There’s nothing like the sheer panic of hearing that telltale sound from the other room and realizing your dog just had a poop emergency.
At The Pets Table, we’ve been there. And as fellow dog parents, we know the chaos that comes with a suddenly soggy butt situation. Is it something they ate? Are they sick? Did they somehow get into the trash again, even though you triple-secured it like Fort Knox?
Whether it’s a one-time slip-up or you’re on day three of “diarrhea roulette,” we’re here to help. Read on to find out what might’ve caused the tummy trouble, when it’s time to worry, and what you can actually do to help your pup feel better.
What Exactly Is Diarrhea?
Let’s get one thing straight: we’re not trying to gross you out. But if you’ve ever had to do the dreaded poop scoop after your dog has a blowout, you know not all BMs are created equal.
Dog diarrhea is basically when their poop goes from “solid and scoopable” to “why is this soup.” It means things are moving a little too quickly through their digestive tract, so the body doesn’t have time to absorb water or nutrients like it should.
Here’s what diarrhea can look like in dogs:
- Watery, mushy, or loose stools
- More frequent bathroom breaks
- Accidents in the house (even for the fully potty-trained pros)
- Straining, discomfort, or urgency
- A little extra gas or tummy gurgles
Mild diarrhea might clear up on its own, but sometimes it’s a sign that something’s off in the gut.
What Causes Dog Diarrhea?
Believe it or not, a lot of things can send your dog’s stomach into full-on freakout mode. Some are harmless, and some need a vet’s attention.
Let’s break down the usual suspects.
They Ate Something They Shouldn’t Have
This is probably the most classic dog move of all time. You blink, and somehow, they’ve hoovered a chicken bone, a mystery snack off the sidewalk, or half a roll of toilet paper. Dogs explore the world mouth-first; unfortunately, their idea of a tasty treat doesn’t always match ours.
The issue is that their digestive systems aren’t built to handle most human foods, especially fatty, salty, spicy, or sugary stuff. Even small amounts of things like dairy, certain veggies (like onions or garlic), or fatty table scraps can irritate their gut and lead to a blowout.
It’s not just food, either. Non-edibles like socks, mulch, toys, or, yes, poop from other animals can also be to blame. Anything that doesn’t belong in their belly can mess with digestion and come out the messy way.
Sudden Diet Change
Switching your dog’s food cold turkey can send their stomach into a full panic. Their digestive tract gets used to whatever they’re eating, and a brand-new food (no matter how high-quality or healthy) can throw things out of balance.
This kind of dietary whiplash can cause loose stools, gurgly bellies, and frequent bathroom sprints. It’s super common when folks switch to fresh or air-dried food without easing into it slowly. Don’t worry, though, it doesn’t mean the food’s bad. It just means your pup needs a little warm-up before diving in.
Bacterial or Viral Infections
Sometimes it’s not what they ate, it’s what they picked up. Infections from bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, or viruses like parvo, can hit the digestive system hard and fast. These bugs can cause intense diarrhea, often along with vomiting, fever, lethargy, or even blood in the stool. If you’re seeing those signs, it’s a vet visit kind of situation, no waiting.
Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with weaker immune systems are especially at risk. In some cases, infections come from contaminated food or water, but other times it’s just bad luck from sniffing around the wrong patch of grass.
Stress or Anxiety
Yup, dogs can get the nervous poops, too. They may not have jobs or taxes, but that doesn’t mean their lives are stress-free.
Any change in routine or environment can trigger anxiety: moving houses, a new baby or pet, a vet visit, loud noises, boarding, or even something as small as you being gone longer than usual. And when dogs get stressed, their gut gets stressed, too.
Why? Because the gut-brain connection is totally a thing, even for dogs. When their brain is on edge, their belly feels it. Anxiety can throw digestion out of whack and lead to sudden diarrhea, even if your pup seems fine otherwise.
So, if your dog’s acting clingy, jumpy, or pacing like they’ve got beef with the couch and their poop is suddenly funky, stress might be to blame.
Parasites
Look, we hate to say it, but your dog’s digestive drama might be coming from some seriously unwelcome tagalongs. Parasites like roundworms, hookworms, Giardia, and coccidia love to crash the gut party, especially in puppies or dogs who treat the outdoors like an all-you-can-eat buffet.
These microscopic freeloaders irritate the intestines, mess with absorption, and can cause anything from soft stools to straight-up watery mayhem. You might also notice bloating, weight loss, or a dull coat if they’ve been hanging around a while.
Parasites can sneak in through contaminated water, soil, or even other dogs. The good news? Vets can usually diagnose them with a quick poop test and get your pup back on track with the right meds.
So Your Beloved Pooch Has Diarrhea — Now What?
First of all: don’t panic. Yes, there’s poop where poop shouldn’t be. Yes, your dog probably just looked you dead in the eyes while leaving a trail on your rug. But take a deep breath (maybe not through your nose), and let’s go over what to do.
Take a Look at the Poop.
We know. Gross. But it helps. Is it watery? Mucusy? Is there blood? (Tiny flecks might happen from straining, but anything more = vet.) Keep an eye out for color, too: black tarry poop or gray-ish stool can signal something more serious.
Check in With Your Pup.
A poop problem with zero personality changes is usually a good sign. If your dog is still zooming around the yard, stealing yesterday’s underwear, and begging for treats, the issue may be minor and short-lived.
But if they’re suddenly glued to the couch, refusing food, throwing up, or acting off, that’s worth paying attention to. Dogs are sneaky about hiding discomfort, so even subtle behavior shifts matter. Look for things like pacing, whining, hiding, or even avoiding eye contact. You know your dog’s vibe. If it feels off, it probably is.
Hit Pause on Treats and Extras.
This one’s huge. That new chew, table scrap, or surprise peanut butter spoon might’ve been too much for their belly to handle. Even natural treats can trigger tummy trouble, especially if your dog isn’t used to them.
For now, stick to their regular food and cut out anything extra. If your pup’s diarrhea is pretty intense, you can even skip meals for 12 to 24 hours to give their gut a break. Just don’t withhold water. Hydration is non-negotiable.
And heads up, this isn’t the time to test out new food, toppers, or that “digestive booster” you saw online. Simplicity is your best friend right now.
Keep Them Hydrated.
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration fast, and dogs won’t always act thirsty, even when they need fluids. Make sure their water bowl is full and clean, and offer it often.
If they’re being weird about drinking, you can try flavoring their H2O with a splash of low-sodium broth or offering ice cubes to lick. If you gently pinch the skin on the back of their neck and it doesn’t bounce back quickly, that could be a sign they’re starting to get dehydrated. In that case, you’ll want to call the vet.
Puppies, senior dogs, and smaller breeds are especially prone to losing fluids quickly, so keep an extra close eye on them.
Monitor for the Next 24 Hours.
If the poop is a one-off and your dog still seems like their usual self, you can usually keep things low-key and observe.
Stick with bland food (if any at all), keep the water flowing, and try to limit excitement. Sometimes, their belly just needs a little time to settle. And yes, that includes pausing the wild fetch sessions and long walks.
Keep tabs on how things progress: if the diarrhea stops or starts to firm up, great. But if it continues beyond a day or two, gets worse, or you notice any new symptoms (vomiting, lethargy, blood), it’s time to call in the pros.
The Bottom Line
And there you have it — dog diarrhea decoded. We covered the good, the bad, and the seriously smelly, so you know exactly what to do when your pup’s bathroom routine goes rogue.
Once you’ve got things cleaned up (literally and figuratively), it might be a good time to think about what goes into that bowl. A sensitive tummy can sometimes be a picky one, and feeding your pup high-quality meals with real ingredients can help keep their gut happier long-term.
At The Pets Table, we make fresh and air-dried food with your dog’s digestion in mind. Whether you go all-in with our Beef Stew with Carrots or mix it up with the air-dried Beef and Berries, our recipes are packed with nutrients, made with love, and approved by vet nutritionists. Plus, everything’s personalized for your pup (yup, no guesswork required).
So, if your dog’s been riding the diarrhea rollercoaster one too many times, maybe it’s time to switch up what’s in the bowl. Take the quiz, get a custom plan, and treat your pup to food that’s made to sit — and stay — right with their tummy. Trust us; you’ll be glad you did!
Sources:
Diarrhea in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals
Dog Diarrhea: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments | AKC
5 Ways Pets Help With Stress and Mental Health | American Heart Association