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My dog has diarrhea for 4 days but acts normal. When to worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Female | spayed | 1 year and 8 months old | 40 lbs

My dog is acting completely normal (playful, eating and drinking normally) but she's had diarrhea for about 4 days now despite switching her diet to boiled chicken and rice. Is it possible that this is very serious even if she's acting like her normal self?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 30th, 2018

I would recommend bringing a sample of Mophie’s stool to your veterinarian. They can check for intestinal parasites. I would also recommend having them evaluate her to make sure she is not dehydrated. They can prescribe medication to help with the diarrhea also. Depending on the stool it may or may not be serious. thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 25th, 2018

    No, this isn't normal at all, and what you can do to help him is take him into the vet. When a dog has diarrhea for longer than 24 hours, it's time to see a vet, and given that it's been five days, he really needs a vet visit asap. Diarrhea is very dehydrating, and that can and does have effects on his organs such as his kidneys. Please take him into a vet today to have his diarrhea treated. Best of luck.

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