Diarrhea in Dogs: Bland Diet or Vet?

Diarrhea is usually harmless and self-limiting – but there are clear limits.

Go to the vet immediately

• Blood in stool, black stool
• Diarrhea with vomiting, fever or apathy
• Puppies and seniors: after just 24 hours (risk of dehydration)
• Suspicion of poison or foreign object

For otherwise fit dogs

1. 12–24 h rest: Water always available, food break or small portions of light food.
2. Light food: cooked rice with chicken (skinless, unseasoned) or cottage cheese with potato – 3–4 small portions daily.
3. Gradual return: mix light food with normal food over 2–3 days.

Prevention

The most common causes are sudden food changes and eating from the floor. Always mix food changes over 1–2 weeks – more on this in the Nutrition Guide; anti-vacuum cleaner training in “Hört aufs Wort”.