Veterinary Wellness Blog

Dog Diarrhea: Causes, Treatment, and When to Call the Vet

October 6, 2025

At Heritage Animal Hospital we know it can be stressful when your dog develops diarrhea. Not only is it unpleasant to clean up, but it can also indicate a bigger health problem. Pet owners often ask about dog diarrhea treatment or when to call a vet, but the answer really depends—on your dog’s overall health as well as the cause of the digestive upset.

This guide will walk you through common causes of dog diarrhea, offer safe treatments you can try at home, and identify how to know when it’s time to seek veterinary care.

Common Causes of Dog Diarrhea

There are many possible reasons why your dog may have diarrhea, and its severity can range from mild to serious. Some of the most common causes of dog diarrhea include:

• Dietary indiscretion, such as eating garbage, spoiled food, or foreign objects.
• Change in diet or switching foods too quickly often leads to loose stools.
• Intestinal parasites including worms, Giardia, and other parasites are common causes of diarrhea in dogs.
• Infections, either bacterial or viral, can cause acute gastrointestinal illness.
• Inflammatory bowel disease, which is painful inflammation in the GI tract.
• Food intolerances or allergies, because some dogs simply do not tolerate certain ingredients.
• Stress or excitement, as travel, boarding, or environmental changes can upset the digestive system.

Additionally, underlying health conditions, such as diseases affecting the liver, kidneys, or pancreas may cause chronic diarrhea. Addison’s Disease has a variety of symptoms, including periodic diarrhea.

If you’re wondering about causes of dog diarrhea, these are some of the top culprits we see in veterinary practice.

Home Treatment for Mild Diarrhea in Dogs

If your dog is otherwise bright, alert, eating, and drinking normally, you may try supportive care at home. Follow these steps:

1. Withhold food for 24 hours to allow the digestive system to rest, but continue to provide water.
2. Reintroduce food slowly, with small portions of your dog’s regular diet. While bland diets such as boiled chicken and rice are often recommended as a gentle option, switching diets multiple times in a short period may make diarrhea worse.
3. Gradually increase feeding amounts as stools begin to improve.
4. Always keep fresh water available to prevent dehydration.
5. Monitor carefully for changes in stool, energy, and appetite.

These steps often help in mild cases of diarrhea caused by simple dietary upset.

When to Call the Veterinarian

While some cases of dog diarrhea are resolved with home care, others require prompt veterinary attention. You should contact a trusted local veterinarian, like the team at Heritage Animal Hospital, if your dog experiences:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 24–48 hours
• Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools
• Vomiting in addition to diarrhea
• Signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, sticky gums, or lethargy
• Weakness, loss of appetite, or significant behavioral changes

Diarrhea in puppies, senior dogs, or pets with underlying health conditions should be addressed right away. If you’re unsure whether your dog’s diarrhea is serious, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and call your veterinarian.

Professional Treatment for Dog Diarrhea

At Heritage Animal Hospital, our veterinarians can perform tests to determine the underlying cause of diarrhea and provide appropriate treatment. Some issues are minor, and we can quickly get your pet on their way to recovery. Depending on the diagnosis, therapy may include treatment for parasites, special diets, or medications. We are fully equipped and skilled in doing further laboratory diagnostics in more challenging cases.

Contact Heritage Animal Hospital

If you’re concerned about dog diarrhea and what might be causing it in your pet, don’t wait. Professional guidance can make all the difference.

👉 Contact us at Heritage Animal Hospital today to schedule an appointment or speak with our veterinary team.