How long does dog diarrhoea usually last?

Mild cases often improve within 24–48 hours on a bland diet. If diarrhoea persists beyond 48 hours, see a vet.

Can I give my dog Imodium for diarrhoea?

Only under direct veterinary guidance. It can be unsafe for certain dogs, especially herding breeds with the MDR1 gene mutation.

How much pumpkin should I give a dog with diarrhoea?

Roughly 1 teaspoon for small dogs up to 1–2 tablespoons for large dogs per meal, using plain 100% canned pumpkin — not pie filling.

Dog Health

Dog Diarrhoea

Published 8 June 2026Last updated 8 June 20262 min read

Quick answer

For mild diarrhoea in an otherwise healthy adult dog, safe home steps include a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice, plain canned pumpkin, dog-specific probiotics, and plenty of water. Avoid giving human anti-diarrheal medicines like Imodium and Pepto-Bismol without veterinary guidance — they can be dangerous for some dogs. See a vet if diarrhoea lasts beyond 48 hours or comes with blood, vomiting, or lethargy.

Key takeaways

Mild cases often improve within 24–48 hours on a bland diet. If diarrhoea persists beyond 48 hours, see a vet.
Only under direct veterinary guidance. It can be unsafe for certain dogs, especially herding breeds with the MDR1 gene mutation.
Roughly 1 teaspoon for small dogs up to 1–2 tablespoons for large dogs per meal, using plain 100% canned pumpkin — not pie filling.

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8 safe home remedies for mild dog diarrhoea

Bland diet — boiled, skinless chicken with plain white rice (about two parts chicken to one part rice), in small frequent meals, helps settle the gut.
Plain canned pumpkin — 100% pumpkin, not pie filling. Its soluble fiber helps firm stool (roughly 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon depending on the dog's size).
Dog-specific probiotics — restore healthy gut bacteria; vet-recommended brands are best.
Plain yogurt with active cultures — a small amount may help dogs that tolerate dairy; skip it if it worsens symptoms.
Hydration — fresh water at all times; plain bone broth can encourage a reluctant drinker.
A short rest for the gut — a brief fast (only for healthy adult dogs, with water always available) can help; never fast puppies, seniors, or pregnant, diabetic, or ill dogs.
Easily digestible alternatives — boiled plain potato or lean ground turkey if chicken is not tolerated.
A vet-recommended gastrointestinal diet — formulated sensitive-stomach foods are gentle and reliable for recovery.

The 2 remedies that can be dangerous

Imodium (loperamide). It can be unsafe for dogs and is especially risky for herding breeds — Collies, Shelties, Australian Shepherds and others with the MDR1 gene mutation can have severe reactions. It can also mask a serious underlying problem. Use only if your vet specifically directs it.
Pepto-Bismol / Kaopectate (bismuth subsalicylate). This belongs to the aspirin family, can irritate the gut, may cause black stools that hide signs of internal bleeding, and is toxic to cats. Do not give it unless your vet prescribes a dose.

When should I take my dog to the vet?

Get veterinary care if you see any of the following:

Blood in the stool or black, tarry stool
Repeated vomiting alongside diarrhoea
Lethargy, weakness, or signs of dehydration
Refusal to eat or drink
Diarrhoea lasting more than 48 hours (sooner for puppies and seniors)

Sources & further reading

Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.

PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-08).

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does dog diarrhoea usually last?: Mild cases often improve within 24–48 hours on a bland diet. If diarrhoea persists beyond 48 hours, see a vet.
Can I give my dog Imodium for diarrhoea?: Only under direct veterinary guidance. It can be unsafe for certain dogs, especially herding breeds with the MDR1 gene mutation.
How much pumpkin should I give a dog with diarrhoea?: Roughly 1 teaspoon for small dogs up to 1–2 tablespoons for large dogs per meal, using plain 100% canned pumpkin — not pie filling.