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My dog has diarrhea, won't eat, and is clingy. Is it an emergency?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Border Collie | Male | neutered | 45 lbs

I just got home from work and my dog had a large diarrhea stool, followed by leakage a few minutes later. He is alert and did play with the puppy outside for a few minutes. He is now refusing dinner, only drinking water, and is clingier than usual and wanting to be held and pet. A few minutes ago, he sat down, whimpered a little, and then bolted upstairs. He is normally a good eater, isn’t very clingy, and almost never cries. Is this ok to wait until my vet opens tomorrow morning?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 22nd, 2018

I'm sorry Grayson isn't doing well! Because he's alert and drinking water, it's ok to wait to take him into the vet in the morning. Now if the diarrhea continues, you see blood in it, he becomes very lethargic, and/or he starts vomiting, then I would take him into an ER vet tonight. Best of luck, I hope this helps.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on April 4th, 2017
I'm afraid yes, at this point it has been long enough for it to just resolve itself without treatment, he needs to be seen by a vet and will probably need medications at the very least in order to get better.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on October 10th, 2017
First, you always have to go with your gut. If you are really worried, then go to the emergency vet tonight. The answer also depends on how much of his bed he ate and what the material of the bed is. If you think he ate enough to cause an obstruction in his intestines, then I would seek emergency care tonight. If you decide to wait, I would add vomiting to your list of clinical signs (bloated, lethargic or loss of appetite) of reasons to take him to the emergency clinic.
Good luck! I hope everything turns out well, and I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on December 31st, 2016
At this point nothing you will give orally is going to help, i would not recommend waiting until Monday as it sounds like he needs medical treatment ASAP, i would definitely advise to take him to the hospital today if you can.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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