A Common Concern for Pawrents 💩

Diarrhea in dogs is one of the most common issues dog owners face, and while it can be caused by something as simple as a sudden diet change, it can also be a sign of something more serious.

As a pet nutritionist, I often get asked what to do when a dog suddenly has soft or watery poop. Here’s a practical guide to understanding the causes and how to manage it — including when to call the vet.

Possible Causes of Watery Poop in Dogs

Watery stools can be triggered by many things, including:

• Dietary indiscretion: Eating something they shouldn't have — like table scraps, garbage, or a new treat — is a top cause.

• Food intolerance or allergies: Ingredients like dairy, beef, or grains may not agree with some dogs.

• Sudden diet change: Switching dog food too quickly can upset the gut.

• Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections (like giardia) are common culprits.

• Stress: Anxiety, new environments, or travel can lead to digestive upset.

• Underlying conditions: Pancreatitis, IBD, or liver issues may present with chronic diarrhea.

What You Can Do at Home

If your dog is otherwise acting normal (alert, eating, drinking, no vomiting), you can start with these steps at home:

1. Withhold Food for 12–24 Hours

Give the digestive system a short break, but always make sure fresh water is available.
If the poop is a Type 5 or 6 on the Bristol Stool Chart*, feed a postbiotics with kaolin (a brand I have tried & tested: Furment) to ease the discomfort in the gut.

2. Introduce a Bland Diet

Start with something bland and hydrating:

• Goat Milk, portion should be 50% of their usual meal size

• Add psyllium husk powder, or slippery elm, to help bulk up their stool
  (1/4tsp for every 5kg of body weight)

Once the watery stools have stopped, gradually reintroduce their regular food in small portions.

3. Offer Probiotics

Canine-specific probiotics can help restore gut flora and speed up recovery.

Some brands that assist in good bacteria restoration: Four Leaf Rover Protect, Adored Beast Apothecary Fido’s Flora, Bark & Whiskers Probiotics + Enzyme, Fera Pet Organics Probiotics + Prebiotics

When to Call the Vet

Call your vet promptly if:

• Severe diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours

• You see blood in the stool

• There’s vomiting, lethargy, and/or your dog is behaving abnormally

• Your dog is very young, old, or has an existing medical condition

These cases could signal a more serious issue that needs prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Occasional watery poop isn’t unusual, but knowing when to act and how to support your dog through it can make all the difference. If you’re ever unsure, trust your gut — and contact your vet.

If your dog struggles with recurring digestive issues, I offer personalised consultations to assess your pet’s nutrition and help build a gut-friendly diet plan that supports long-term health.