A–Z topic · D
Diarrhoea in dogs
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.
The full guide
Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.
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.