Dogs investigate the world with their mouths, so loose stools are close to inevitable at some point. Most episodes are self-limiting. The job is spotting the ones that are not, and there is one group where the margin for waiting is very small.
What to note
- How loose, how often, and whether it is worsening
- Any blood: fresh red, or black and tarry
- Whether there is vomiting as well
- Whether your dog is drinking, and keeping water down
- Energy and gum colour
- Anything scavenged, or any recent change of food
- Vaccination and worming status
Common causes
- Dietary indiscretion: scavenging, bin raids, or a sudden change of food
- Intestinal parasites, which are common and treatable
- Parvovirus and other infections, especially in unvaccinated dogs
- Stress, including boarding, travel or fireworks
- Antibiotics or other medication
- Food sensitivity, usually recurring rather than sudden
- More serious disease of the gut, pancreas, liver or kidneys
Go to a clinic if you see
- Diarrhoea in a puppy, or in an unvaccinated dog of any age
- Blood, or black tarry stool
- Diarrhoea with repeated vomiting
- Lethargy, weakness, or pale gums
- A dog who will not drink, or shows signs of dehydration
- Diarrhoea continuing beyond 48 hours
- A swollen or painful abdomen
Sensible care for a mild upset
For an adult dog who is otherwise bright, with no blood and no vomiting, a day of plain food in small amounts and free access to water is reasonable. Keep them off scavenging opportunities, and collect a stool sample if you can, since it saves a step if a veterinarian does need to investigate.
What not to do: no human anti-diarrhoeal medicines, no painkillers from your own cupboard, and no repeated food changes that make the cause harder to find.
If it has not settled in two days, or you are simply not sure, ask. An online consultation will tell you whether this is a bland-diet situation or one that needs an examination and a stool test.
Common questions
How long does dog diarrhoea usually last?
Simple dietary upsets often settle within a day or two. Past 48 hours, or if it worsens, gets bloody, or your dog becomes lethargic or stops drinking, it needs veterinary attention.
Is diarrhoea in a puppy serious?
Treat it as urgent, particularly if the puppy is not fully vaccinated. Parvovirus is common in Pakistan, spreads through the environment, and can kill quickly. Puppies also dehydrate far faster than adults.
Can I give my dog rice and boiled chicken?
A bland, plain diet in small amounts is a reasonable short-term measure for a mild upset in an otherwise well adult dog. It is not a treatment for anything more than that, and it is not a substitute for advice if there are other signs.
Should I withhold water?
No. Dogs with diarrhoea lose fluid and need to replace it. Offer water freely, or in small frequent amounts if they are also vomiting, and get advice if they will not drink.