Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

What can I give my dog for diarrhea? 5 simple remedies to treat an upset stomach

These are the ingredients and techniques you'll want to know if your dog has diarrhea

A golden retriever rests under a blanket, looking bored
prystai / Adobe Stock

Whether your pup suffers from chronic stomach upset or the occasional bout of irritation, diarrhea is never fun to deal with. There’s no good time for it, but unfortunately, it happens to us all every now and again — your dog included. You may notice your pup eating grass or other nonfood items if this is the case, but there’s a good chance you’ll notice loose and irregular bowel movements before anything else.

If you’ve been wondering, “What can I give my dog for diarrhea?” this one is for you. Read on for all the answers you wish you’d found earlier, from DIY remedies to helpful foods you may already have in your cabinet. Here’s how to treat canine diarrhea at home.

A black and white border collie eating grass.
Radharani / Adobe Stock

What can I give my dog for diarrhea? Foods and ingredients that can make a difference

No one wants to make an unnecessary trip to the vet’s office, especially your pup. Luckily, diarrhea on its own probably won’t need a checkup. Still, you should inform your vet before taking on some of these at-home remedies. Others, however, are as safe and simple as preparing a bland meal or two. Whatever you choose, be sure to keep an eye on your furry friend until they’re back to normal.

Recommended Videos

These are the best foods for dog diarrhea, according to the experts

It may surprise some, but it’s true that eating, not withholding, certain foods can help with canine diarrhea. However, not all dogs react the same to any food or remedy, so don’t worry too much if this doesn’t do the trick. First, give your buddy some time to digest before deciding that something doesn’t help. But if it truly isn’t making a difference, you can move on to other remedies.

When your fur baby is on the road to recovery, these same foods will be the best to add back in first. They are bland and non-irritating to the stomach, which is exactly what your pet needs right now.

White rice and unseasoned, boiled chicken are staples in the canine recovery diet — just ask the veterinary pros with the American Kennel Club (AKC). It helps give your pet the nutrients they need to stay healthy while avoiding any extra ingredients that may upset their stomach. As a bonus, most dogs find this combination to be delicious!

A little bone broth poured over the chicken and rice (or even served alone) might entice your dog to eat if they’re feeling less interested. If you buy your broth, though, watch out for added sodium and seasonings, which can do more harm than good. This won’t be a worry if you make bone broth from home.

Thanks to probiotics, a small amount of cultured dairy products — like yogurt and cottage cheese — can help your pup’s gut bacteria balance itself out. Of course, you should opt for something else if you have a lactose-intolerant pooch at home.

Someone's hand holds a pill in front of a pug
ponpimonsa_bibi / Shutterstock

What soothes a dog’s stomach and helps with diarrhea? Try these easy DIY tricks if you don’t know where to start

Although some foods can work miracles regarding canine diarrhea, you may need to wait a while before letting your pup indulge. Here’s how to help soothe your dog’s stomach when they’re experiencing loose bowel movements:

Fasting and hydration can be helpful for some cases of canine diarrhea

Before feeding your dog even the blandest of foods, some cases require 12 to 24 hours of fasting beforehand. The AKC recommends offering your pet small amounts of water often throughout the day, as diarrhea can be dehydrating. If you can get the go-ahead from your veterinarian, you can also give your dog a bit of Pedialyte or other unflavored electrolytes. This is when broth can come in handy, too!

Stop dog diarrhea with pureed or powdered pumpkin

This fall-favorite vegetable is a fantastic natural remedy for diarrhea in some dogs, though it can also effectively treat constipation. Pumpkin is full of fiber, iron, and important vitamins — which keep your pup feeling strong by increasing intestinal absorption of these nutrients.

Plain pureed pumpkin is a great option for dogs, though some canned varieties can hide sugar or spices. Always read the ingredient list! When in doubt, you can always search for a pumpkin puree or powder made especially for dogs.

Head portrait of a golden retriever eating pumpkin
Kasefoto / Shutterstock

What can I give my dog for diarrhea to make it go away quickly? Here’s what you’ll want to consider

Although many foods and nutrients can help combat canine diarrhea, some options may be more effective than others. It’s best to check in with your veterinarian before trying out any medications, even if they’re over the counter, as not all diarrhea comes from the same root cause.

Stop diarrhea with over-the-counter medications and supplements

You don’t necessarily need a vet’s prescription to stop your pet’s irregular BMs, though caution should always be exercised when using medicines or supplements for your dog. Anti-diarrhea liquids, chews, and pills can be bought at almost any pet store, though your vet may have a favorite to recommend.

In some cases, notes Dr. Jerry Klein with the American Kennel Club, you may give your pup a small dose of Pepto Bismol to relieve symptoms. Typically, one teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight is an ideal dose, though even large dogs shouldn’t exceed more than a few teaspoons at a time. This medication does carry some risk of intestinal irritation and bleeding, so ask your vet before jumping in.

Probiotics for dog gut health can prevent and even treat dog diarrhea

Probiotics are another great option for keeping your dog’s digestive system regulated, and they can be purchased easily over the counter. This good bacteria comes in a powder form — like Purina’s FortiFlora packets — or bite-sized probiotic treats for training and playtime. Your dog won’t even know they’re taking medication!

Although you have several options for treating your dog’s diarrhea at home, nothing replaces a veterinarian’s care. If the problem persists, you may need to make a visit to narrow down the root cause of your pup’s tummy troubles. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!

Airedale dog terrier squatting to poop in a grassy field
Jacquie Klose / Shutterstock

Causes of canine diarrhea can range from minor to severe

While diarrhea is a symptom of an internal problem, it’s sometimes the only indication you have that something is amiss. This can make it difficult to narrow down the cause of your pup’s loose stools, but you’ll be glad to know that most causes of diarrhea are minor, temporary, and easily treatable.

According to the veterinary experts at VCA Animal Hospitals, the most common causes of canine diarrhea include:

  • Bacterial infection
  • Coccidia infection
  • Parasitic infection (roundworms, hookworms, etc.)
  • Sudden dietary changes (including eating something they shouldn’t have)
  • Stress

Occasionally, recurring diarrhea can be caused by something a bit more serious, such as food allergies or parvovirus in unvaccinated puppies. Dogs can also suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), just like people, so it’s worth booking an appointment with your vet if this becomes a recurring issue. In rare cases, something more severe, like organ failure or serious illness, can also cause diarrhea.

Woman picking up poop on a hike with her Maltese
Africa Studio / Adobe Stock

When to take your dog to the vet for a case of diarrhea

Even though most cases of loose stools won’t be a matter of concern, there can be times when the situation becomes more serious. Hopefully, you’ll already be watching your dog, so you will see their symptoms and make the best choice. When in doubt, a vet visit never hurt anyone (other than your wallet)!

Some signs that your pup should visit the vet for their diarrhea include:

  • Preexisting health conditions, such as Cushing’s disease, diabetes, or cancer
  • Diarrhea that persists despite remedies that have been successful in the past
  • Any symptoms of dehydration in dogs, such as panting, thick saliva, or dry nose and gums
  • Blood in the stool
  • Long duration of diarrhea (more than a few days)
  • Other physical symptoms, such as lethargy, vomiting, weakness, or fever

Dogs on medications should also visit their vet to rule out any complications from the medication or the condition it treats. This will also allow the veterinarian to ensure your pet is decently hydrated. Even if the hospital trip is more of a precaution, safe is always better than sorry.

There are so many remedies for dog diarrhea, many of which you can administer at home. Veterinarians will always be there if your furry friend needs them, so don’t panic if you notice loose stools from your dog.

Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Chicken and rice: When (and how) to make it for your dog
It's great for a pup who is feeling under the weather
A girl bends down to hand a Dalmatian a bowl of food in front of a pink wall

Turns out, there’s a meal that everyone at home will enjoy! Chicken and rice is a simple yet delectable combination of comfort food that’s not only tasty for dogs but beneficial for them, too. With their neutral properties, they're an especially enticing meal option when Fido isn’t feeling quite himself, even though perfectly healthy dogs enjoy this delicacy as well.
Despite the popularity of chicken and rice for dogs, there’s still so much to know. Switching your dog’s food is no small matter, and it should be done with utmost care. Nonetheless, you won’t get an argument from your pup when you give him this yummy meal!

Why you should feed your dog chicken and rice

Read more
Why does my dog smell like fish? There could be a major problem
A few different things cause this but you should be able to narrow it down
Doctor cleaning dog's teeth with toothbrush indoors

Sometimes our dogs smell like fresh grass they just played in. Other times the aroma might not be so pleasant (wet dog comes to mind). Occasionally, these olfactory clues hint at underlying issues, whether they just covered themselves in dog poop or have an off scent.

You might take a whiff, pick up a briney odor, and wonder, "Why does my dog smell like fish?" This may indicate a medical problem, so you'll likely need a trip to the vet, especially if Fido has never had this particular essence before. Here's what you need to know about this unfortunate smell.
Why does my dog smell like fish?

Read more
Here’s why old dogs have seizures and how you can best help them
A seizure looks scary but you and your pup can manage through them together
Chocolate brown Labrador retriever with a graying muzzle

With their graying muzzles and laid-back demeanors, old dogs have a dignified air you don't see in young, hyper puppies. You've been through a lot with your dog, and you want to ensure he maintains the best quality of life for as long as possible.

Seeing your old dog having seizures is alarming, but we have some good news. While your pup may feel frightened and confused during a seizure, he's not in any pain. Whether your dog has a history of seizures or this is the first one he's had, here's what you need to know about seizures in older dogs. 
Is it common for old dogs to have seizures?

Read more