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🐕🐈 Dogs & Cats
Diarrhea in Pets
Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons pet owners seek veterinary care. A single episode of soft stool is rarely concerning, but persistent, bloody, or watery diarrhea — especially in puppies, kittens, or senior pets — requires prompt attention.
Use the Interactive Triage Tool
Answer a few quick questions to assess urgency for your pet's specific situation.
🚨 Seek Emergency Care Immediately If:
- ! Large amounts of bloody diarrhea
- ! Diarrhea with vomiting in a puppy/kitten
- ! Severe lethargy or inability to stand
- ! Signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, skin tenting)
- ! Known toxin ingestion with diarrhea
- ! Diarrhea in a very young puppy (possible parvovirus)
ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
When to See Your Vet
- !Blood in stool
- !Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
- !Puppy or kitten with diarrhea
- !Accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or appetite loss
- !Signs of dehydration
- !Your pet has a chronic health condition
Home Monitoring & Care
- ✓Feed a bland diet: 75% white rice + 25% boiled chicken (dogs) or boiled chicken with a small amount of rice (cats)
- ✓Ensure constant access to fresh water
- ✓Add 1–2 tablespoons plain canned pumpkin to food (dogs)
- ✓Consider a veterinary probiotic (FortiFlora)
- ✓Monitor stool consistency — should improve within 24–48 hours
- ✓Gradually reintroduce regular food over 3–5 days once stools firm up
Common Causes
Dietary indiscretionSudden food changeStress or anxietyIntestinal parasitesFood intolerance or allergyBacterial or viral infectionInflammatory bowel diseasePancreatitisMedications (antibiotics)Parvovirus (puppies)
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Disclaimer:This guide is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian for your pet's specific health concerns.