What Should You Do If Your Dog Has Diarrhea?

It’s never fun to discover that your dog has diarrhea, especially if it’s all over your floors or yard. Diarrhea in dogs can range from a minor digestive issue to a sign of something more serious. Knowing what to do, what to feed a dog with diarrhea, and when to call the vet can help you manage this situation calmly and effectively.

The first step in helping your dog to get rid of the diarrhea is trying to find out the cause. There are several simple steps you can take right away at home that may help soothe your dog’s stomach and prevent further discomfort.

Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea?

Dog diarrhea can be caused by many different factors. Some are mild and short-lived, while others may require veterinary attention.

Common causes include:

Dietary indiscretion: Eating something they shouldn’t such as garbage or table scraps.

Sudden diet changes: Switching food brands or introducing new treats too quickly.

Food intolerance or allergies: Some dogs are sensitive to certain ingredients which can cause them to have diarrhea and they might have a food allergy.

Parasites: Intestinal worms, giardia, or other parasites can cause digestive upset.

Infections: Bacterial or viral infections, such as parvovirus, can trigger severe diarrhea.

Stress: Travel, boarding, or changes in the home can lead to stress-induced diarrhea.

Medications: Some antibiotics and other drugs may irritate the digestive tract.

Underlying health conditions: Liver disease, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more serious causes.

If you want to figure out why your dog is having diarrhea, you should also consider recent changes in your dog’s diet or environment. If your dog seems otherwise healthy and energetic, it is usually mild case. But if diarrhea is persistent or comes with vomiting, lethargy, or blood in the stool, it’s best to consult your vet immediately.

Dog Diarrhea Treatment at Home for Mild Cases

In many cases, mild diarrhea can be treated at home with a few simple measures. Knowing the basics of dog diarrhea treatment at home can help prevent the issue from getting worse and save you a trip to the vet if the problem is minor.

What you can do at home:

1. Withhold Food for 12–24 Hours

Giving your dog’s stomach a short rest can help clear out the irritants and reduce inflammation. Make sure your dog still has access to plenty of fresh water as diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. If your dog is a puppy, senior, or has other health concerns, talk to your vet before fasting.

2. Offer Your Dog A Bland Diet

After the fasting period, slowly reintroduce food using a bland diet. One of the most common recommendations for what to feed a dog with diarrhea is a mixture of boiled chicken and white rice. This simple combination is easy to digest and gentle on the stomach. 

Make sure to fee your dog small, frequent portions throughout the day and monitor your dog’s stools.

Other bland foods you can use include:

• Boiled turkey or lean ground beef (fat drained)

• Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)

• Mashed sweet potatoes

• Plain scrambled eggs

Gradually reintroduce your dog’s regular food over several days once their stool begins to firm up.

3. Make Sure Your Dog Is Hydrated

Keep your dog well-hydrated and make sure your dog is drinking plenty of water. Bone broth is another great option that provides hydration and soothing nutrients.

4. Try a Probiotic Supplement

Probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your dog’s gut. You can buy dog-specific probiotic supplements or add a spoonful of plain, unsweetened yogurt to their food. Probiotics are a helpful part of dog diarrhea treatment at home, especially after a digestive upset or antibiotics.

When Should You See the Vet for Diarrhea

While many cases of dog diarrhea resolve on their own, there are times when professional care is necessary.

Contact your veterinarian if the diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours, your dog becomes lethargic or refuses to eat, there’s blood or mucous in your dog’s stool and your dog is vomiting or showing signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums).

If your dog is a young puppy, a senior, or has existing health problems, make sure to see your vet to determine the cause. Persistent or severe diarrhea can indicate a serious underlying condition that requires immediate attention.

What You Should Feed a Dog With Diarrhea Long-Term

Once your dog has recovered from diarrhea, you may want to reconsider their long-term diet. Some dogs benefit from high-fiber diets, limited-ingredient formulas, or hypoallergenic foods if food sensitivities are the root cause.

It’s always a good idea to consult with your vet when choosing a diet, especially if your dog has a history of digestive issues. Your vet might recommend prescription dog food or gradual changes to support gut health.

It is also important to keep your dog on a consistent feeding schedule, avoiding table scraps, and introducing new foods slowly can also help prevent future digestive upsets.

Final Thoughts

Diarrhea in dogs is common, but it’s still something you don’t want to ignore. Knowing the basics of dog diarrhea treatment at home and what to feed a dog with diarrhea can help your furry friend feel better fast and avoid unnecessary stress.

However, if symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian.