Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons for a veterinary visit. Nearly every dog and cat experiences diarrhea at some point. Most often it is a mild, self-resolving issue — but sometimes diarrhea can indicate a more serious condition. In this article we cover the most common causes, basics of home care and situations where you should contact the clinic.
Most Common Causes
In dogs, the most common cause is dietary indiscretion — eating garbage, switching food too quickly or consuming table scraps. In cats, sudden food changes are a common trigger. Other common causes include intestinal parasites (Giardia, roundworms, coccidia), stress (moving, boarding, changes in routine), food allergy or intolerance, bacterial and viral infections (especially parvovirus in unvaccinated puppies and kittens) and toxic substances.
Home Care
If your pet is otherwise alert, eating and drinking normally and the diarrhea is not bloody, you can try home care for 24–48 hours. Dogs can be fasted for 12–24 hours to rest the gut — cats should not be fasted for more than 12 hours due to the risk of hepatic lipidosis. Switch to a bland diet, gastrointestinal-friendly food is available at the clinic or offer boiled chicken (no skin, no bones) and rice at a 1:2 ratio. Offer small portions 4–6 times daily. Ensure adequate hydration — fresh water should always be available. Veterinary probiotics (e.g. Fortiflora) support gut recovery. Continue the bland diet for 3–5 days after the stool normalizes and gradually return to regular food over 5–7 days.
When to Contact the Veterinarian
Contact the veterinarian immediately if the diarrhea is bloody (blood can be bright red or dark/tarry black), your pet is vomiting at the same time, the animal is lethargic or apathetic, you notice signs of dehydration (dry gums, loss of skin elasticity), you suspect toxin ingestion, or the animal has fever or abdominal pain. For puppies and kittens — do not wait. They dehydrate quickly and are vulnerable to serious parvovirus infection. Contact the clinic within 12–24 hours of symptom onset. Older animals and small breeds also dehydrate faster. If diarrhea does not improve after 48 hours of home care or keeps recurring, book an appointment for examination. Tip: take a photo of the stool — it helps the veterinarian assess the situation.
Prevention
Switch food gradually over 7–10 days. Avoid table scraps, bones and access to garbage. Keep up with regular deworming — deworming medicine is available over the counter at pharmacies. Keep vaccinations up to date. Reduce stress during transitions (pheromone products like Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats can help).
Contact Us
If you are unsure, give us a call (tel. 06-3217300) or send an email to info@saarivet.fi — you can attach photos. We are happy to advise whether a visit is needed.