If you’re a dog owner, you’ve almost certainly dealt with the unpleasant surprise of loose motion. It’s a messy, common part of life with our canine companions. Often, it’s just a temporary tummy upset. But how can you tell when it’s something more serious?

Your dog can’t tell you how they’re feeling, so it’s up to you to spot the signs that mean “call the vet.” This guide will help you understand the common causes and, most importantly, know exactly when it’s time to seek professional help.

 

Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhoea?

A dog’s digestive system can be surprisingly sensitive. Here are the most common reasons for an upset stomach:

* Dietary Indiscretion: This is a fancy term for “eating something they shouldn’t have.” This is the top culprit! From spoiled food in the garbage to a dead bug in the yard, our furry friends aren’t picky.
* Sudden Food Changes: Switching your dog’s food too quickly can shock their system. Always mix the new food in with the old, gradually increasing the amount over 7-10 days.
* Food Allergies or Sensitivities: Just like people, dogs can be allergic or sensitive to ingredients like chicken, beef, wheat, or dairy.
* Parasites: Nasty little critters like worms (roundworms, hookworms) or protozoa (Giardia) can invade your dog’s intestines, causing diarrhoea. Puppies are especially vulnerable.
* Infections: Serious viral infections like Parvo or bacterial infections like Salmonella can cause severe, often bloody, diarrhoea. This is why vaccinations are so crucial.
* Stress: Yes, dogs get stressed, too! A big move, a new family member, loud fireworks, or even a trip to the boarding kennel can upset their stomach.

 

Red Flags: 8 Signs It’s Time to Call the Vet

While a single episode of soft stool might not be alarming, you should call your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:

1. It Lasts More Than a Day: If the diarrhoea continues for more than 24 hours, it’s time for a vet visit. Prolonged diarrhoea can lead to dangerous dehydration.
2. You See Blood: Blood of any kind is a major warning sign. Bright red blood or dark, tarry stools indicate bleeding in the digestive tract and need immediate attention.
3. Your Dog Seems Lethargic: If your normally energetic pup is unusually tired, weak, or doesn’t want to play, their body is fighting something significant.
4. Diarrhoea with Vomiting: When these two are combined, your dog can become dehydrated very quickly. If they can’t keep water down, they need veterinary care, often including fluids under the skin or intravenously.
5. Loss of Appetite or Thirst: A dog who refuses food and water while having diarrhoea is at high risk for dehydration. Don’t wait more than 12 hours in this situation.
6. Signs of a Fever: Feel your dog’s ears. If they are very warm to the touch and are acting lethargic or shivering, they may have a fever, signalling an infection.
7. Obvious Abdominal Pain: Is your dog whining, looking at their belly, standing in a “prayer position” (front legs down, rear end up), or acting restless? These can be signs of pain from a blockage, pancreatitis, or other serious issues.
8. Unusual Stool Appearance: Be concerned if the diarrhoea is strangely colored (like yellow or grey), has a foul, rotten smell, or looks like froth or grease.

 

What You Can Do at Home for Mild Cases

If your dog has a simple case of the runs but is otherwise acting normal—playing, drinking, and alert—you can try these steps:

* Take a Break from Food: Withhold food for 12-24 hours to let their stomach settle. Make sure they always have access to fresh water.
* Offer a Bland Diet: After the brief fast, introduce a simple meal of plain, boiled white meat chicken (no skin or bones) and plain white rice in a 1:3 ratio. Feed this in small portions 3-4 times a day for a couple of days.
* Try Pumpkin: A tablespoon of plain, canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix!) can work wonders. It’s high in fibre, which can help firm things up.
* Provide Probiotics: Specially formulated dog probiotics can help restore healthy gut bacteria. Plain yoghurt with live cultures can also be beneficial, but consult your veterinarian for the best option.

*Important: If symptoms don’t improve within 24 hours of starting home care, or if they worsen at any point, stop home treatment and contact your veterinarian.

 

Prevention is the Best Medicine

While you can’t prevent every upset stomach, you can reduce the risk:

* Be a Food Detective: Keep a consistent diet and avoid giving rich table scraps.
* Dog-Proof Your Home: Keep garbage cans secured and be vigilant on walks to prevent them from scavenging.
* Stick to a Deworming Schedule: Regular parasite prevention is key.
* Manage Stress: Provide a safe, quiet space for your dog during stressful events like thunderstorms or parties.

Trust Your Instincts
You know your dog better than anyone. If your gut is telling you something is wrong, it probably is. When in doubt, a call to your veterinarian is always the safest course of action. Prompt care can get your best friend back to their happy, healthy self in no time.

FAQs

Q: Should I starve my dog if they have diarrhoea?
A: A short, 12-24-hour break from food can be helpful to rest the gut, but never withhold water. If your dog is a small breed, a puppy, or has an underlying health condition, consult your veterinarian before withholding food.

Q: Can my dog’s diarrhoea be caused by anxiety?
A: Absolutely. Stress is a very common trigger for digestive upset in dogs. If you can link the episode to a stressful event, working on anxiety reduction can help prevent future problems.