Whether it’s a one-off splatter or an ongoing issue, diarrhoea is the gut saying ‘no thanks.’ From parasites to stress, here’s what’s behind your dog’s runny toilet habits.
Why check out this article?
Our Top 10 must-knows about dog diarrhoea
Diet Change: A new food - especially one with grains or different proteins - can cause loose stools, as the gut microbiome reacts to ingredients it hasn’t seen before.
Food Intolerance: Some dogs can’t digest chicken, wheat or dairy. Their guts respond with soft stools, bloating, and loud stomach gurgles within hours of eating.
Parasites: Giardia, whipworms and roundworms damage the gut lining. The result? Explosive or mucousy diarrhoea, often with weight loss and scooting behaviour.
Stress: Boarding kennels, loud noise, or guests at home can trigger stress colitis. The stool may be soft, urgent, and coated with slime - but the dog otherwise seems well.
Bacterial Infections: Bugs like E. coli or salmonella can trigger sudden diarrhoea. Dogs may act off-colour, have a mild fever or pass stool that’s green and very watery.
Antibiotics: Gut flora disruption during treatment leads to soft or runny poo, especially if probiotics aren’t used. It often resolves after the course ends.
Exocrine pacreatic insufficiency: The pancreas fails to release enzymes, leading to yellow, greasy diarrhoea and extreme hunger with weight loss in affected dogs.
Toxicity: Slug pellets, garbage, or spoiled food can cause violent diarrhoea as the body tries to flush the poison fast—often with vomiting and shaking alongside.
IBD Flare-up: Inflammatory Bowel Disease causes long-term gut inflammation. Flares involve diarrhoea, mucus and weight loss, and need medication - not just diet changes.
Parvo Virus: This deadly disease causes bloody, foul-smelling diarrhoea and rapid collapse in unvaccinated puppies. Seek emergency help immediately if suspected.
Fetch More Articles
Summary of this article
Diarrhoea isn’t always simple. Watch for blood, lethargy or repeat episodes.
From the experts: Diarrhoea lasting over 24 hours, especially with blood, vomiting or lethargy, is a veterinary issue. In puppies, dehydration can escalate within hours.
Got questions? Max is hanging out on the right of your display - give him a shout!
"dogAdvisor didn't just grow. It exploded. Every line on the site, from its dog-themed cursor to its London Green branding reflects care and intentionality"
dogAdvisor's name and logo is a registered trademark number UK00004180661. dogAdvisor's website, articles, design, logo and dogAdvisor Max are Copyright (©) dogAdvisor 2024/2025. All dogAdvisor publications and documents are Copyright (©) dogAdvisor 2025. By using dogAdvisor, you agree to our Privacy Service Terms. Content may contain errors and Max’s guidance is for general informational purposes only, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
