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My dog has diarrhea for days, should I see a vet or try home remedies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Male | unneutered | 9 months and 11 days old | 12 lbs

My dog started having diarrhea on Sunday. It is now Thursday and he is still having loose stools. The frequency of his BM’s are the same they are just very watery. He’s eating normal and is still active but I’m worried because it’s lasting so long. Any advice on what I should do for him? Do I need to take him to the vet or is there something at home I can do? Also he has had no dietary changes.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 20th, 2018

Diarrhea can have many causes. It is basically a problem with the stomach and intestines caused by a food over sensitivity, eating something that does not agree with the dog, intestinal parasites, bacterial infection, viral infection, the weather, food change, stress, a blockage, etc.  I would fast Dexter for 12 hours and then put him on bland food for two days, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to his regular food slowly over a few days. If this does not clear up the diarrhea or if he gets lethargic, he needs to see a veterinarian for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 23rd, 2018

    Diarrhea can have many causes. It is basically a problem with the stomach and intestines caused by a food over sensitivity, eating something that does not agree with the dog, intestinal parasites, bacterial infection, viral infection, the weather, food change, stress, etc.  I would fast Sandy for 24 hours and then put her on bland food for two days, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to her regular food slowly over a few days. If this does not clear up the diarrhea or if she gets lethargic, she needs to see a veterinarian for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 1st, 2016

    Poor Ollie! This diarrhea could be due to a GI illness, eating something rotten, intestinal parasites, change in diet, or a foreign body. If he isn't up to date on his deworming treatments, I would get one from the vet. Because he's eating and drinking like normal with no vomiting, you can try a home remedy first to see if that helps with the diarrhea before having to take him into a vet. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, he starts vomiting food, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 2nd, 2017

    He might have eaten something spoiled that is causing this. withhold food for 12 hours then offer Wicket 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 diarrhea does not stop, take him to the vet to get treatment.

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