Puppy Diarrhoea: When to Worry and What to Do
Common causes of puppy diarrhoea, gentle home care for a mild case in an older, otherwise-well puppy, and the red flags that mean you should call your vet now.
MyPuppiess Team · · 3 min read
Puppy diarrhoea is common and is often caused by a change of food or eating something they shouldn't. But puppies dehydrate much faster than adult dogs, and diarrhoea can also be a sign of serious infections such as parvovirus. If your puppy is very young, unvaccinated, or seems unwell in any way, call your vet straight away rather than waiting.
Common causes
- A sudden change of diet. Moving to a new food too quickly. See our guide on how to switch dog food.
- Eating something unsuitable. Rich leftovers, rubbish, grass, or something toxic.
- Stress. A new home, travel or a change in routine can upset the gut.
- Worms and other parasites. Roundworms and giardia are common in puppies.
- Infections. Viruses such as parvovirus, and bacteria such as salmonella or campylobacter.
- Swallowed objects. Toys, socks or bones can cause a blockage.
- Food intolerance. Some puppies react to particular ingredients.
Red flags: call your vet urgently
Parvovirus: why vaccination matters
Canine parvovirus is a serious, highly contagious virus that mostly affects unvaccinated puppies. Typical signs include severe, often bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy and refusing food. It can become life-threatening quickly, so suspected parvo is always an emergency. Phone ahead so the practice can keep other dogs safe. Read more in our guide to parvo in puppies, and keep your puppy's vaccinations on track.
Home care for a mild case
Home care is only suitable for an older puppy who is fully vaccinated, bright, playful, eating and drinking normally, and who has had a mild bout of loose stools for less than a day — for example, after a food change. Even then, it's sensible to phone your vet first for advice that suits your puppy.
If your vet agrees home care is appropriate, they may suggest:
- Plenty of fresh water. Make sure your puppy keeps drinking. Your vet may recommend an oral rehydration product made for pets.
- Small, frequent meals. Don't starve a puppy. Your vet may suggest a bland diet, such as plain boiled chicken with plain white rice, or a vet-prescribed gut-friendly food. See can dogs eat rice for more.
- Rest. Keep play gentle until they've recovered.
- Back to normal gradually. Once stools are firm, mix their usual food back in over a few days.
Never give human anti-diarrhoea medicines unless your vet tells you to. Some are dangerous for dogs.
Keep an eye on things
| Sign | What it may mean |
|---|---|
| Soft but formed, puppy bright | Often a minor upset — monitor and call your vet if it doesn't improve |
| Watery and frequent | Higher risk of dehydration — call your vet |
| Mucus or a little fresh blood | Gut irritation — call your vet for advice |
| Lots of blood, or black and tarry | Urgent — call your vet now |
| Diarrhoea with vomiting or lethargy | Urgent — call your vet now |
Preventing tummy upsets
- Change food gradually over about a week.
- Keep rubbish, leftovers and toxic foods out of reach.
- Follow your vet's worming and vaccination schedule.
- Limit treats and keep them simple.
- Pick up toys and small objects your puppy could swallow.
Most bouts of puppy diarrhoea pass quickly, but when in doubt, call your vet. With a young puppy, it's always better to check early.
Frequently asked questions
Should I starve my puppy if they have diarrhoea?
No — don't withhold food from a puppy unless your vet tells you to. Puppies have small energy reserves and can quickly become weak or dehydrated. Phone your vet for advice instead.
How long does puppy diarrhoea last?
A mild upset from a food change often settles within a day. Diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours, or coming with any other signs of illness, needs a vet check.
Can a change of food cause diarrhoea?
Yes. A sudden switch to a new food is one of the most common causes. Changing gradually over about a week helps prevent it.