Symptom · Dogs
Diarrhoea in dogs: what it means and when to call the vet
Short episodes of diarrhoea in a dog that is otherwise well usually settle in a day or two with a bland diet. Blood, vomiting, lethargy or diarrhoea lasting more than 48 hours needs a vet.
By Maya HartCommon causes
- Scavenging or a sudden change of food
- Stress, travel or kennels
- Intestinal parasites such as worms or giardia
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Food intolerance
- Inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic or liver disease
What you can do at home
- Offer plenty of fresh water
- Feed small, bland meals for two or three days
- Pumpkin (plain, not pie filling) can help firm stools
- Watch for blood, vomiting or low energy
What the vet may do
- A stool test for parasites and infections
- Fluids for dehydration
- Probiotics or medicines to settle the gut
- Further tests if it keeps coming back
Prevention
- Regular worming as your vet advises
- Keep puppies’ vaccinations up to date
- Change diets gradually
The details
Most short bouts of diarrhoea are caused by something the dog ate and resolve on their own. Fasting a healthy adult dog for long periods is no longer routinely recommended; small bland meals help the gut recover faster.
Puppies are more fragile. They dehydrate quickly, and parvovirus — which causes bloody diarrhoea and vomiting — can be fatal. Any unvaccinated puppy with diarrhoea should see a vet the same day.
Questions owners ask
Is diarrhoea in dogs an emergency?
Often it can be watched at home for a day, as long as none of the warning signs appear. Go now if you see: large amounts of blood, or dark, tarry stools; diarrhoea with repeated vomiting; weakness, collapse or pale gums; puppies, especially unvaccinated ones (parvovirus risk); signs of pain, or a known toxin eaten.
What causes diarrhoea in dogs?
Scavenging or a sudden change of food; Stress, travel or kennels; Intestinal parasites such as worms or giardia; Viral or bacterial infections; Food intolerance; Inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic or liver disease.
What can I do at home?
Offer plenty of fresh water. Feed small, bland meals for two or three days. Pumpkin (plain, not pie filling) can help firm stools. Watch for blood, vomiting or low energy.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts