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My dog has diarrhea but is eating. Should I wait or go to the ER?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog Watson has had 4-5 bouts of diarrhea over the past 6 hours. The stools are mucusy and watery and a yellowish brown color. He is eating normally, drinking water, seems a bit more tired than normal but no other symptoms. No vomiting, no lack of appetite etc... is this something that requires emergency veterinary attention or should I watch it for 24 hours and see how he does? I have given him rice and eggs for his dinner tonight for something easier on his stomach.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

Published on January 28th, 2017

Hi, as long as he is eating and drinking normally, I do not see a need to take him to the ER. In the event he stops eating, stops drinking or develops vomiting, I would recommend taking him to the nearest veterinary emergency hospital. Hopefully, he just has dietary indiscretion that clears up without intervention. Be sure to follow up with your veterinarian on Monday if the diarrhea persists.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    You can definitely wait for now, there is no need to take him to the ER for now. He might have eaten something spoiled that is causing this. withhold food for 12 hours then offer him boiled boneless chicken and rice every 6 hours in small portions. if he is eating and not vomiting, continue with this diet for 2 days. After 2 days, you can put him back gradually on his normal food. If the symptoms do not resolve, take him to the vet to get treatment.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I would recommend watching him for the next 24 hours and continue with the bland diet of boiled plain chicken and rice or cottage cheese. Also continue to monitor him for any additional symptoms like vomiting lethargy and loss of appetite. It seems that he's pretty stable right now but if anything should change in an emergency visit would be needed for him. If this is just a stomach upset from something he ate he should improve within 24-48 hrs and fully resolve within 3-7 days. You can also give him 1-2 tsp of canned pumpkin to help harden the stool a bit and prevent dehydation. Also adding a probiotic like Culturelle (over the counter) daily to his food can help as well.

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