Diarrhea in Dogs
Dog Health Guides · Upset stomach · Digestive symptoms
Dog Diarrhea: Causes, Blood or Mucus in Stool, and What To Give
If you are reading about dog diarrhea, your veterinarian is the best first step. This guide explains what owners commonly see and what to do next. It does not diagnose or prescribe.
Dog diarrhea means loose, watery or frequent stools. Most cases come from a diet change or something your dog ate and clear up within a day or two with rest, water and bland food.
Diarrhea becomes more urgent when it is bloody, very watery, comes with vomiting, or happens in a puppy, a senior, or a dog that seems unwell. This guide explains dog diarrhea with blood and mucus, dog diarrhea and vomiting, and safe dog diarrhea home remedy steps to discuss with your vet.
Important: See a vet today for diarrhea with a lot of blood or a red “raspberry jam” look, black tarry stool, diarrhea with vomiting, diarrhea in an unvaccinated puppy (parvo risk), a weak or painful dog, or diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours.
See the bigger picture
This guide is part of our upset stomach guide, which covers related causes and when to call the vet.
What Dog Diarrhea Is
Small vs Large Bowel
Large amounts of watery stool point to the small intestine. Frequent small amounts with straining and mucus point to the colon (colitis).
Acute vs Chronic
Sudden diarrhea that settles in a few days is acute. Diarrhea that keeps returning for weeks is chronic and needs a vet workup.
A Sign, Not a Disease
Diarrhea tells you the gut is irritated. The cause can be food, parasites, infection, stress, or illness elsewhere.
What Your Dog’s Stool Can Tell You
Fresh Red Blood or Mucus
Usually from the colon. A little with colitis is common; a lot of blood needs a vet.
Black, Tarry Stool
Digested blood from higher in the gut. This is urgent.
Watery, Very Smelly Diarrhea
Common with infections and parasites. Greasy, pale stool can suggest giardia. See giardia in dogs.
Worms or Rice-Like Bits
See worms in dogs.
Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs
Diet
Scavenging, rich treats, table scraps, or a sudden food change.
Parasites
Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, giardia and coccidia. See dog parasites.
Infections
Parvovirus in unvaccinated puppies is a life-threatening cause of bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Bacteria can also cause diarrhea.
Stress Colitis
Boarding, travel, fireworks, or a new pet can cause mucus-y diarrhea.
Food Allergies and Gut Disease
Ongoing diarrhea can come from food allergies or inflammatory bowel disease. See dog food allergies.
Toxins and Medicines
Some plants, spoiled food, and medicines (including antibiotics) can cause diarrhea.
What To Give a Dog With Diarrhea
Water and Rest
Keep fresh water available. Diarrhea dehydrates dogs quickly. See dog dehydration.
Bland Food
Small meals of plain boiled chicken and white rice, then a slow return to the normal food. Ask your vet first for puppies and dogs with health problems.
Plain Pumpkin
A spoon of plain canned pumpkin can firm stool in some dogs. Pie filling contains sugar and spices and should be avoided.
Avoid Human Anti-Diarrhea Medicines
Do not give them unless your vet says so. Some are risky for dogs, and especially for herding breeds such as collies.
What To Do Tonight
Usually OK to watch
A bright adult dog with a few soft stools who eats and drinks: water, bland food, and call your vet if it is not better within 24 to 48 hours.
See a vet today
Lots of blood, black stool, vomiting too, a puppy, a weak or painful dog, or diarrhea lasting over 48 hours.
Related Dog Health Guides
Back to Dog Health Guides →Diarrhea in Dogs FAQ
What home remedy can I give my dog for diarrhea?
Water, a bland diet of plain boiled chicken and white rice, and plain canned pumpkin are common vet suggestions for mild diarrhea. Check with your vet before giving any medicine.
Dog diarrhea with blood but acting fine: what should I do?
A small streak of blood with otherwise normal behavior often comes from colon irritation, but call your vet. A lot of blood, black stool, or a dog that becomes quiet needs a vet today.
What does dog diarrhea with blood and mucus mean?
It usually points to inflammation of the colon from stress, diet, parasites or infection. Your vet may check a poop sample.
What should I give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting?
Small sips of water and rest. Diarrhea and vomiting together dehydrate dogs fast, so call your vet, especially for puppies and seniors.
What can I give my dog to stop diarrhea fast?
There is no safe instant fix at home. Rest, water and bland food help most mild cases. Your vet can prescribe medicine if your dog needs it.
Is this diarrhea in dogs guide a substitute for a vet visit?
No. It is educational only. Your veterinarian should examine your dog and guide any diagnosis and treatment.
Can I work out a medicine dose from this page?
No. Never work out doses from product strengths, other pets’ medicines or internet pages. The right medicine and dose depend on your dog’s weight, age, breed, health and other medicines, so they must come from your veterinarian.