How to Stop Dog Diarrhea: Home Remedies and Vet Advice (2026)
Quick Answer: To stop dog diarrhea, withhold food for 12-24 hours (water stays available), then feed a bland diet of plain boiled chicken and white rice in small portions. If diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours, contains blood, or your dog shows lethargy or vomiting, see a vet immediately.
Common Causes of Dog Diarrhea
Before treating, it helps to know what might be behind it:
- Dietary indiscretion – eating garbage, table scraps, or something spoiled (the #1 cause)
- Sudden food changes – switching kibble brands too quickly
- Stress or anxiety – boarding, moving, new pets
- Parasites – worms, giardia, coccidia
- Infections – bacterial or viral
- Allergies or intolerances – certain proteins or grains
- Toxins – chocolate, xylitol, certain plants
- Serious conditions – pancreatitis, liver disease, parvovirus (especially in puppies)
Step 1: Assess the Severity
Mild cases (try home treatment):
– Dog is alert, active, and drinking water
– Diarrhea is soft but not watery or bloody
– No vomiting
– Happened once or twice
See a vet immediately if:
– Diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours
– Blood or mucus in the stool
– Vomiting alongside diarrhea
– Lethargy, weakness, or collapse
– Signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, skin doesn’t snap back)
– Puppy under 6 months with diarrhea
– Dog ate something toxic
– Fever (above 103°F / 39.4°C)
Step 2: The 12-24 Hour Fast
For adult dogs with mild diarrhea:
- Withhold food for 12-24 hours – this rests the gut
- Keep fresh water available at all times – dehydration is the real danger
- Offer ice cubes if your dog won’t drink (some dogs prefer them)
- Add a little low-sodium broth to water to encourage drinking
Do NOT fast: Puppies under 6 months, senior dogs, diabetic dogs, or very small breeds – call your vet instead.
Step 3: The Bland Diet
After the fast, reintroduce food slowly over 3-5 days:
The classic bland diet:
– Plain boiled boneless, skinless chicken breast
– Plain white rice (not brown – harder to digest)
– Ratio: 1 part chicken to 2 parts rice
– Feed small meals 3-4 times a day
Alternatives if chicken is a problem:
– Boiled lean ground turkey + white rice
– Plain boiled potatoes + cottage cheese (low-fat)
– Plain canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling) – 1-4 tablespoons depending on dog size
Transition back: Over 3-5 days, gradually mix in more regular food and less bland food until you’re back to normal meals.
Helpful Home Remedies
- Plain canned pumpkin – the soluble fiber firms up stool; 1 tsp for small dogs, up to 1/4 cup for large dogs
- Probiotics – plain yogurt (small amount) or dog-specific probiotic powder supports gut recovery
- Bone broth – encourages hydration and is gentle on the stomach
- Slippery elm – a natural herb that soothes the digestive tract (ask your vet for dosing)
What NOT to Do
- Don’t give human anti-diarrhea medicine (Imodium, Pepto-Bismol) without vet approval – some are toxic to certain breeds
- Don’t feed dairy (except small amounts of plain yogurt) – most dogs are lactose intolerant
- Don’t offer fatty foods – these worsen diarrhea
- Don’t ignore it – if it’s not improving in 48 hours, get professional help
Preventing Future Episodes
- Change foods gradually over 7-10 days
- Keep garbage secured and toxic foods out of reach
- Maintain a consistent feeding schedule
- Keep vaccinations and deworming current
- Manage stress during changes (moves, travel, new pets)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol? Only with vet approval. It contains salicylates that can be harmful, especially to certain breeds.
How long is too long for dog diarrhea? More than 48 hours in adult dogs warrants a vet visit. For puppies, don’t wait more than 24 hours.
Is rice or pumpkin better for dog diarrhea? Both help. Rice provides gentle bulk; pumpkin adds soluble fiber. Many vets recommend using both.
Why does my dog get diarrhea after eating grass? Grass can irritate the stomach lining. Occasional grass eating is normal, but frequent grass eating followed by diarrhea may signal an underlying issue worth discussing with your vet.
Conclusion
Most mild diarrhea resolves within 24-48 hours with rest and a bland diet. The keys are hydration, patience, and knowing when to escalate to professional care. When in doubt, call your vet – it’s always better to be safe with our four-legged friends.