---
title: "Dog Diarrhoea"
description: "A plain-English UK guide to safe home remedies for dog diarrhoea — bland diet, pumpkin, probiotics — plus two common remedies that can be dangerous."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-diarrhea-home-remedies"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/dog-diarrhea-home-remedies"
date_published: "2026-06-08"
date_modified: "2026-06-08"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Dog Diarrhoea

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.

## 8 safe home remedies for mild dog diarrhoea

1. **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.
2. **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).
3. **Dog-specific probiotics** — restore healthy gut bacteria; vet-recommended brands are best.
4. **Plain yogurt with active cultures** — a small amount may help dogs that tolerate dairy; skip it if it worsens symptoms.
5. **Hydration** — fresh water at all times; plain bone broth can encourage a reluctant drinker.
6. **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.**
7. **Easily digestible alternatives** — boiled plain potato or lean ground turkey if chicken is not tolerated.
8. **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)

## FAQs

### 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.

## Sources

- [PDSA — Poison and your pet](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)
- [Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS)](https://www.vpisglobal.com/)
- [RSPCA — Poisoning](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets)

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Last modified: 2026-06-08