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My dog has diarrhea, won't eat, and is clingy. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Border Collie | Male | neutered | 45 lbs

I just got home from work and my dog had a large diarrhea stool, followed by leakage a few minutes later. He is alert and did play with the puppy outside for a few minutes. He is now refusing dinner, only drinking water, and is clingier than usual and wanting to be held and pet. A few minutes ago, he sat down, whimpered a little, and then bolted upstairs. He is normally a good eater, isn’t very clingy, and almost never cries. Is this ok to wait until my vet opens tomorrow morning?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 22nd, 2018

I'm sorry Grayson isn't doing well! Because he's alert and drinking water, it's ok to wait to take him into the vet in the morning. Now if the diarrhea continues, you see blood in it, he becomes very lethargic, and/or he starts vomiting, then I would take him into an ER vet tonight. Best of luck, I hope this helps.

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