Dog Diarrhoea: What to Do at Home and When to See a Vet

Updated 23 September 2026 · 5 min read · Reviewed by the Joey AI team

Common Causes of Diarrhoea in Dogs

Diarrhoea means loose, watery or very soft stools that happen more often than normal. It is one of the most common problems dog owners face, especially in India where dogs may scavenge during walks or eat spoiled food from the street.

Sudden diet changes, table scraps, rich or spicy food, and eating rubbish are the most frequent triggers. Stress, travel, heat, and changes in routine can also upset your dog's stomach. Intestinal parasites such as worms and giardia are common, particularly in puppies and street dogs.

Infections from bacteria or viruses, food intolerance, and poisoning are other causes. Some chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatitis cause diarrhoea that comes and goes. Tick-borne diseases can also cause loose motions along with fever and weakness.

What You Can Do at Home for Mild Diarrhoea

If your dog is otherwise bright, eating, drinking, and the diarrhoea is not bloody or black, you can try home care for 24 hours. The goal is to rest the stomach and keep your dog hydrated.

For a healthy adult dog, you may rest the stomach by withholding food for 6 to 12 hours, but never withhold water. Do not fast puppies, toy breeds, senior dogs, diabetic dogs, or any dog that is already unwell without asking your vet first. Offer small amounts of fresh, clean water every hour.

• After the short rest, offer small portions of bland food: plain boiled chicken without skin, bones, oil or spices, mixed with plain boiled white rice.
• Feed small meals four to six times a day instead of one or two large meals.
• Continue the bland diet for two to three days, then gradually mix in normal food over another three to four days.
• Keep your dog in a clean, cool space and watch the stools closely. Note the colour, consistency, frequency, and whether there is blood or mucus.
• Avoid all treats, table scraps, dairy except a small amount of plain unsweetened curd if your dog tolerates it, and bones during recovery.

Do not give any human medicines or over-the-counter drugs without asking your vet. Some medicines safe for people are dangerous for dogs.

Signs of Dehydration and When Diarrhoea Becomes Serious

Diarrhoea makes dogs lose water and salts quickly, especially in hot and humid weather or during the monsoon. Dehydration is the biggest risk, particularly for puppies and small dogs.

Check for dehydration by gently lifting the skin on the back of the neck. If it does not spring back immediately, your dog may be dehydrated. Other signs include dry gums, sunken eyes, tiredness, and not urinating as often. A dog that refuses water or cannot keep it down needs a vet immediately.

Do not try to make rehydration solutions at home or give human rehydration drinks. A dehydrated dog needs fluids given by a vet, often under the skin or into a vein.

What the Vet Will Do to Find the Cause

Your vet will ask about your dog's diet, recent walks, any new foods or treats, and whether other dogs at home are also unwell. They will examine your dog's temperature, hydration, gums, and belly.

The vet may ask for a stool sample to check for parasites, bacteria, or blood. Blood tests help rule out infections, organ problems, or tick fever. In some cases, X-rays or ultrasound scans are needed if the vet suspects a blockage, foreign object, or other serious problem.

Treatment depends on the cause. The vet may prescribe medicines to settle the stomach, antibiotics if there is infection, deworming tablets, or fluids if your dog is dehydrated. Never give prescription medicines left over from another dog or another time without asking your vet first.

Preventing Diarrhoea in Your Dog

Prevention is always better than treatment. Keep your dog on a consistent, good-quality diet and avoid sudden changes. If you must change food, do it gradually over five to seven days by mixing the new food with the old.

During walks, watch your dog closely to stop scavenging from roadsides and rubbish piles. Carry your own water on walks, especially in hot weather, and avoid letting your dog drink from puddles or street gutters during the monsoon.

Keep your dog's vaccinations and deworming up to date. Deworm puppies every two weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until six months, then every three months for life as advised by your vet. Store dog food in sealed containers, wash food and water bowls daily, and do not leave food out in the heat.

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