Symptom guide
Dog Loose Stool & Diarrhea
Soft or liquid stool — dietary indiscretion is most common; chronic cases point to food sensitivity or inflammatory disease.
Triage
Depends on severity
A single day of soft stool in an otherwise-fine dog is usually self-limiting. Multiple days, blood, or lethargy means telehealth or in-person vet.
Common causes
- •dietary indiscretion (ate something)
- •sudden food change
- •food allergy or sensitivity
- •stress
- •parasites (giardia, hookworm)
- •inflammatory bowel disease
- •pancreatitis
When to call the vet now
Any of these signs means telehealth isn't enough — get in-person vet care today.
- ⚠blood in stool (bright red or black/tarry)
- ⚠vomiting + diarrhea together
- ⚠lethargy or not eating
- ⚠puppies — dehydration sets in fast
- ⚠lasts more than 48 hours
Breeds most prone to loose stool & diarrhea
Not exhaustive — any dog can have this. These breeds are just more commonly affected.
What can help
Products and services matched to this symptom.
Dutch
24/7 vet care and prescriptions delivered
- •Unlimited vet chats
- •Rx delivered to door
- •$11/month
- •Covers anxiety, allergies, derm
Vetster
Book online vet appointments with licensed professionals
- •Licensed vets online
- •24/7 appointment access
- •Video, chat, and voice
- •Prescription support where permitted
The Farmer's Dog
Fresh, human-grade food portioned for your dog
- •Human-grade fresh food
- •Portioned per dog
- •Vet-developed recipes
- •50% off first box
Ollie
Fresh food with both cooked and baked recipes
- •Fresh and baked recipes
- •Turkey, beef, lamb, chicken proteins
- •Custom portions
- •60% off first box
Barkly is not a veterinary service and does not diagnose or prescribe. This is educational content to help you understand your dog's symptoms. For diagnosis and treatment, talk to a licensed vet.