Diarrhea serious problem?

QUESTION: Is my dog's diarrhea anything to worry about?

answered by Liane O'Hora

ANSWER:

If diarrhea is the only symptom and it goes away within a day or two, it's likely that your dog simply ate something he shouldn't have.

But if he has any other symptoms, such as vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, if there's blood in the stool, or if the diarrhea is chronic, there may be a more serious problem. If you observe any of these symptoms, definitely contact your vet.

To prevent food-related diarrhea, don't give your dog anything that's gone bad (contrary to popular belief, dog stomachs aren't "tougher" than ours). Keep his diet relatively steady; a lot of variety can cause gastrointestinal upset. And of course, keep the trash off-limits.