Question
Can I treat my pup's diarrhea at home? When should I take him to the veterinarian?
Quick Answer
If your dog is acting like normal, and keeping hydrated, and if there's no blood, vomiting, lethargy, or dehydration, veterinarians recommend starting with simple at-home care for the first 24–48 hours, then following the 2-day rule: if it lasts more than two days, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
While you're keeping an eye on your pup, set up an easy-to-clean "recovery zone" (kitchen, laundry room, or tiled area that's easy to clean) so your pup's upset stomach accidents don't turn into a full-home emergency. There are two My Pet Command pet products that help with at-home dog diarrhea emergencies.
At My Pet Command, we recommend the following:
- A wireless, shock-free indoor pet barrier with a collar that can help keep your pup safely contained on a washable floor, and it can be used without shock by selecting a tone-only training setting, so you can gently guide boundaries while your pup recovers.
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Professional Dog Hair Dryer (portable, adjustable hot/cold airflow):
If your dog has diarrhea, your “recovery routine” should focus on hydration, bland meals, and keeping them clean and calm. For fluffier coats, quick drying is essential for cleanups.
The 2-Day Rule
Call the vet if loose stool lasts more than two days. Why it matters: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte problems, especially if vomiting is also happening. VCA explains that dehydration can occur quickly when vomiting and diarrhea persist, and also that stress can trigger diarrhea.
"Stress, especially following travel, boarding, or other changes in the environment, can also cause acute diarrhea." Diarrhea can also be one of the first signs of parvovirus, a life-threatening viral infection in susceptible dogs.
There's nothing worse than dealing with dog diarrhea. It's no fun for you and your pup. Most times, diarrhea occurs when your pup eats something indigestible that irritates the stomach or bowel.
Red Flags (don't wait)
If any of these show up, call your vet right away or head to urgent/emergency care:
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Blood in stool or black/tarry stool
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Vomiting + lethargy/weakness, fever, abdominal pain, loss of appetite.
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Dehydration signs (dry gums, sunken eyes, skin "tents")
Sometimes, it's an irritant like a particular food that your pup is sensitive to, like meats, spices, milk products, grains, and even switching to a new food too quickly. Each pup is different, so it's essential to also think about other causes, like the following:
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Intestinal parasites
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Excitement
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Anxiety
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Dietary indiscretion
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine includes some serious potential causes, which can include:
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Cancer
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Toxicity
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Pancreatic disorders
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Addison's disease, liver or heart disease
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Immune disorders
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Viruses
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Infection and even inflammation of the GI tract
Treatment
VCA adds that your veterinarian may advise you to withhold food for a period of time or to feed smaller quantities of a prescription diet for gastrointestinal problems. De-wormers, anti-diarrheal agents, and sometimes probiotics can help treat diarrhea in dogs.
VCA explains that when your dog's stools return to normal, you can slowly transition back to your dog's regular diet. If your dog does not improve within 2 to 4 days, more aggressive treatment may be needed.
This is an essential precaution because dehydration and metabolic disturbances can occur quickly due to fluid loss, and your dog may need to be hospitalized and treated with intravenous fluid therapy.
Track these details (makes the visit easier)
Write down and give to your veterinarian.
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When diarrhea started + how many episodes/day
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Stool appearance (watery, mucus, blood, black/tarry)
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Vomiting? Appetite? Energy level?
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New foods/treats/garbage access
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Daycare/dog park/boarding exposure
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Current meds/supplements
Conclusion
Most cases of diarrhea are easy to treat, and dogs usually recover quickly. Use two simple tools: the 2-day rule and the red flag checklist. If loose stool lasts more than two days, call your vet, and call sooner if you see blood, black/tarry stool, vomiting with lethargy, or signs of dehydration.
When at home, caring for your pup, monitor your dog's diarrhea and focus on the basics: keep fresh water available, offer a bland diet if your dog is otherwise acting normally, and avoid rich treats or sudden food changes.
Use the My Pet Command wireless indoor pet barrier with shock-free option to set up an easy-clean recovery area, and the My Pet Command professional dog hair dryer to help with emergency baths and keep your pup clean. Both products help keep your home clean, and short- and long-coated dogs clean and dry after messy episodes, helping prevent irritation.
Dog Diarrhea FAQs
When should I take my dog to the vet for diarrhea?
If your pup's loose stools last more than 2 days, take your dog to the veterinarian. If you see black, tarry stools, this indicates your dog has blood in his stool; visit your veterinarian immediately. The same applies to dehydration and lethargy.
Can I give my dog Imodium or Pepto for diarrhea?
Only if your veterinarian specifically tells you to. These are human medications, and they aren’t safe or appropriate for every dog or every cause of diarrhea.
If your dog has blood in the stool, repeated vomiting, lethargy, or signs of dehydration, skip home medications and call your vet right away. The AKC adds that there are many medical reasons why administering loperamide can be harmful, sometimes even life-threatening for dogs.
Most importantly, if your pup has the multidrug resistance one gene (MDR1 or ABCB1 mutation), never give them medication containing loperamide, as it can lead to severe, life-threatening complications.
When is dog diarrhea an emergency?
Dog diarrhea is an emergency if you see blood (bright red) or black/tarry stool, if diarrhea comes with vomiting + lethargy/weakness, or if you notice dehydration signs (dry/tacky gums, sunken eyes, or skin that stays “tented”). Puppies, seniors, and tiny dogs can get dehydrated faster, so it’s safer to call your veterinarian sooner.
What should I feed my dog with diarrhea?
For mild diarrhea (no blood, no repeated vomiting; your dog is drinking and acting normally), many pet parents use a short-term bland diet, such as plain boiled chicken with white rice in small portions, then transition back to regular food gradually once stools improve.
What are the best products to help manage dog diarrhea at home?
For mild diarrhea (if your pup is acting like his usual self, drinking water, and there’s no blood in his diarrhea, no vomiting, no excessive tiredness, or dehydration), the best at-home pet products are also those that support a clean environment and a clean dog.
Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water. If appropriate, feed a bland diet. Use tools that make accidents easier to manage while you watch for symptoms.
Two top picks for dog diarrhea include: My Pet Command, which fits this situation:
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My Pet Command Wireless Indoor Pet Barrier with collar (tone-only / no-shock use): Helps you create an easy-clean “recovery zone” (kitchen, laundry room, tile) so you can monitor your dog closely and keep them away from carpets or bedrooms during frequent potty trips.
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My Pet Command Portable Pet Hair Dryer / High-Velocity Dryer: After cleanup, especially for long-haired or double-coated dogs, drying the coat quickly helps prevent moisture from remaining on the skin and reduces lingering odor and irritation after your pup has had a bout of diarrhea.
