Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has diarrhea for 10 days but acts normal. Is it stress from being alone?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Cocker Spaniel | Male | neutered | 2 years old | 25 lbs

My dog is behaving normally, but has had diarrhea of varying consistencies (often close to but not quite normal, sometimes quite liquid) for 10 days now. My wife and I have recently begun working full time and are wondering if the stress of being home alone so often might be causing the issues. He had parvo as a puppy.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Emily, DVM

Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 19th, 2017

It is possible for stress to be causing diarrhea but unusual for it to last this long. Sunny could have mild inflammation of his colon or even a bacterial infection. Sometimes a few days of a bland diet such as white rice and boiled chicken is helpful but other times antibiotics are needed. If you do a bland diet and the diarrhea resolves then you can slowly re-introduce his normal dog food over a few days. If you try the bland diet and the diarrhea continues then Sunny should get checked out by his veterinarian as he could become dehydrated or it could indicate something more serious like inflammatory bowel disease.
if it anytime Sunny becomes weak, has vomiting, the diarrhea becomes bloody or he stops eating then he needs to get examined by his veterinarian.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button