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Is it normal for a new puppy to have diarrhea after coming home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Cattle Dog | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 10 days old | 2 lbs

After taking a new puppy home. Is diarrhea common for a few days? Due to stress of leaving home and mother and eating new food?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniela Jessen, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 11th, 2017

Diarrhea is a common problem in puppies, and can range from a short duration mild episode to a severe of a serious underlying condition.
There are a number of causes of diarrhea in very young dogs, the most common ones include: stress induced, change in diet, Ingestion of a foreign object, parasites and viral infections.
If your puppy is having diarrhea, there's no reason to panic as long as the puppy still eating drinking and playful or the diarrhea is very severe. It’s always important to keep a close eye on a puppy with diarrhea, as puppies can get much sicker much faster. If the problem doesn't resolve within a few potty sessions, or the puppy start to show other systemic signs such as vomiting, lethargy, reduced appetite you should make an appointment with your veterinarian or local emergency clinic. Bear in mind young puppies can become dangerously dehydrated in 24 hours or less.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Yes it can be common. Stress and new diet can come into play but puppies tend to be riddled with parasites. The most common dewormers don't get giardia and coccidia. If it has been longer than 3 days I would take him to the Vet. Bring a stool sample. It's best to treat it before it goes on too long.

I hope this helps and I wish you and Bandit the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Published on March 24th, 2018
No you do not need to be overly concerned about the diarrhea as it resolved quickly. You did the right thing to feed a bland diet. Puppies often eat things in the yard or can get stomach upsets. Usually if they are other wise active and eating then the diarrhea isn't serious. If he gets bloody diarrhea and is very lethargic that is very serious and would need immediate veterinary attention. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your puppy.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 25th, 2019
It could be stress or illness. There is no way for me to tell you for sure without examining her myself. If she acting otherwise normally you can just watch her for now but if the vomiting and/or diarrhea continues then you need to get her to a vet ASAP.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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