Diarrhea in Dogs: Causes, Natural Remedies & When to Seek Support

Kerrie Hyland
2 days ago
3 min read

Diarrhea in dogs is one of the most common reasons for vet visits, and one of the most frustrating problems for pet parents.

Whether it’s a sudden bout after a new food or a lingering issue that keeps coming back, diarrhea is your dogs digestive system is telling you something just isn't right.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

The most common causes of dog diarrhea
Natural ways to treat and soothe it at home
When to see the vet
How to prevent future flare-ups with gut-supportive care

Brindle bulldog lying on a brick path, looking bored. Wearing a chain collar and leash. Dark metal fence in the background. — Diarrohea can be debilitating

What Does Dog Diarrhea Mean?

Diarrhea is defined as frequent, loose, or watery stools. It’s a symptom, and not a diagnosis. Diarrohea can range from mild and temporary to chronic and serious.

Short-term diarrhea is often a result of something simple like:

Eating something unusual
A sudden diet change
Mild gut inflammation

*This can also be a more serious condition like giardia, pancreatitis or e-coli infection

Chronic or recurring diarrhea may signal:

Gut microbiome imbalance
Food intolerance or allergy
Parasites, infections, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs

Here are some of the most frequent reasons your dog might have diarrhea:

1. Dietary Indiscretion

If you have a dog like this, you know just how much of a garbage guts some dogs can be. They will pick up anything, and everthing and gobbe it down like they have never been fed before.

A ravenous appetite can also be a side effect from some medications such as steroids, and also a symptom of some conditions such as diabetes, or cushings.

If these dogs get into spoiled food, fatty leftovers, or unfamiliar treats, this can cause a sudden digestive upset.

2. Sudden Food Changes

Switching diets too quickly (especially kibble brands or from dry to raw) can throw off the gut bacteria, leading to loose stools. The transition time in changing a dogs food is all about allowing the microbiome to adjust.

3. Food Intolerance or Allergy

Chicken, beef, grains, dairy, or soy are common triggers. These can cause chronic inflammation in the gut and ongoing digestive issues.

4. Parasites

Worms, giardia, or coccidia can cause intermittent or explosive diarrhea, especially in puppies or shelter dogs.

5. Antibiotic Use

Antibiotics disrupt the gut microbiome, wiping out both bad and good bacteria, often leading to post-treatment diarrhea.

6. Stress or Anxiety

Just like in people, emotional stress can trigger diarrhea in sensitive dogs.

Dog lying on a smooth floor, looking calm and thoughtful. Its fur is brown and white, with a softly blurred indoor background. — You dog may have no symptom other than a runny bowel movements, or they can feel very unwell.

Natural Remedies for Dog Diarrhea

Note: If your dog is lethargic, vomiting, has blood in their stool, or is a small breed puppy, a vet visit is indicated.

If your dog is otherwise bright and alert, you can often manage diarrhea at home:

1. Fast Gently

Let the gut rest. Withhold food for 12–24 hours (water always available). This gives inflammation a chance to settle. This is not always suitable for a young puppy, or a very old dog, or one with a metabolic health condition.

2. Soothing Foods

After fasting, offer bland, gut-friendly foods:

Steamed or boiled pumpkin (1 tsp per 5kg)
Bone broth (gelatin-rich, no onion or garlic)
Cooked turkey or white fish with mashed sweet potato
Slippery elm or marshmallow root powder (soothing to gut lining)

3. Probiotics

Replenish good bacteria with dog-specific probiotics. Look for strains like:

Lactobacillus acidophilus
Bifidobacterium animalis
Enterococcus faecium

I like the DR pets Probiotic

Plain kefir or goat milk can be given in small amounts if tolerated.

4. Hydration Support

Diarrhea can cause dehydration. Add:

Electrolyte solutions made for pets
Bone broth ice cubes
Water with a pinch of Himalayan salt and honey (for short-term support)

When to See the Vet

Don’t wait if your dog has:

Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours
Blood or mucus in stool
Vomiting with diarrhea
Refuses water or food
Signs of pain or bloating
Is a puppy, senior, or small breed (at higher dehydration risk)

Parasites, bacterial infections, or serious inflammatory conditions may need emergency care.

Preventing Future Diarrhea

Natural prevention focuses on building long-term gut resilience:

Feed a high-quality, species-appropriate diet
Rotate proteins gradually to build tolerance
Add daily prebiotics (chia, psyllium, chicory root)
Avoid low-quality treats
Support stress with enrichment, routine, and calming herbs if needed
Use herbs like slippery elm or calendula as seasonal gut tonics

Trust the Gut

Occasional diarrhea isn’t uncommon, but chronic or frequent flare-ups are a sign of a distressed gut.

A healthy, balanced gut microbiome is the foundation of your dog’s physical and emotional health. With the right support, most dogs bounce back quickly.