What Can I Give My Dog for Diarrhea? Safe Remedies & When to Worry

Depends on signs

For mild diarrhea in an otherwise healthy adult dog, a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice, plain canned pumpkin and plenty of water usually help within 1-2 days. Do not give Imodium or Pepto-Bismol without asking your vet, and see a vet quickly if there is blood, vomiting, lethargy, or if your dog is a puppy.

See a vet now if you notice:

Blood in the stool or black, tarry stool
Vomiting as well as diarrhea
Lethargy, weakness or pale gums
A puppy, senior dog or dog with health problems
Diarrhea lasting more than 24-48 hours
You suspect your dog ate something toxic or a foreign object
Signs of pain, a bloated belly or fever

Safe things to try at home

Keep fresh water available at all times. Diarrhea causes fluid loss, and dehydration is the main danger.
Feed a bland diet: plain boiled, skinless chicken breast (or lean ground turkey, drained) mixed with plain white rice, about 1 part meat to 2-3 parts rice.
Give small meals 3-4 times a day for 2-3 days, then mix back into the normal food over another 2-3 days.
Add plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling), about 1 teaspoon per 10 lb of body weight per meal. Its soluble fiber helps firm stool.
Ask your vet about a veterinary probiotic, which can shorten mild diarrhea.

Should I stop feeding my dog?

A short break of up to 12 hours may be okay for a healthy adult dog, but most vets now prefer small bland meals rather than long fasts. Never withhold food from puppies, toy breeds, or dogs with diabetes or other illnesses, as their blood sugar can drop.

What not to give

Imodium (loperamide): AKC advises not to use it without a vet. It is dangerous for herding breeds with the MDR1 gene mutation (collies, Australian shepherds, Shetland sheepdogs and others), and it can make infections or poisonings worse.
Pepto-Bismol: contains bismuth subsalicylate, a relative of aspirin. It turns stool black (which can hide bleeding), interacts with vet pain medicines and is only safe at a vet-advised dose.
Rich or fatty food, dairy and treats while the gut recovers.
Human antibiotics or leftover pet medicines.

Common causes

Eating garbage, new treats or a sudden food change ("dietary indiscretion")
Stress, travel or boarding
Parasites such as Giardia, roundworms and whipworms
Viral infections such as parvovirus (especially in unvaccinated puppies)
Food intolerance, pancreatitis, toxins and other illnesses

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

How much pumpkin should I give my dog for diarrhea?

About 1 teaspoon of plain canned pumpkin per 10 lb of body weight, once or twice a day. Too much can cause loose stool itself.

Can I give my dog rice for diarrhea?

Yes. Plain white rice with boiled chicken is a classic bland diet. Brown rice has more fiber and is harder to digest during diarrhea.

How long does dog diarrhea last?

Mild diarrhea from a diet change or eating something odd usually resolves within 1-3 days. See a vet if it lasts longer or your dog seems unwell.

Can I give my dog Imodium?

Only if your vet says so and gives the dose. Loperamide can be dangerous for MDR1 breeds and in infections or poisonings.

More "what can I give my pet" guides

Sources

General information for pet owners, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your dog, call your vet: they know your pet's history.

What Can I Give My Dog for Diarrhea?