks and playtime. You may want to consider dog boots. A lot of places use chemical ice melt in winter, which can be harmful to a dog. Also, if you play outside a lot, little balls of ice can form between the dog's toes which can be very painful. Booties will protect her from those. You'll want to get quality boots like Muttlucks, not the "fashion" kind they sell at most pet stores.



QUESTION
What's a good way of cleaning my Pug's wrinkles?

ANSWER
The best thing to use for cleaning the nose roll is a plain old damp wash cloth. To keep them clean longer, you can use a small amount of ear wash, which is usually antiseptic and antimicrobial with a touch of aloe, on a square bit of gauze to rub the wrinkles clean with.



QUESTION
Can my dog take Immodium (for humans) for diarrhea? My three year old lab recently got into some cat food and it's given him very bad diarrhea. Can I use this to make it stop?

ANSWER
While Immodium *can* be used in dogs, it is almost never a good choice because it will leave your dog extremely constipated and uncomfortable.

A better approach to treating diarrhea in dogs is to use Pepto Bismol and fasting your dog for 24 hours, then returning to a normal diet, or a "sensitive tummy" temporary diet of rice with pumpkin and cooked (but unseasoned) chicken or beef.



QUESTION
Can I use Ivomec (wormer for cattle) for my dog?

ANSWER
Yes. The veterinarian who comes out to the pony farm where I work some days recommends Ivomec as a wormer for horses as well as a heartworm preventive for dogs. Ivomec contains ivermectin, the same ingredient that is in heartworm preventives for dogs.

Feed stores and places like the Tractor Supply store sell Ivomec in glass bottles. For dogs, you want the Ivomec 1% solution and you give 1/10cc per 10lbs of your dog's weight. (Just so you know, some dogs really don't like the taste, so you may encounter some resistance!)



QUESTION
I am a first time dog owner. I try to do everything right but never saw the point in brushing teeth. Now that my dog is three years old, his breath smells horrible and his teeth are stained. My vet recommends that he has a cleaning. Should I go in to have his teeth cleaned? Will brushing them keep them clean? Do you brush your dog's teeth?

ANSWER
I do not brush my dog's teeth at all - however, she has been eating a natural raw diet, and crunching up all those yummy bones is what's keeping her teethies sparkling clean. Five years old, and not a bit of tartar.

If your dog eats nothing but canned food or kibble, you will need to brush or otherwise care for the teeth (some of those chews are good for cleaning teeth), or bring your dog in every so often for a cleaning.

I personally would rather see people brush their dogs' teeth and provide chew bones, starting at a young age, than take them in for cleanings, as they have to be sedated for cleanings and I prefer to keep unnecessary drugging to a minimum. If your dog is already going in for a different procedure, that would be a great time to throw in a cleaning!



QUESTION
I want to know whether it is true that mixed-breed dogs have less health problems than purebred dogs? I'm trying to decide what kind of dog to get and I don't want one with a lot of problems.

ANSWER
Nobody can make a blanket statement claiming that either purebreds or mixed breeds have "more health problems", because genetics simply does not work that way.

Each dog that is born, whether purebred or mixed breed, carries the genetics of its parents and grandparents. The dog can inherit any of those genes, so if there are health problems in the parents or grandparents, or even further back, your puppy may or may not inherit them.

The way reputable breeders make sure that the chances of their puppies inheriting health problems are as small as possible is by testing their breeding stock. Breeders should always have OFA (or Penn Hip) done on their dogs, along with CERF, and specific testing for genetic disorders known to occur in the breed, such as Von Willebrand disease.

If your breeder does NOT perform such testing, it matters little whether he's producing purebred or mixed breed - he cannot guarantee anything about the puppies' health and may breed in genetic problems.



QUESTION
I have a Labrador Retriever who is on Hill's Z/D prescription food. Every summer and fall, she gets hot spots. I have tried tea bag compresses, alo, tea tree oil, and nothing helps her. Do you have any advice?

ANSWER
In order to get rid of hot spots once you have them, you need them to dry up. They have to be dry before they can heal. The best way of accomplishing this is to shave the area around the hot spot so its edges are clearly visible, then treat it using Gold Bond Medicated Powder.
Another thing you may want to consider is a change in diet. Sometimes diet can profoundly affect your dog's coat and skin health - I know a number of people who had hot spot issues which vanished when they went grain-free or raw. So that's something to look into. There are many diets on the market that are "allergy" formulas.

Which of the z/d foods are you feeding? Low-allergen or ultra allergen-free? Both of them have chicken - has your vet considered your dog may be sensitive to chicken? Other ingredients in this food?



QUESTION
We bathe our Chihuahua every other day and use a flea and tick killing shampoo. We don't bathe him everyday because we're worried about dry skin and shedding. We rarely let him outside unless he needs to potty, but he does go out in our small back yard, which has concrete flooring. We have some plants and dirt but he tends to stay on the concrete. Should I be worried about fleas and ticks?

ANSWER
Unlike people, dogs don't need to be washed frequently - certainly not every other day - and it can actually do more harm than good. Dogs produce natural oils that keep their skin and coats healthy. All that is needed to maintain these oils are frequent brushing - every couple of days or even once a week is frequent enough in a short-haired dog. Frequent washing, on the other hand, strips those natural oils and can affect skin and coat of your dog.

Flea and Tick shampoos are also not designed for frequent, ongoing use - they're designed to be used on dogs who *have* fleas and ticks, as a treatment, not a preventive. If you want to prevent these pests, use a product designed for this purpose, such as Frontline or Advantix.

Don't worry so much about fleas and ticks, worry about what is healthy for your dog. Get him outside and enjoy having a dog, rather than worrying about bugs. Getting a tick or flea is not the end of the world.



QUESTION
I tried to tape my 12 week old long-coated Chihuahua's ears so that they will stand, but when I take the tape off after a week or so, the ears fall back down. How can I tape the ears so they will stay up?

ANSWER
There are many different breeds whose ears stand up naturally, such as the Chihuahua or my breed, the German Shepherd Dog.

Different puppies develop at different rates. Some puppies' ears stand as early as 12 weeks, while other puppies' ears take until they are 6 or 7 months old before they stand up all the way. There is nothing to worry about, and this is absolutely normal for individual dogs.

If you are developing lazy ears - where, for some reason, the ears don't stand up by themselves - it is very common in those breeds to help the ears along by taping them. One method that works for German Shepherds is to use Breathe Right strips (the kind that stop snoring in people) and stick them to the inside of the ear. They provide enough support for the ear to be held up so the cartilage can harden and the ear can "lean" to stand. This is very commonly done - but there's no need to do it this early in your pup!



QUESTION
My dog has been acting a little "off" today and I'm worried that he may be sick. His nose feels warm and I think he may have a fever. I would like to check whether he has a fever, but I'm not sure how to take his temperature. Can I take his temperature underneath the arm pit / front leg like in humans? How do you take a dog's temperature?

ANSWER
A dog's temperature is taken in one of two ways: in the ear or rectally (in the behind). You can use any old thermometer, traditional or digital, to take your dog's temperature rectally, but will need a special ear thermometer made for pets to take your dog's temperature in the ear.

Taking the temperature rectally is the easier way to go about finding out whether your dog has a fever. Have the dog standing normally and have a helper hold the dog by kneeling next to him and wrapping one arm around his chest and, if necessary, holding the head with the other arm. With small dogs, it's easiest to place them on an elevated platform such as a table or counter to do this. While the helper is holding the dog, lift the tail and gently insert the tip of the thermometer into the anus. It doesn't have to go in deep. With digital thermometers, wait until it beeps, then get your reading, and pull the thermometer out covering the tip with a cleaning wipe. Clean thoroughly and store for next use.

Taking the temperature in the ear is generally faster as ear thermometers don't take quite as long to produce a read-out as most rectal digital thermometers, but is more difficult. First, most dogs don't like it when you stick things into their ears. Second, positioning of the ear thermometer has to be just right to get a proper read out. Ear thermometers measure the heat waves coming off the ear drum, meaning the thermometer has to be inserted relatively deep into the ear to get a proper reading. Never ever attempt this with an ear thermometer made for humans or a regular digital thermometer!



QUESTION
Is freeze-dried liver (sold as training treats at Petsmart & PetCo) known to cause runny poops in Rottweilers? My 3 year old Rottweiler has been having extremely runny poops for the past day and the only thing we've really changed has been using the freeze-dried liver training treats, unless he's gotten into something while I wasn't looking.

ANSWER
Yes, freeze dried liver can cause diarrhea or soft stools in dogs that are not used to it or that have been getting too much of it. It's very common. Stop using it for a couple of days and then introduce it using smaller amounts at first to give your dog a chance to get used to it.