Urgent
Diarrhoea in Dogs and Cats
Short-term diarrhoea often resolves on its own, but dehydration develops in puppies and kittens within hours — watch closely.
See a vet for bloody stool, black tarry stool, or lethargy.
Diarrhoea in Dogs and Cats
Short-term diarrhoea often resolves on its own, but dehydration develops in puppies and kittens within hours — watch closely.
- •Stress or diet change
- •Worms, giardia, coccidia
- •Parvovirus and infections
- •Allergy or intolerance
Possible causes
- •Stress or diet change
- •Worms, giardia, coccidia
- •Parvovirus and infections
- •Allergy or intolerance
- •Inflammatory bowel disease
What to do at home
- Fast adults 12–24 hours with water available
- Bland diet after: rice and chicken in small portions
- Save a stool sample
- Watch for dehydration (skin tent, dry gums)
When to call the vet
- →Blood or black tarry stool
- →Diarrhoea longer than 24 hours in adults, 12 hours in puppies/kittens
- →Paired with vomiting, refusal to drink, lethargy
- →Suspected poisoning
FAQ
When is diarrhoea critical for a kitten?
In kittens and puppies under 4 months, any diarrhoea over 12 hours requires a vet due to rapid dehydration.