Diarrhoea in Dogs and Puppies: Common Causes and How to Help

It’s always distressing when your dog or puppy has an upset stomach — especially when you’re unsure of the cause. Diarrhoea in dogs is common and can happen at any stage of life. While often not serious, it’s important to understand the potential causes so you can manage symptoms effectively and know when to seek veterinary advice.

Below, we explore the most common causes of diarrhoea in dogs and puppies, along with practical tips on how to treat it at home and when to contact your vet.

• Common causes of diarrhoea in dogs and puppies: Overfeeding, scavenging, human food scraps, parasites, stress, and exercise can all contribute to digestive upset in dogs.
• When to seek veterinary advice: If diarrhoea lasts more than 48 hours, is accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, or if your dog or puppy shows signs of dehydration, consult your vet.
• Prevention tips: Stick to high-quality natural dog food, prevent scavenging, avoid human food scraps, maintain regular worming treatments, and provide a calm environment to reduce stress. 

What to feed a dog with diarrhoea?

Many vets will recommend s short fasting period to allow the stomach to settle, withholding food for up to 24 hours or skipping one meal will help speed up recovery. Make sure you provide fresh water at all times to help them keep hydrated. This is not recommended for puppies or older dogs.

Smaller bland meals for up to a couple of days, for example plain boiled rice and chicken breast (no skin or bones).

Once things have settled, reintroduce their regular meals, if symptoms reoccur or last longer than a few days you may need to consult your vet.

Dog has diarrhoea but is acting fine

If your dog is acting fine, eating and drinking as usual then things should resolve on their own, however if diarrhoea persists then try giving a bland diet to help the stomach recover.

How long should diarrhoea last?

Mild cases of dog diarrhoea will typically improve within a couple days however if symptoms persist after a bland diet over a few meals, you should contact your vet for advice. Other symptoms such as blood in their stool, vomiting, signs of pain or lethargy, you should seek veterinary advice.

What home remedy can I give my dog for diarrhoea? 

Provide lots of fresh, clean water and a bland diet. Symptoms usually resolve quickly.

Why has my puppy got diarrhoea?

Puppies go through a lot of change and can be sensitive to stress. Change of environment is a very common cause of diarrhoea in puppies as they have a new home, people and experiences.

How common is diarrhoea in puppies?

Very common. Puppies explore the world through their mouths and will often eat things they shouldn’t, try to stop them from, eating things other than food or treats. Also, stress is a common trigger, a whole new environment will often cause puppies to have an upset tummy for a while but it doesn’t usually last.

What to do if my puppy has diarrhoea?

Change of food is also a common trigger, gentle and steady change over is recommended to limit any reaction, provide lots of water and do not withhold food. Puppies cannot tolerate fasting.

What to feed a puppy with diarrhoea?

If your puppy is drinking ok then a bland diet is recommended for a couple of days, once they are going to the toilet normally you can reintroduce their usual food. Do not without food as this can be dangerous for puppies.

If symptoms continue or worsen, for example they have blood in their stool, please contact your vet.

Can my puppies teething give them diarrhoea?

Yes, teething can cause diarrhoea in puppies. This usually resolves quickly however if symptoms persist or other symptoms start to occur, then you should contact your vet.

Most common causes of diarrhoea in dogs

1. Overfeeding

One of the most overlooked causes of loose stools in dogs is overfeeding. Feeding too much food in one go can overwhelm the digestive system, especially in young puppies with sensitive stomachs. When the gut can’t properly absorb nutrients, it simply expels the excess — resulting in diarrhoea.

Tip: Feed based on your dog’s weight and age, introducing new food quantities gradually.

2. Scavenging

Dogs are natural foragers, and many won’t hesitate to eat something unsavoury on a walk or out of the kitchen bin. Unfortunately, this can lead to upset stomachs or more serious problems if they ingest harmful bacteria or spoiled food.

Tip: Teach a reliable “leave it” command and ensure bins are secured or out of reach.

3. Human food scraps

Although it’s tempting to treat your dog with leftovers, fatty or rich human foods can wreak havoc on their digestive system. Foods high in fat, spices, or artificial ingredients are not suitable for dogs and can quickly lead to diarrhoea.

Tip: If you want to offer titbits, opt for plain, cooked meats, vegetables or fruits — in moderation.

4. Parasites and worms

Dogs and puppies can pick up intestinal parasites from infected faeces or contaminated environments. Worms such as roundworms, hookworms or giardia can cause digestive upset and need veterinary treatment.

Tip: Keep your dog’s worming treatments up to date and prevent access to faeces from other animals during walks.

5. Stress and anxiety

Environmental stressors like moving house, travelling, vet visits or a puppy entering a new home can trigger stomach issues. Stress affects digestion, often leading to loose stools or changes in appetite.

Tip: Help your dog settle by offering a calm, consistent environment and sticking to one food until they are comfortable.

6. Exercise-induced diarrhoea

Has your dog ever passed looser stools after an energetic walk or play session? Physical activity can stimulate the bowels and lead to slightly softer stools.

Tip: This is usually nothing to worry about unless the diarrhoea is severe or persistent. Make sure your dog is well hydrated and monitor their stools after vigorous exercise.

Preventing dog diarrhoea 

One of the most common causes of diarrhoea is eating things they shouldn’t. This could be human foods or even things in nature such as plants which may be toxic. Try to avoid letting your dog eat things they shouldn’t, add in a ‘leave it’ command to your training for when out on walks in case they pick something up.

Avoid having plants in the garden that are dangerous for dogs and even the most watched pets can be sneaky!

Keeps you dogs hydrated as this will help their overall gut function and prevent dehydration which will also help them to recover quicker should diarrhoea occur.

Choose a natural and balanced diet as this will be less likely to contain common allergens and poor quality ingredients.

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When to contact the vet

Most cases of mild diarrhoea can be managed at home by removing food for 12–24 hours (never withhold water) and then reintroducing a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice. However, you should speak to a vet if your dog:

• Has diarrhoea for more than 48 hours
• Is a young puppy showing signs of dehydration or weakness
• Shows vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite
• Passes black, tar-like stools or bright red blood
• Appears to have abdominal pain, bloating, or panting
• Has pale gums or signs of distress

If in doubt, it’s always best to contact your vet for professional advice — especially with puppies or older dogs who may be more vulnerable.

Treating dog diarrhoea

While dog diarrhoea is unpleasant, it’s often a short-lived issue that can be managed with a few simple changes. Understanding the cause is key to treating it quickly and effectively. Stick to high-quality, natural dog food, avoid unnecessary treats, and monitor your dog’s health closely. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to get help from your vet.

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