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Diarrhoea in DogsUpdated 44 minutes ago

Diarrhoea in dogs is common, but it can range from mild and self-limiting to severe and life-threatening. The first step is to assess how unwell your dog seems. If the diarrhoea has lasted more than 24–48 hours, contains blood, or is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, or signs of pain, consult your vet immediately.

You should also seek urgent veterinary attention if your dog is a puppy, elderly, has a pre-existing illness, shows signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, reduced skin elasticity), passes black/tarry stool, or has ingested a known toxin or foreign object.

Common Causes of Diarrhoea in Dogs

Diarrhoea can be caused by many different factors. Identifying the cause helps guide treatment — but remember that some causes can be very serious and need urgent veterinary attention.

  • Dietary indiscretion – eating something unusual, spoiled food, or getting into the rubbish.
  • Sudden diet changes – switching foods too quickly without a gradual transition.
  • Food intolerance or allergy – sensitivity to certain proteins or ingredients.
  • Bacterial or viral infections – such as parvovirus, coronavirus, or salmonella.
  • Intestinal parasites – worms or protozoa like giardia or coccidia
  • Toxins or poisons – including certain plants, human foods (e.g., chocolate, onions), or chemicals.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease – chronic gut inflammation.
  • Stress or anxiety – changes in environment, travel, or loud noises.
  • Underlying health conditions – liver disease, kidney disease, pancreatitis, or endocrine disorders.

If the cause isn’t obvious and your dog is showing other symptoms, it’s safest to have them checked by a vet before trying any home treatments.

What Should I Do if My Dog Has Diarrhoea?

If your dog has mild diarrhoea but is otherwise bright and active, you can:

  • Ensure they have plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration.
  • Feed a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice or white fish and pumpkin for 2–3 days.
  • Offer small, frequent meals rather than large ones.
  • Avoid treats or rich foods until stools return to normal.
  • Monitor closely for improvement within 24–48 hours.

Do not withhold water, give human medications, or ignore other symptoms. If the diarrhoea persists beyond 48 hours, worsens, or your dog shows any other signs like vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, or signs of pain contact your veterinarian immediately.

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