Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea? Here’s What You Should Know

3 min read

If you’ve ever been greeted by an unexpected mess on the floor, you know how stressful—and messy—dog diarrhea can be. While it’s not the most glamorous part of pet ownership, diarrhea is actually a common issue in dogs and can range from mild and short-lived to a sign of a more serious health concern.

In this post, we’ll cover the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs, when it’s time to worry, and how you can help your pup recover quickly.

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs

Dog diarrhea can have many triggers, from something simple to a more complicated medical issue. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:

Dietary Indiscretion – Also known as “garbage gut,” this happens when your dog eats something they shouldn’t—table scraps, spoiled food, or even something from the backyard.

Sudden Diet Change – Switching foods too quickly can upset your dog’s digestive system. Always transition gradually over 7–10 days.

Parasites – Worms like hookworms, roundworms, or giardia can cause diarrhea, especially in puppies.

Bacterial or Viral Infections – Conditions like parvovirus, salmonella, or E. coli can lead to serious gastrointestinal upset.

Stress or Anxiety – Travel, boarding, or big changes at home can cause stress-related diarrhea.

Food Allergies or Intolerances – Some dogs react poorly to certain proteins or ingredients.

When to See the Vet

Most mild cases of diarrhea resolve within a day or two with proper care. However, you should contact your veterinarian if your dog shows any of these warning signs:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours

• Blood in the stool (bright red or black/tarry)

• Vomiting in addition to diarrhea

• Lethargy or weakness

• Loss of appetite

• Signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums, skin that doesn’t spring back when pinched)

📣 Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with chronic health issues can become dehydrated quickly—don’t wait to call your vet if they develop diarrhea.

How to Help Your Dog at Home

If your dog is otherwise healthy and alert, you can often manage mild diarrhea at home by:

1. Fasting Briefly – Withholding food for 12–24 hours can give the digestive tract a rest (fresh water should always be available).

2. Feeding a Bland Diet – Offer small meals of boiled chicken and white rice or a vet-recommended gastrointestinal diet for a few days.

3. Keeping Hydrated – Encourage drinking; you can also offer an electrolyte solution designed for pets.

4. Gradually Returning to Regular Food – Reintroduce their normal diet slowly over 2–3 days once stools are firming up.

Preventing Future Episodes

💡 Feed Consistently – Keep your dog on a high-quality, balanced diet and avoid sudden changes.

🚫 Avoid Table Scraps & Unsafe Foods – Even small amounts of rich or fatty food can cause upset stomachs.

🐾 Regular Vet Checkups – Routine exams can help detect underlying health issues before they cause problems.

🦠 Parasite Prevention – Keep your dog on a year-round parasite prevention plan.