Ah, the joys of dog parenting. One minute your pup is zooming around the garden like an Olympic sprinter, the next you’re greeted with a suspiciously smelly mess on the carpet. If your dog has diarrhoea but is still their usual playful self, it can be confusing. Should you panic? Is it just a one-off? And, more importantly, will your cream rug ever be the same again?

Before you rush to Dr Google in a frenzy, let’s take a deep dive into what could be going on, when to worry, and what you can do to get your pup’s tummy back on track.

Understanding Canine Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea in dogs isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a sign that something’s not quite right with their digestive system. But before you start picturing the worst-case scenario, know that occasional loose stools are pretty common and can be caused by a variety of harmless factors. Different yypes of Diarrhoea:

• Watery diarrhoea: Often linked to sudden diet changes or mild infections.
• Mucus-filled diarrhoea: Could indicate irritation in the intestines.
• Bloody diarrhoea: A potential red flag that requires urgent vet attention.

Understanding what your dog’s poo is telling you (yes, we’re going there) can be the key to figuring out what’s wrong.

Common Causes of Diarrhoea in Dogs

There are plenty of reasons why your dog might have an upset stomach, and most of them aren’t cause for alarm. Here are some of the most common culprits:

Dietary Indiscretion (a.k.a. The Bin Raid)

Dogs are notorious scavengers, and if they’ve gotten their paws on something dodgy—whether it’s leftover takeaway or an unidentified object from the garden—it could upset their stomach.

Sudden Diet Changes

Switching your dog’s food too quickly can wreak havoc on their digestive system. That's why we always recommend transitioning to a new food gradually over a 1-2 weeks to avoid tummy troubles. Slowly increase the proportion of the old food to new each day, until you're at 100% new food. E.g day 1 10% new: 90% old, day 2 20% new: 80% old etc.

Food Intolerances or Allergies

Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and may react badly to certain ingredients like dairy, wheat, or artificial additives. Rarer still, some dogs have allergies to certain ingredients, which means they're body has an immune response and mistakes the ingredient for a harmful invader.

Stress or Excitement

Yes, dogs can get nervous tummies too! Moving house, fireworks, or even a fun day out can lead to stress-related diarrhoea.

Mild Infections

Viral or bacterial infections can sometimes cause a temporary upset, but if your dog is still active and happy, it’s usually not a major concern.

Diarrhoea and Dehydration: The Real Danger

Dehydration is one of the biggest risks associated with diarrhoea in dogs. Since they lose fluids quickly, it’s essential to keep a close eye on hydration levels. Watch out for these signs:

• Dry or sticky gums
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Lethargy and sunken eyes

If your dog shows signs of dehydration, encourage them to drink water. If your pooch struggles drinking, it could be a good idea to consider wet food which has naturally has a higher moisture content. In severe cases, they may require intravenous fluids from the vet.

How to Clean Up Safely

Dealing with dog diarrhoea is nobody’s idea of fun, but cleaning up properly is important to prevent bacteria from spreading. Start by wearing gloves to protect yourself from harmful germs. Use paper towels to remove as much solid waste as possible, then disinfect the affected area with a pet-safe cleaner to eliminate any lingering bacteria. Finally, wash your hands thoroughly to ensure you don’t spread any contaminants.

When to Call the Vet vs. When to Wait It Out

Knowing when to seek veterinary help can be tricky. Here’s a quick reference guide:

Call the Vet If:

• Diarrhoea lasts more than 48 hours
• There is blood in the stool
• Your dog is vomiting or lethargic

Wait It Out If:

• Diarrhoea is mild and resolves within a day
• Your dog is still energetic and drinking water
• No other symptoms are present

What To Do At Home (If Your Dog Is Otherwise Acting Fine)

If your dog is otherwise acting totally fine (tail wagging, zoomies intact), there are a few things you can do at home to help them feel better.

1. Withhold Food for a Few Hours: Giving your dog’s digestive system a break can help. However, don’t take away water—make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. If needed, you can give them some ice cubes to lick, which can also help keep them hydrated.
2. Offer a Bland Diet: Once you’ve waited a few hours, you can offer a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice. This easy-to-digest meal can help soothe your dog’s stomach while they recover.
3. Ensure Hydration: Diarrhoea can quickly lead to dehydration, so make sure your dog is drinking enough water. If they’re not keen on plain water, you can offer an electrolyte solution (there are pet-specific versions available) to replenish lost minerals.
4. Keep an eye on your dog’s stool consistency. If the diarrhoea improves, you can start introducing their regular food back into their diet. If things don’t get better, or worsen, it’s time for a vet visit.

The Role of Diet in Preventing Future Diarrhoea

One of the best ways to keep your dog’s digestive system in tip-top shape and prevent future episodes of diarrhoea is by ensuring they’re on a consistent, high-quality diet. Just like us, dogs need the right fuel to keep things running smoothly. A diet that’s rich in balanced nutrients and tailored to their specific needs can make a world of difference when it comes to digestive health. Consistency with feeding times can also be equally as important.

Sudden changes in their diet, especially if it’s done too quickly, can easily upset their stomach and lead to an unwelcome bout of diarrhoea. While it’s easy to give in to those pleading puppy eyes, table scraps—especially rich or spicy foods—can wreak havoc on your dog’s tummy. These types of foods are often not designed for canine digestion, and the result can be anything from mild tummy upset to full-blown diarrhoea. It’s best to resist the urge and stick to your dog’s regular, balanced meals.

Preventing Diarrhoea With Scrumbles

Pretty poops, and most things really, start with your pooch's gut health. Something we found out due to our own experiences with our rescue kitty Boo and pooch Smudge. After years of poop-struggles, a probiotic-paste finally sorted things out, and also gave us the idea for Scrumbles.

That’s why all our recipes are packed with pre, pro, or postbiotics, all-natural ingredients, and absolutely no tummy-troubling artificial nasties. We keep it simple (and tasty) with easy-to-digest ingredients like chicken, turkey, and fish, plus fibre-rich veggies. With a variety of dry food, wet food, and treats in different flavours and recipes, we’ve got something to suit every pup’s dietary needs.

Trust Your Instincts

Most cases of dog diarrhoea resolve on their own, but it’s always best to stay vigilant. If you ever feel unsure, a quick call to your vet can offer peace of mind. And remember, a healthy diet and good gut health—like what we provide—can go a long way in preventing future tummy troubles.

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