Health

Dogs

Diarrhoea in dogs

Diarrhoea means loose or watery stools, often passed more often than usual. Many mild cases settle within a day or two, but diarrhoea can quickly cause dehydration, especially in puppies and older dogs. Blood, vomiting or a dog that seems unwell needs a vet.

What you might notice

• Soft, loose or watery stools.
• Needing to go more often or urgently.
• Mucus or blood in the stools.
• Straining, gurgling tummy or wind.

Common causes

• Scavenging or eating rich, fatty or unfamiliar food.
• A sudden change of diet.
• Infections such as parvovirus, giardia or bacteria.
• Intestinal worms.
• Stress from travel, boarding or changes at home.
• Longer-term gut, pancreas or liver disease.

What you can do at home

• Make sure fresh water is always available.
• Keep your dog resting and limit exercise.
• Offer small, frequent bland meals, such as plain rice with boiled skinless chicken or white fish.
• Return to normal food gradually once stools are firm.
• Clean up stools promptly and wash your hands afterwards.

Book a vet in the next day or two if

• Diarrhoea lasting more than 24 to 48 hours.
• Your dog is a puppy, elderly, or has an existing health condition.
• Your dog is eating less or seems quieter than usual.
• Diarrhoea keeps coming back.

Don't

• Do not give human anti-diarrhoea medicines.
• Do not feed a home-made bland diet for more than a few days without vet advice.
• Do not give rich or fatty food while your dog recovers.

Prevention

• Keep vaccinations up to date.
• Worm regularly as advised by your vet.
• Change food gradually and avoid fatty table scraps.
• Stop scavenging on walks where possible.

This guide gives general information about common health problems in dogs and cats. It is not a diagnosis and it does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. Every animal is different, and signs that look mild can sometimes hide a serious problem, especially in cats, which often hide illness and pain. If you are worried about your pet, or if your pet shows any of the warning signs listed here, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic straight away. Never give your pet human medicines or any medicine not prescribed for that animal by a vet.