Seeing your dog have diarrhea can be stressful—especially when they look uncomfortable or you’re not sure what’s causing it. We get it. As pet parents ourselves, we know how upsetting it can be when your dog isn’t feeling their best.

At Adobe Animal Hospital, we’re here to help you understand what might be going on and what steps to take next. Let’s break it down in a simple, reassuring way.

Why Dogs Get Diarrhea

Dogs can get diarrhea for a variety of reasons, and most of the time it’s not an emergency. Common causes include:

  • Dietary indiscretion – Eating something they shouldn’t have (table scraps, trash, unfamiliar treats)
  • Sudden diet change – Switching food brands or types too quickly
  • Stress or excitement – Boarding, travel, new environments, or big changes at home
  • Parasites – Like giardia or worms, especially in puppies or newly adopted dogs
  • Mild viral or bacterial infections – Often self-limiting but sometimes need treatment
  • Food intolerances or sensitivities – Just like people, some dogs have trouble with certain ingredients

If your dog is otherwise acting normal—eating, drinking, playful—you can usually try some simple home care first.

What You Can Do at Home

If your dog has mild diarrhea but seems fine otherwise:

  • Withhold food for 12–24 hours (water is fine!) to rest the GI tract
  • Offer a bland diet of plain boiled chicken and white rice in small portions for 1–3 days
  • Keep them hydrated – Make sure fresh water is always available
  • Avoid treats and table scraps until their stomach settles
  • Monitor closely for any changes

If the diarrhea improves within a day or two, you can slowly transition back to regular food.

When to Call the Vet

Contact us if your dog’s diarrhea is:

  • Lasting more than 2 days
  • Accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or a loss of appetite
  • Black, tarry, or bloody
  • Very frequent or watery (especially in puppies or seniors)
  • Linked to a known toxin or foreign object ingestion

These may indicate a more serious issue that needs medical attention.

At Adobe Animal Hospital, we’re committed to treating your pets like family. If you’re ever unsure, we’re just a phone call away—ready to listen, guide you, and provide the care your pet needs to feel better.

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TL;DR

Mild diarrhea is common in dogs and often clears up with a bland diet and rest. But if it lasts more than a couple of days or comes with other symptoms, it’s time to check in with us. We’re here to help, every step of the way.