Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Is it normal for a new puppy to have diarrhea after coming home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Cattle Dog | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 10 days old | 2 lbs

After taking a new puppy home. Is diarrhea common for a few days? Due to stress of leaving home and mother and eating new food?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Daniela Jessen, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 11th, 2017

Diarrhea is a common problem in puppies, and can range from a short duration mild episode to a severe of a serious underlying condition. There are a number of causes of diarrhea in very young dogs, the most common ones include: stress induced, change in diet, Ingestion of a foreign object, parasites and viral infections. If your puppy is having diarrhea, there's no reason to panic as long as the puppy still eating drinking and playful or the diarrhea is very severe. It’s always important to keep a close eye on a puppy with diarrhea, as puppies can get much sicker much faster. If the problem doesn't resolve within a few potty sessions, or the puppy start to show other systemic signs such as vomiting, lethargy, reduced appetite you should make an appointment with your veterinarian or local emergency clinic. Bear in mind young puppies can become dangerously dehydrated in 24 hours or less.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes it can be common. Stress and new diet can come into play but puppies tend to be riddled with parasites. The most common dewormers don't get giardia and coccidia. If it has been longer than 3 days I would take him to the Vet. Bring a stool sample. It's best to treat it before it goes on too long. I hope this helps and I wish you and Bandit the best!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Sponsored