Guide to Diarrhoea in Dogs : Causes, Symptoms & Nutrition
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Diarrhoea in dogs can be worrying for any owner. While many cases are mild and resolve on their own, others may point to underlying health issues that need veterinary attention.
Knowing the difference between a simple upset stomach and a more serious condition is vital.
This Years guide will give you more information on the causes of diarrhoea in dogs, how to recognise emergency signs, what foods can help with recovery and practical steps to prevent it in the future.
Table of contents
What is Diarrhoea in Dogs?
Diarrhoea in dogs is when stools are loose, watery or frequent. It is the body’s way of clearing irritants from the digestive system. Unlike soft stools, which may simply indicate a minor dietary change, diarrhoea is more severe and may require closer attention.
Definition
Diarrhoea – three or more loose, watery poos in a day
Soft stool – Occasional or one-off soft, mushy poos, but without the increased frequency
For a deeper dive into what your dog’s poo reveals about their wellbeing, see this Years guide
Types of Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea can come about for many reasons such as -
Diet-related diarrhoea
Often caused by sudden changes in food or eating inappropriate items.
Medication-related diarrhoea
Some treatments, including antibiotics, can disrupt gut balance.
Bloody diarrhoea
May indicate infection, gastroenteritis, or more serious conditions.
Diarrhoea with mucus
Often linked to irritation of the colon or inflammatory bowel conditions.
Common Causes of Diarrhoea in Dogs
Diarrhoea can stem from a wide range of factors like -
Dietary causes
Sudden changes, eating spoiled food, or food intolerances.
Parasites
Worms and protozoa are common culprits, especially in puppies.
Infections
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can trigger episodes.
Medical conditions
Liver disease, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Stress
Dogs can experience diarrhoea during changes in routine or environment or after a stressful experience.
When Is Dog Diarrhoea an Emergency?
Seek veterinary care immediately if your dog shows:
- Blood in stool or black, tarry stools.
- Persistent diarrhoea lasting more than 48 hours.
- Signs of dehydration such as sunken eyes, dry gums, or lethargy.
- Vomiting alongside diarrhoea.
- Severe weakness or collapse.
Allergies
If your dog has diarrhoea but seems otherwise bright, eating and drinking, it may be a mild dietary upset.
Monitor closely, make sure your dog stays hydrated and feed an easily digestible diet. If diarrhoea continues beyond 1–2 days or if it gets worse, consult your vet.
What to Feed a Dog with Diarrhoea
Supporting your dog’s recovery involves gentle, digestible foods, such as -
- Lean, easy-to-digest protein sources - such as boiled chicken, white fish, or scrambled egg. If your dog is intolerant to these, other protein options may be preferable.
- Cooked pumpkin or sweet potato - a good source of fibre to firm up stools whilst still supporting energy levels.
- Hydration - Fresh water should always be available. If your dog needs some encouragement to drink, try adding a splash of Years Bone Marrow Broth.
- Probiotics and prebiotics – These help restore the gut balance. Read more in this Years guide.
For further advice on soothing foods, see Years’ guide of foods for poorly dogs.
Avoid fatty, spicy, salty or highly processed foods, which can worsen diarrhoea.
Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs
If diarrhoea recurs, your vet may suggest transitioning to a diet designed for sensitive digestion:
- Easily digestible proteins like chicken or turkey.
- Limited ingredient diets to reduce potential irritants.
- Probiotic-enriched foods.
- Recipes free from artificial additives.
Brands such as Years offer tailored meals with natural ingredients and added probiotics, making them a helpful option for dogs prone to digestive issues.
Gut Health and Probiotics
A healthy gut is central to your dog’s overall wellbeing, and probiotics play an important role in maintaining balance. The gut is home to billions of bacteria, some beneficial and others potentially harmful. When the balance is disrupted, such as after medication like antibiotics, dietary changes or periods of stress, diarrhoea can occur.
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that help restore harmony in the digestive tract. They can improve stool quality, support nutrient absorption and strengthen immune function.
Adding probiotics to your dog’s diet can be especially useful during recovery from diarrhoea, as they help re-establish healthy gut flora. Prebiotics, which are fibres that feed bacteria, work hand-in-hand with probiotics to maintain digestive balance. Including both in your dog’s routine may reduce the frequency of stomach upsets and support long-term gut health.
Your dog’s Breed Health+ supplement contains probiotics designed to aid digestion and promote a healthy gut environment. For more insights into how probiotics can benefit your dog, read this Years guide.
Other Ways to Prevent Diarrhoea
- Avoid feeding excessively fatty foods, like leftover fatty meats or too much cheese
- Keep your dog on a complete diet, and introduce any changes slowly
- Protect your dog from parasitic infections
- Prevent scavenging during walks
- Support your dog in regulating their emotions and manage exposure to unnecessary stressors to minimise the risk of stress-related diarrhoea
Years Senior Dog Food
Years Fresh Dog Food is made with high-quality ingredients that help support dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Gently cooked to preserve nutrients and free from artificial additives, Years provides complete nutrition in convenient, ready-to-serve trays. Developed with vets and rated 95% on All About Dog Food, it’s a trusted choice for dogs prone to itching, dryness or irritation.
Summary
Diarrhoea in dogs can be unsettling, but most cases are mild and resolve with dietary management and hydration.
Monitoring your dog for emergency warning signs, feeding appropriate foods, and considering a diet for sensitive digestion can make a big difference. For ongoing or severe cases, always seek veterinary care.
FAQs
How long should dog diarrhoea last?
Mild cases usually resolve within 24–48 hours. Longer-lasting diarrhoea needs a vet check.
Can I give my dog human diarrhoea medication?
No, human medication can be harmful. Always seek veterinary guidance.
How do you get dog diarrhoea out of carpet?
Remove solids, blot with paper towels, clean with an enzymatic pet cleaner and rinse with warm water.
How often is too often for dog diarrhoea?
More than 3 - 4 episodes within a day is concerning and requires monitoring.
Can stress cause diarrhoea in dogs?
Yes, stressful changes can upset a dog’s digestive system.
Is it normal for puppies to have diarrhoea?
Puppies are more prone to diarrhoea due to parasites or diet changes. Persistent diarrhoea requires urgent care in young dogs.
Can changing dog food cause bloody diarrhoea?
A sudden diet change may cause diarrhoea, but blood in stools may point to infection or gastroenteritis and needs immediate veterinary attention.
About the author
Alyssa
Alyssa Ralph – MSc PGDip BSc(Hons)
Alyssa is a dual-qualified Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Canine Nutritionist with three degrees in behaviour, welfare and nutrition. She specialises in the link between emotional wellbeing and diet, helping dogs and their caregivers lead healthier lives. Having supported hundreds of dogs with issues like reactivity, anxiety and fussy eating, her work often transforms both health and behaviour.
