Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

Dog diarrhea for 36 hours, eating & acting normal. When to see vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 55 lbs

My dog has had diarrhea for the last 36 hours. However she is eating and drinking water fine, and us acting normal.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Allison Newth, VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 15th, 2017

There are many reasons why dogs develop diarrhea. Some of these reasons are that they are something they shouldn't like trash, fatty foods, or possibly ate something that isn't food at all, such as a piece of a toy, stick, or stone. A dog may also develop diarrhea from parasites, ingesting a toxin, or some sort of infectious disease, among many other possibilities. My general cutoff if a dog is eating and drinking well and acting normally is 36 hours without the diarrhea resolving likely warrants a trip to the veterinarian. Your vet will examine Natty Boh and may recommend abdominal radiographs and possibly some bloodwork. The vet may prescribe an antidiarrhea medication and because diarrhea can lead to dehydration, they may offer to give her some fluids either under her skin (subcutaneously or in an IV). Until you can get Natty Boh to the veterinarian I would recommend making sure she is drinking well. You can also try a bland diet of plain boiled boneless skinless chicken breast and white rice to help settle her GI tract until she can be examined by her vet. I hope this was helpful!

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored