Dog Has Loose Stool? Everything You Need to Know [2025]

Are you worried because your dog has loose stool, struggles with constipation, or experiences other digestive issues? No need to panic—these concerns are common among dogs.

Diarrhea triggered by minor issues like sudden stress and dietary issues typically stops within several days. However, persistent diarrhea accompanied by loss of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy could signal a more serious underlying cause.

With this in mind, it helps to know the possible causes of loose stool and effective ways to support a dog’s digestive health. This guide will help you determine whether a dietary adjustment or a vet visit is needed and provides practical steps to support your dog’s well-being if they have loose stool.

 

What is Loose Stool in Dogs?

Loose stool in dogs, also known as diarrhea, is an increased fluidity, frequency, or volume of bowel movements. 

Unlike well-formed stool, loose stool is softer and more watery. It’s a common digestive problem that dogs may experience when they’re stressed or eat something that doesn’t sit well with their bellies. Diarrhea is often temporary and can be monitored at home.

Conversely, persistent diarrhea may be a symptom of more serious issues, such as food intolerances, infections, or digestive disorders, that require proper treatment. 

KOHA provides dog food recipes for dogs with digestive issues, including loose stools. The Limited Ingredient Bland Diet Dog Food recipes, available in wet and dry food formulations, feature a single protein source and easily digestible ingredients like white/brown rice and pumpkin promote healthy stools and support digestive health. 

KOHA also offers grain-free, Limited Ingredient Diet range, created for dogs with extreme food sensitivities—it includes a single animal protein and zero junky fillers. Both lines are gentle on dogs’ guts and provide essential nutrients, making them a great option for managing digestive discomfort in dogs.

Recognizing the causes makes it easier to determine whether a simple dietary adjustment or effective diarrhea medicine will provide your dog with much-needed relief!

 

Causes of Loose Stool in Dogs 

There can be various causes of a dog experiencing loose stool. Some of the most common causes may include: 

• Dietary Changes or Issues: Changes in a dog’s diet, for example, feeding them new food without gradual transition can upset their stomachs and cause diarrhea. Some dogs may react negatively to specific foods, especially if they eat something outside their regular diet like spoiled food or table leftovers. Another common cause of diarrhea is food allergies as some ingredients can cause digestive distress. KOHA Limited Ingredient and Novel Protein recipes are free of junky fillers known to be common allergens and often present in traditional dog food. 
• Parasites: Intestinal parasites like hookworms and roundworms can cause loose stool in dogs. They can pick them up from contaminated soil, water, or feces. Regular deworming and good hygiene may help reduce the risk of parasites associated with dog diarrhea.
• Infections: Bacterial infections like E. coli and Salmonella, viral infections like the parvovirus, and fungal infections can disrupt a dog’s digestive tract and cause diarrhea. If a dog has loose stool alongside fever, lethargy, and vomiting, always take them to the vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Stress or Anxiety: When dogs feel stressed and anxious, they may experience diarrhea. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise to learn that chronic stress increases the risk of IBS in dogs. The causes range from changes in their routine and environment to new family members or pets. Maintaining a routine and calm environment may help dogs feel happier and experience diarrhea less often.
• Medications: Medications like antibiotics disrupt the gut microbiome and can cause loose stool. Although diarrhea is a common side effect of medication, pet parents should stay vigilant. If it doesn’t stop within several days or worsens, a vet visit is a must!
• Chronic Conditions: Dogs with IBD, food allergies, or other chronic conditions may experience frequent episodes of loose stool. A comprehensive treatment works best to reduce the occurrence of this digestive problem. It requires a proper diet, adequate meds, and regular veterinary care. By diagnosing digestive disorders early on, pet parents can ensure their furry friends continue living happy and thriving lives!
• Toxins: If a dog accidentally ingests toxins—such as plants, household chemicals, or spoiled food-they may develop acute loose stool and face a serious risk of poisoning. If you suspect your dog has consumed a toxic substance, contact a veterinarian immediately for urgent care.
• Overfeeding or Poor-Quality Diet: Overfeeding a dog or feeding them food that lacks essential nutrients may strain their digestive system and cause diarrhea. Overfeeding also contributes to weight gain while an improper diet increases the risk of nutrient deficiencies, poor digestion, and other health issues. Dogs need adequate portions of nutritious food to enjoy good digestion, healthy weight, and overall well-being. This is why KOHA is committed to crafting premium quality foods with zero junky fillers, ensuring dogs consume the best ingredients that support their digestive health.
• Other Medical Issues: If a dog has loose stool, it may signal certain health issues like kidney problems, liver disease, or pancreatitis. These conditions can be confirmed and managed with diagnostic testing and long-term treatment plans at a veterinary clinic. Dogs with underlying medical issues need regular checkups to stay healthy and pain-free.

Source

 

How to Help When Your Dog Has Loose Stool

Here are some ways that you can help your dog with loose stool:

Feed a Bland Diet

A bland diet can be highly effective for managing diarrhea in dogs, offering support for their digestive system. A bland diet usually consists of easily digestible, low-fiber, low-fat foods like boiled chicken, white and brown rice, and sometimes pumpkin, which give the gastrointestinal tract the rest it needs to heal. Minor cases of diarrhea often resolve within a few days on a bland diet. 

The KOHA Bland Diet range, available in both wet and dry formulations, is designed for dogs with loose stool and upset stomachs. Their Bland Diet recipes offer a complete and balanced diet that can be fed daily for ongoing digestive support. KOHA Bland Diet Dry food features highly digestible ingredients like brown rice, pumpkin, probiotics, and prebiotics to soothe and nourish the gut. It contains a single animal protein per recipe—chicken or beef—and promotes healthy stools. It’s also coated in bone broth for great taste and digestibility. 

KOHA Bland Diet Wet food offers two ready-to-serve recipes with chicken or beef. The formulation with a single animal protein per recipe and ingredients such as white or brown rice and pumpkin promotes smooth, healthy digestion. Ideally, bland diets should be fed for four to five days or until the diarrhea stops. 

Provide your dog with the nourishment they need—explore KOHA Bland Diet wet and dry dog food recipes today.

Provide Plenty of Water

For mild diarrhea in dogs that are otherwise happy and behaving normally, pet parents can help replenish fluids by offering small amounts of water, ice cubes, low-sodium broth, or an electrolyte solution. It's important to continue monitoring your dog’s condition to ensure their recovery progresses smoothly. 

However, if your dog becomes lethargic, stops eating, vomits, or the diarrhea persists beyond 48-72 hours, it’s best to seek veterinary care. Diarrhea and vomiting expel water and waste, preventing proper absorption by the gastrointestinal tract and the rest of the body.  This can quickly lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, placing strain on the kidneys and other organs, with potentially life-threatening consequences.

Gradually Reintroduce Regular Food

Once the diarrhea subsides, pet parents should gradually reintroduce regular dog food to accommodate their dog’s still-recovering digestive system. Start by mixing small amounts of their usual food with the bland diet, slowly increasing the proportion of regular food over several days. 

This approach can help minimize gastrointestinal discomfort and support a full recovery for long-term digestive health. During the transition, closely monitor your dog for signs of discomfort or a recurrence of loose stool, adjusting their meals as necessary.

For dogs that experience chronic stomach upset, it may be best to switch to KOHA Limited Ingredient Bland Diet Dry Food as their everyday diet.

Add Probiotics

KOHA Bland Diet Limited Ingredient Dry Food can be a great option for dogs experiencing loose stool, as they’re created with minimal ingredients and enriched with prebiotics and probiotics to promote digestive comfort. 

Introducing a probiotic supplement can also be helpful for dogs with diarrhea. Nootie Progility Pre & Probiotic Soft Chew Supplements are a great addition to a dog’s diet to help support healthy digestion.

Monitor Symptoms

Always keep a close eye on a dog with diarrhea—track the frequency and consistency of their bowel movements and be cautious of symptoms like vomiting, changes in appetite, and lethargy. 

This makes it easier to determine when the condition is improving or when it’s time to see the vet. Persistent and worsening diarrhea, especially with accompanying symptoms like vomiting or refusal to eat, may signal a more serious health issue that requires professional treatment.

Consult Your Veterinarian

Knowing when to consult a vet if a dog has loose stool is essential to ensure the well-being of your pet.  

Always consult a vet if the condition doesn’t resolve within 48-72 hours or if it worsens. Vets can perform a detailed examination and rule out serious conditions like parasites, infections, or chronic gastrointestinal conditions. 

They will also run additional diagnostic tests to determine underlying causes and provide adequate treatment. Early consultations with a vet help prevent complications and ensure a smooth and quick recovery.

 

Best Food for Dogs With Loose Stool

Feeding a dog with diarrhea the right food is vital. A bland diet should be the first choice as it soothes the digestive system and allows it time to recuperate without further irritation. These easily digestible foods are low in fiber and fat and may help dogs experiencing digestive discomfort and liquid stools. 

KOHA Bland Diet dog food recipes are great options for dogs with loose stool, upset stomachs, and vomiting—they’re formulated to be gentle on the gut with a single animal protein per recipe—-chicken or beef— enriched with white or brown rice and pumpkin to be easy on the stomach. 

KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet dog food recipes support dogs with chronic digestive issues or food sensitivities and are free of junky fillers that can cause upset stomachs. Each option is formulated with minimal ingredients and is free of common allergens while providing essential nutrients for healthy digestion. Both ranges are a practical, easy, and nutritious way to support and manage digestive issues in dogs! KOHA Limited Ingredient Diet range can be a great option for dogs that need a grain-free diet, with options like kangaroo and venison for pups that have allergies to common proteins. 

When choosing healthy food for dogs with digestive problems, consider age-related needs. Senior dogs, in particular, may need specially formulated diets—discover the best senior dog foods from KOHA and keep your aging dog comfortable and happy!

 

When Should I Worry if My Dog Has Loose Stool?

Source

When a dog has loose stool, it’s usually a mild, temporary concern that goes away within days. But, there are instances when a vet visit is a must, especially if:

• Diarrhea lasts more than 48 hours.
• There is blood or excessive mucus in the stool.
• The dog is lethargic, panting, vomiting, and has dry gums.
• The dog experiences frequent diarrhea flare-ups and vomiting.

These symptoms may indicate an underlying issue like allergies, gastrointestinal infections, and serious diseases that require medical treatment. Early consultation with a vet reduces the risk of serious complications, ensures the pet’s well-being, and offers peace of mind for pet parents!

Learn More About Loose Stool in Dogs 

Here are answers to some frequently asked about loose stool in dogs: 

Should I be concerned if my dog has loose stools?

Occasional loose stool in dogs is usually a minor discomfort that resolves on its own. It can happen because of several factors including minor stress or dietary issues. However, persistent diarrhea for more than 48-72 hours accompanied by symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or blood in the stool indicates a need for a vet visit. 

Why is my dog pooping diarrhea but acting normal?

It’s not uncommon for dogs to have loose stool and look energetic and happy. This is because the diarrhea is probably a mild dietary problem or a reaction to something they’ve eaten. However, never leave a dog with diarrhea unattended. Monitor their condition, and take them to the vet if symptoms worsen.

How do you fix loose stools in dogs?

A bland diet can help alleviate loose stool by allowing the digestive system to rest and recover. KOHA Bland Diet dog food recipes are made with single animal protein like chicken or beef and digestive-friendly white rice and pumpkin. They’re gentle on sensitive stomachs while providing important nutrients. Progility Pre & Probiotic Soft Chews are also a tasty and nutritious option to promote a healthy gut.

Know What to Do if Your Dog Has Loose Stool

Source

Diarrhea in dogs can be concerning and cause worry in pet parents, but with the right approach, your furry friend will be back to their usual self sooner than you think! By understanding when it’s time for a bland diet or a visit to the vet, you can ensure your dog’s health and well-being. 

KOHA Bland Diet and Limited Ingredient Diet formulas support healthy digestion, featuring premium nutrients, and can help dogs with diarrhea stay healthy and thrive. Whether your dog is struggling with a digestive flareup or chronic stomach upset, trust KOHA for the digestive support and nutrition your dog's sensitive belly needs.

Try KOHA for your dog today and help them overcome loose stool.