Dog Diarrhea 2025: Causes, Vet Visits & Home Treatment Tips 🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

It happens. One moment your dog is wagging their tail, and the next… you’re cleaning up a watery mess. Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons dogs are brought to the vet—and while it’s often mild, it can also be serious.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Here’s how to identify what’s causing your dog’s diarrhea, what you can do at home, and when to head to the clinic.

💩 Types of Dog Diarrhea

1. Soft-Formed Stool

• May be due to a diet change, stress, or mild GI upset

2. Watery Diarrhea

• Can lead to dehydration quickly, especially in puppies or seniors

3. Mucus in Stool

• Often linked to colitis or stress-induced inflammation

4. Bloody Diarrhea

• Fresh blood = lower GI tract irritation
• Dark, tarry stool = upper GI bleeding (serious!)

🧪 Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs

• Dietary indiscretion (eating garbage, table scraps, sudden diet change)
• Parasites (giardia, worms)
• Infections (bacterial, viral, or protozoal)
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Stress or anxiety
• Chronic disease (pancreatitis, liver disease, IBD)
• Toxins or medications (NSAIDs, antibiotics)

🚨 When to See a Vet

• Diarrhea lasts more than 24–48 hours
• Blood in stool or black, tarry poop
• Vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite
• Known toxin exposure (e.g., chocolate, medications)
• Diarrhea in a puppy, senior, or chronically ill dog

🏡 Safe At-Home Care for Mild Diarrhea

1. Fasting (6–12 Hours)

• Let the gut rest—skip 1–2 meals, but don’t withhold water

2. Bland Diet

• Boiled chicken and plain white rice or pumpkin
• Feed small portions every 4–6 hours for 1–2 days

3. Hydration

• Offer water or unflavored electrolyte solutions (e.g., Pedialyte diluted)

4. Probiotics

• Use vet-recommended options like Proviable or FortiFlora

🛑 What NOT to Do

• Don’t give Pepto-Bismol or Imodium without vet approval
• Don’t fast very young, small, or diabetic dogs
• Don’t wait too long if diarrhea is worsening or frequent

🩺 Vet Treatment Options

• Anti-diarrheal medications or GI protectants
• Fluids (oral, subcutaneous, or IV if dehydrated)
• Diagnostics: fecal exam, bloodwork, imaging
• Prescription diets or antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected

🔗 Tools from Ask A Vet

• Ask A Vet – Track bowel movements, upload photos, and chat with a vet if you’re unsure

📋 Summary Excerpt

Diarrhea in dogs can range from mild to life-threatening. A vet explains how to treat it at home safely, when to worry, and how to get your pup’s gut back on track fast.

❓ FAQs

• Q: How long can a dog have diarrhea before it’s serious?
  A: More than 24 hours, especially with other symptoms, means it’s time to see a vet.
• Q: Can I give my dog pumpkin?
  A: Yes—plain canned pumpkin (not pie mix) is great for firming stools.
• Q: What’s the difference between diarrhea and soft stool?
  A: Diarrhea is unformed, watery, and frequent. Soft stool is mushy but still has some shape.