Dog Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the most common health problems in dogs. While some cases are mild and pass quickly, others can indicate serious illness or infection. Because dogs can dehydrate rapidly, recognizing the signs and seeking veterinary advice is crucial to keeping your pet safe and healthy.

Diarrhea in dogs can be triggered by diet changes, infections, parasites, or underlying disease.
Puppies, senior dogs, and small breeds are at higher risk of dehydration.
Diarrhea may be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (lasting weeks or recurring).
Persistent diarrhea can signal serious illness such as parvovirus or organ disease.

Why Does My Dog Get Diarrhea?

Dog diarrhea often occurs when the digestive system becomes irritated or inflamed. Common causes include sudden changes in diet, spoiled food, or overeating rich treats. Parasites like roundworms or giardia can disrupt the intestines, while bacterial or viral infections such as parvo or distemper cause severe, sometimes fatal diarrhea. Stress, food allergies, or inflammatory bowel disease can also play a role. In some cases, diarrhea signals more serious problems like liver, kidney, or pancreatic disease.

Types of Dog Diarrhea

Acute Diarrhea

Sudden onset of watery stools, usually caused by dietary changes, stress, or mild infection. Often resolves in a day or two with proper care.

Chronic Diarrhea

Lasts longer than two weeks or recurs frequently. Commonly linked to food intolerances, parasites, or diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Infectious Diarrhea

Caused by bacteria (Salmonella, E. coli), viruses (parvovirus, coronavirus), or parasites. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, and bloody stools.

Parasitic Diarrhea

Worms or protozoa disrupt digestion, leading to soft stools, weight loss, and a pot-bellied appearance in puppies.

Food-Related Diarrhea

Triggered by sudden diet changes, overeating fatty foods, or food allergies. Usually mild but recurring if the food intolerance is not addressed.

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)

A severe form of diarrhea where stools contain fresh blood and mucus. Requires immediate vet treatment.

Symptoms of Dog Diarrhea

Loose or Watery Stool

Stools range from soft and mushy to completely watery, sometimes explosive.

Blood in Stool

Fresh red blood may suggest lower intestinal bleeding, while dark, tarry stools indicate bleeding higher up.

Mucus in Stool

A slimy coating on stools indicates inflammation in the colon.

Increased Frequency

Dogs may need to go outside far more often, sometimes every hour.

Urgency or Accidents

Even house-trained dogs may have accidents because they cannot control their bowels.

Vomiting and Diarrhea

When combined, this may indicate infection, poisoning, or parvovirus in puppies.

Loss of Appetite

Dogs with diarrhea often refuse food due to nausea or abdominal pain.

Weight Loss

Chronic diarrhea can lead to malnutrition and visible weight loss.

Prevention & Dog Care

Prevention of Health Risks

Feed a consistent, high-quality diet and introduce new foods slowly. Keep your dog on a parasite prevention plan and ensure vaccinations are up to date.

Post-Diarrhea Monitoring

Track stool consistency and frequency. Watch for return of watery stools, blood, or loss of appetite. Contact your vet if symptoms recur.

Dietary Support

During recovery, stick to bland or prescribed gastrointestinal diets. Slowly reintroduce regular food over several days.

Limit Stress & Activity

Keep the environment calm, especially after illness. Stress-free surroundings help reduce digestive upset.

Long-Term Care

For dogs with chronic digestive conditions, regular vet checks and tailored diets are essential. Keep a record of flare-ups to share with your vet.

Dog Diarrhea FAQ

Most cases are caused by diet changes, spoiled food, infections, or parasites. More serious causes include parvovirus, liver disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.

If your dog has bloody diarrhea, vomits, refuses food, or seems weak, it’s an emergency that needs a vet immediately.

Yes. Viral infections like parvo or bacterial infections can spread quickly. Always isolate a sick dog and disinfect living areas.

A bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice or a vet-prescribed gastrointestinal diet. Avoid fatty or spicy foods.

Yes. Travel, new environments, or major changes at home can cause stress-related diarrhea.

Feed a consistent, balanced diet, avoid spoiled food, maintain parasite prevention, and keep vaccinations up to date.

Yes. You can explore more about dog problem and treatment on our dog page to stay informed and prepared.