03/06/2026
If your dog has had diarrhoea for less than 24 hours and is otherwise well, you may want to try settling their stomach at home before contacting your vet.
However, you should contact your vet for advice as soon as possible if it’s been ongoing for more than 24 hours, they have an underlying health condition, are taking any medication (especially anti-inflammatory drugs/NSAIDs), are very young, very old, seem unwell in themselves, or have any of the symptoms listed below:
• Blood and/or mucus in their diarrhoea
• Severe or constant watery diarrhoea
• Reduced appetite (eating less)
• Vomiting
• Lethargy (low energy)
• A high temperature
• A painful stomach – dogs with a painful stomach will often yelp when they are picked up, or stand in a ‘prayer position’ with their front legs on the floor and hind legs stood up.
The same applies to dogs producing soft stools but not diarrhoea – if it’s been ongoing for more than 24 hours, contact your vet for advice.
