My Dog Has Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons dog owners search for help online -- and in most cases, it resolves on its own within a day or two. The cause is usually something your dog ate that did not agree with them. A bland diet, plenty of water, and a little patience is all you need. Here's what to do, what's causing it, and when it's time to call the vet.
Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs
- Dietary indiscretion -- your dog ate something they should not have (garbage, table scraps, dead animals, grass)
- Sudden food change -- switching dog food brands or flavors too quickly without a gradual transition
- Stress -- new environment, boarding, travel, loud noises, schedule changes
- Parasites -- roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, giardia, coccidia
- Bacterial or viral infection -- parvovirus (especially in unvaccinated puppies), salmonella, E. coli
- Pancreatitis -- inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by fatty foods
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) -- chronic condition causing recurring GI upset
- Food allergies or intolerances -- chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, and soy are common triggers
When It's Normal vs When to Worry
Probably normal:
- Single episode of loose stool, dog is otherwise acting normal
- Soft stool after eating something new or rich
- Mild diarrhea during a stressful event (travel, boarding, new home)
- Dog is still eating, drinking, and has normal energy
Time to worry:
- Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours
- Blood in the stool -- bright red or dark/tarry black
- Vomiting AND diarrhea at the same time
- Dog is lethargic, refuses food, or seems in pain
- Puppy or senior dog with diarrhea (they dehydrate fast)
- Diarrhea is watery and profuse -- not just soft stool
What to Do Right Now
- Keep your dog hydrated. Fresh water should always be available. If they are not drinking, try adding a splash of low-sodium chicken broth to the water.
- Start the bland diet. Boil boneless, skinless chicken breast and mix with plain white rice (1 part chicken to 2 parts rice). Feed small meals 3-4 times per day for 2-3 days.
- Try pumpkin puree. Add 1 tablespoon of plain canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling with spices) per 10 pounds of body weight to their food. The fiber helps firm up stool.
- Skip one meal if needed. For adult dogs, a 12-24 hour fast can help the gut reset. Do NOT fast puppies or small breeds.
- Transition back slowly. After 2-3 days on bland diet, mix in regular food gradually over 3-5 days (25% regular, then 50%, then 75%).
- Monitor closely. Note the color, consistency, and frequency. Take a photo if you think you may need to call the vet -- yes, really.
When to Call the Vet
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital if you see any of these red flags:
- Bloody diarrhea -- bright red blood or dark, tarry, black stool
- Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours despite bland diet
- Vomiting combined with diarrhea (risk of rapid dehydration)
- Puppy under 6 months with diarrhea -- parvovirus risk
- Senior dog with persistent diarrhea
- Lethargy, refusing food, or signs of abdominal pain
- Suspected poisoning or toxin ingestion
- Diarrhea with fever (warm ears, dry nose, shivering)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is it normal for a dog to have diarrhea?
A single episode or even a day of loose stool is usually not a concern -- dogs eat things they should not, and their digestive system reacts. If the diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours, or if your dog is a puppy, senior, or has other health conditions, contact your vet. Prolonged diarrhea causes dehydration quickly, especially in small dogs.
What can I give my dog for diarrhea at home?
The most effective home remedy is a bland diet of boiled boneless skinless chicken breast mixed with plain white rice (about 1 part chicken to 2 parts rice). Feed small portions 3-4 times a day for 2-3 days, then slowly transition back to regular food over 3-5 days. Plain canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) -- about 1 tablespoon per 10 pounds of body weight -- can also help firm up stool. Make sure fresh water is always available.
Should I withhold food if my dog has diarrhea?
A short fast of 12 to 24 hours can help an adult dog's digestive system reset, but always keep water available. Do NOT fast puppies, senior dogs, small breeds, or dogs with underlying health conditions -- they can become hypoglycemic or dehydrated quickly. After the fast, introduce the bland diet in small amounts.
Is bloody diarrhea in dogs an emergency?
Bright red blood (hematochezia) in small amounts can indicate colitis or irritation in the lower GI tract and is not always an emergency -- but it does warrant a vet visit within 24 hours. Dark, tarry, black stool (melena) suggests bleeding higher in the digestive tract and is more serious. If your dog has bloody diarrhea combined with vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever, treat it as an emergency and go to the vet immediately.
Can stress cause diarrhea in dogs?
Yes. Stress is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs. Moving to a new home, boarding, traveling, fireworks, new people, or changes in routine can all trigger stress colitis. The diarrhea is usually soft to watery, may contain mucus, and typically resolves within a few days once the stressor is removed. If it persists beyond 48 hours or your dog stops eating, see the vet.