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My dog has sudden watery diarrhea but seems fine. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 8 months old | 60 lbs

My pet Rex suddenly has very watery diarrhea while in his kennel. Had fine stool the day before and does not show signs of lethargy or being tired or in pain

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

Published on May 25th, 2018

Oh no!
The diarrhea may be secondary to stress, new food, parasites, viruses or foreign objects. The good news is that Rex feels well. Maybe sure he has plenty of water and take him on more frequent potty breaks. If the diarrhea persists for 24 hours or if develops vomiting and/ lack of appetite, take him to a see a veterinarian.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 8th, 2017
Poor Chance! This diarrhea could be caused by GI illness, eating something rotten, intestinal worms, a sudden change in diet, or a foreign body. Given that this diarrhea has been going on for more than 24 hours, it's time to see a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing the diarrhea and can treat him for it. I would bring him into the vet first thing in the morning.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 11th, 2020
It could be Dooley has a GI illness causing these symptoms, or it could be that he ate something rotten. Given that he has had diarrhea for three days and has been vomiting for a day, it's time to take him into a vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on April 23rd, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Diarrhea can be observed with conditions such as colitis, gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Rex evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They may choose to check for parasites and to start medications for diarrhea depending on the results. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my puppy suddenly sleeping a lot and having diarrhea?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Rex. I suspect that he is not feeling well due to the diarrhea. Puppies will sleep, but it unusual to have to wake one up. Most are very energetic. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian for an examination and to have a fecal sample tested. Infections are most common in young animals. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has severe watery diarrhea and can't stand. What's wrong?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Diarrhea can be observed with conditions such as colitis, gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Buster evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They may choose to check for parasites and to start medications for diarrhea depending on the results. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

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My dog is shaking, trembling, and has watery diarrhea. Is he sick?

It sounds like your dog is very uncomfortable or even painful, probably in his belly from your description of his symptoms. The diarrhea could be caused by any number of things; intestinal parasites, a bacterial infection, even being constipated will sometimes manifest as diarrhea because liquid feces is all that will get by the impacted fecal material. It could be as simple as a dietary indiscretion, meaning he might have gotten into the trash and eaten something that didn't agree with him. If he continues to have loose stool, or starts vomiting, loses his appetite, acts lethargic, and/or develops a fever, get him in to be seen by your vet right away as this could indicate a more serious problem.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why does my dog have watery diarrhea, no parasites, but is playing?

Poor pup! Diarrhea with no obvious cause can definitely be frustrating. If no parasites were seen on her fecal exam and she's acting normal otherwise, then it may be a food allergy or intolerance issue - I have seen this a number of times in puppies with diarrhea who tested negative for all the usual suspects, but did very well with a diet change. You can try feeding her plain boiled chicken and white rice for the next 3-5 days to see if the diarrhea resolves - if so, then she may need to stay on a special, easily digestible diet such as Hills i/d or Royal Canin GI diet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 4-month-old puppy has watery diarrhea for 3 days. Is he okay?

If Chaco is otherwise still active, playful, eating, drinking, and has not been vomiting, I think it is ok to just keep an eye on him for a couple more days. Offer a bland diet (such as plain cooked chicken and white rice) and monitor his appetite and activity level. If he hasn't been dewormed in the past 4 weeks, that would also be advisable. If his stools are not looking more normal in a few days, or if at any point he starts vomiting, acting like he doesn't feel good, or the stool becomes bloody, take him to your vet. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy has diarrhea for days but seems fine. Should I wait for vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Diarrhea can be observed with conditions such as colitis, gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, among many other possibilities. At this point I think it would be ok to wait until Friday as long as Roxy is otherwise doing well as you describe. Good luck and have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has sudden diarrhea but is eating and drinking. What to do?

It is definitely a good sign that he is eating and drinking well. Diarrhea is a common problem in animals and is usually self-limiting (will go away on its own). If Brody has any of the following, the he should see a vet: 1) Blood in diarrhea 2) Very watery diarrhea 3) Dog starts acting very depressed 4) Dog stops eating or drinking for longer than 24 hours. 5) Diarrhea lasts longer than three days. You can help him get through this by feeding bland food (boneless chicken and rice is good). Feed small portions (1 cup or less) three times a day. Ensure fresh, clean water is always available. I hope this helps and Brody gets better soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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