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My dog has had severe diarrhea for two days. What should I do now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Pinscher | Female | spayed | 6 years and 2 months old | 11 lbs

I have a little mini pinscher and for two days now she has had bad diarrhea, there is no texture at all and she is needing to go about once an hour at max. I tried last night not giving her dog food and feeding her a little bit of white rice and over night she had several accidents but it seemed like they may have had a tiny bit more texture then yesterday.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 22nd, 2017

Poor Penny. You're doing the right thing by first trying to fast her. Try adding in 1-2 tsp of canned pumpkin (not the filling) in her food once a day. If she is still having really loose stools by tomorrow, then she needs to see your vet. She may have a parasite problem or another internal illness (i.e. Pancreas, Liver disease, Gallbladder disease) that subsequently causes abnormal stools. The vet will know what to check and test for to determine the cause. I hope Penny gets better soon.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Darvishian
Veterinarian
Published on August 2nd, 2017
Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sounds pretty normal for Scout. Sorry she had the gut upset recently. It's pretty common for the elimination cycle to get disrupted when something like this happens. If everything else is fine, you should just wait and she will most likely have a bowel movement soon. If she is showing signs of sickness and straining, you would want her to see her vet. They can evaluate her and advise any tests that might be needed to get her back on track. One thing to try at home is some canned pumpkin, not pumpkin filling for pies, just canned pumpkin. Maybe 1/2 - 1 teaspoon with her meals. It's high fiber, dogs like it, and it enhances elimination. I hope she has a bowel movement soon. Also make sure that she drinks plenty of fresh water.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 12th, 2020
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Penny. Good on you for recusing her and taking her into a vet right away! I agree, this stool could be due to stress. Moving into a new home is stressful, and that can lead to colitis (inflammation of the colon leading to soft stool and blood). I would keep an eye on her for now. If this stool continues over the next 48 hours or she has other signs such as vomiting, lethargy, or a loss of appetite, I'd take her back into the vet. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Hello. Penny may have picked up an infection that is causing her gastrointestinal symptoms. I would withhold all food & water for the next 6-8 hours, & offer the rice again. I like to use the whole grain, sticky rice & not a minute or instant rice. The glutens seem to help bind them up a little better. You can also add a little cooked chicken, but the majority should be the rice. If Penny is no better by Monday, please see your veterinarian as she may need to be on antibiotics, as well. Good luck & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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