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My dog has uncontrollable diarrhea all day. Is a vet visit needed?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Schnauzer | Male | neutered | 10 lbs

Should I take my dog to the vet? He has had uncontrollable diarrhea since this morning.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on January 12th, 2018

Yes that would be best, especially if Leo is lethargic and not eating. If he’s eating and drinking you can give boiled chicken and rice and a dose of pepto bismol. There is a section on this website that you can get the dosage for common over the counter medications. Small dogs can quickly become dehydrated from this much diarrhea so please take him in when you can. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Leo.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on September 2nd, 2018
I would recommend that you have Leo examined by a vet on Monday. Diarrhea can be caused by food intolerance or allergies, intestinal parasites, dietary indiscretion, bacterial or viral infection, stress colitis, IBD, among others. As long as Leo seems otherwise normal and is eating the chicken and rice well, I don't think it is an emergency. Make sure he stays hydrated by drinking plenty of water or pedialyte. Since I haven't physically examined Leo, I can't prescribe medications, prescription or OTC. But if the diarrhea has been going on for more than 24 hours, I rarely recommend OTC medications to my patients.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 13th, 2018
Hello, thank you for your question about Leo.

It sounds like Leo is definitely feeling quite ill. Lack of appetite can be caused by many underlying causes such as problems in the GI tract or things such as liver and kidney disease. If you are unable to get Leo seen by a veterinarian for bloodwork and further diagnostics I would give recommend administering saline, normal or half strength. One additional recommendation would be to offer him a bland easily digestible diet such as boiled chicken and white rice.

Hope this helps, good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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