What to do when your puppy has diarrhea

Quick takeaways about summer appetite loss

• Occasional tummy trouble is usually nothing to worry about for a puppy – it’s pretty common.
• Canine parvovirus (or Parvo) only affects around 2% of puppies and there are extra symptoms to look out for.
• If your puppy’s diarrhea lasts for more than a day, it’s time to get to the vet.

When your bundle of joy has an upset tummy, it’s natural to worry. Yes, we’re talking about those messy bouts of puppy diarrhea. Usually, sloppy poos are down to a few common reasons, but if it lasts for more than a day, or they’ve gone off food and/or water, talk to a vet as soon as you can. Here, we share how to nurse your pup back to their playful self, and how to tell when it’s time for a trip to the vets.
 

Why does my puppy have diarrhea?

If you’ve noticed your puppy’s poo has become soft, shapeless, difficult to pick up, or even completely runny – it’s diarrhea.
There are a few reasons why they might be having tummy troubles – from sneaky snacks to parasites and viruses, or even just plain old stress.
Understanding what's behind the mess is the first step to getting your pup feeling back on track.
 

1. Eating something they shouldn’t

If your pup managed to snaffle something suspicious on a walk, got their snout into the bin or even raided the dinner table, they might end up with diarrhea.
Things that could make your puppy seriously unwell include eating:
 

• Poop, dead animals, or rotten and old food
• Toxic plants or flowers, or plants with pesticides
• Inedible things, like plastic or fabric
• Human food that’s toxic for dogs, like chocolate.

If you think your puppy has eaten something dangerous, get them to the vet straight away.
 

2. Contagious illnesses

Just like us, germs spread between dogs too. Parasites, viruses and bacteria can all cause diarrhea, though some are more serious than others.
 

3. Stress

Puppies are sensitive, and changes in routine and environment are all sources of stress that can lead to diarrhea.
If stress is behind your puppy’s upset tummy, then it should settle down quickly – especially once the trigger is resolved.
 

4. Food intolerance

It’s unusual for food intolerances to show up in puppies, but it can happen.
If you notice a pattern of diarrhea around your puppy eating certain foods or think they may have a food intolerance, speak to your vet.
 

5. Switching diets too quickly

Any changes in what you’re feeding your puppy should be nice and slow to avoid tummy upsets. Follow our 7-day meal-switching plan if you’re looking to introduce your puppy to a raw diet.
 

Should I take my puppy to the vet for diarrhea?

Speak to a vet immediately if you notice any of these:

• Your puppy has severe diarrhea – runny poop several times over 3-4 hours
• The diarrhea lasts longer than 1 day
• They won’t eat or drink
• They feel hot, are very tired, or seem generally unwell or in pain
• Their poo is black or bloody
• They have pale or dry gums
• They may have eaten something dangerous.

They could become dehydrated, or have a more serious illness, so they need a vet's attention quickly.
 

What to do when a puppy has diarrhea

Usually, puppy diarrhea eases off within a day. Here’s what you can do to help them feel better and speed up their recovery.

• Make sure they have a bowl of clean water close by.
• At mealtimes, think bland – small amounts of plain chicken and rice to help settle their stomach.

Your puppy should be feeling right as rain soon. But, if they’re still having diarrhea after a day, give the vet a call.
 

What to do if a puppy has diarrhea when transitioning to raw food?

First, don’t panic! It’s normal for puppies and dogs to get mild diarrhea when new foods are introduced. It doesn’t mean they can’t handle their new diet, but just that their tummy needs time to adjust.
The trick is to go slow and keep it consistent once they’ve transitioned. Follow our 7-day switch plan to lower the chances of tummy troubles along the way.
 

Puppy diarrhea FAQs

What should you feed a puppy with diarrhea?

Think plain and simple, and feed them little and often:

• Boiled chicken or white fish
• White rice
• Unsweetened pumpkin puree

 

Should you hold back food for a while?

There’s no need to hold off completely, though you could wait a couple of hours if they’re having lots of diarrhea, or very runny diarrhea.
The best approach is to feed them small portions frequently and make sure they have water close by.
 

What are the signs of dehydration in puppies?

Look out for dry gums, excessive panting, or just an overall sluggish vibe, and call a vet quickly.
 

Is it normal for puppies to have diarrhea often?

Every puppy has their off days, but if it's becoming a regular thing, it's worth investigating.
 

Can puppy teething cause diarrhea?

Teething can lead to some gnawing adventures, but it's not usually the culprit behind sloppy poos.
 

My puppy has diarrhea – could it be parvo?

Parvo is a contagious virus but it only affects around 2% of puppies, so there’s no need to panic if they’ve only had tummy troubles for a day or so. There are other signs to watch for with parvo, including:

• Your puppy seems exhausted, limp, or ‘out of it’
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Severe and bloody diarrhea

If you're worried, call your vet ASAP.
 
Try a personalised meal plan with quality, natural raw ingredients to help keep your dog healthy and happy.