What to Do When Your Dog Has Diarrhea

Every dog owner has faced this at least once. You wake up to find your furry friend looking guilty next to a mess on the floor. Don’t panic — dog diarrhea is common, and often easy to manage.

1. Pause food for 12–24 hours.
Give your dog’s stomach a break. Make sure it still has access to clean water so it doesn’t get dehydrated.

2. Reintroduce food slowly.
Start with plain boiled chicken and white rice for a day or two. Avoid treats or fatty foods until your dog’s stool returns to normal.

3. Check for causes.
Diet change, garbage eating, stress, or parasites can all cause diarrhea. Make a note of any recent changes — new food, treats, or activities.

4. When to call the vet.
If diarrhea lasts more than two days, contains blood, or your dog seems weak, call your vet. Puppies and small breeds can dehydrate very fast.

Dogs rely on us to notice when they’re uncomfortable — gentle care, hydration, and a calm environment help most recover quickly.