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Diarrhoea and soft faeces are very common reasons for owners to contact us at Battersea Square Vets. In many dogs, a short episode is caused by a simple stomach upset and settles quickly, but diarrhoea can sometimes be a sign that something more is going on.

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The first thing we want to know is not just what your dog's poo looks like, but how your dog is feeling in themselves.

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My dog has diarrhoea but seems completely well. Do they need to see a vet?

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If your dog is bright, happy, eating and drinking normally, full of energy and not vomiting, and they simply have some soft faeces or diarrhoea with no blood or mucus, this is often uncomplicated and self-limiting.

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In these cases, it may be reasonable to monitor your dog initially. We may also recommend Pro-Kolin paste, which we can dispense to help support the digestive system while things settle.

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If you're unsure, give our team a call and we can help you decide whether your dog needs an appointment.

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When should I book a vet appointment for my dog's diarrhoea?

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We recommend booking a consultation with one of our vets at Battersea Square Vets if:

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• There is blood or mucus in the diarrhoea.

• The diarrhoea has continued for more than three days, even if your dog otherwise seems well.

• Your dog is quieter or more lethargic than usual.

• They are off their food or eating less.

• They aren't drinking normally.

• They are vomiting as well as having diarrhoea.

• They seem uncomfortable or generally unwell.

 

How your dog feels is important. A dog with diarrhoea who is bright, hungry and behaving normally is very different from a dog with diarrhoea who is quiet, vomiting or refusing food.

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Why might we ask you to bring in a faecal sample?

 

If your dog's diarrhoea has lasted for several days, keeps coming back or is accompanied by other symptoms, we may recommend faecal testing.

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A faecal sample can be sent to the laboratory to investigate possible causes of persistent diarrhoea, including certain parasites and infections.

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We can provide faecal sample pots - and we can explain how to collect the sample correctly!

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Is blood or mucus in my dog's poo something to worry about?

 

Blood or mucus can occur when the bowel is inflamed or irritated and there are several possible causes.

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If you see blood or mucus in your dog's diarrhoea, we recommend arranging a veterinary consultation so that we can assess your dog and decide whether any further investigation or treatment is needed.

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When is diarrhoea in dogs urgent?

 

Please contact us promptly if your dog has diarrhoea or soft faeces and is also:

• Vomiting

• Off their food

• Not drinking normally

• Very lethargic or weak

• In discomfort

• Generally unwell

 

Puppies, elderly dogs, and dogs with existing medical conditions can sometimes become unwell more quickly, so we may recommend seeing them sooner.

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How long should I wait for my dog's diarrhoea to improve?

 

A mild stomach upset in an otherwise healthy dog should settle quickly.

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If the diarrhoea has continued for more than three days, however, we recommend contacting us, even if your dog still seems bright and well. Persistent or recurrent diarrhoea may need investigation rather than simply continuing to monitor it at home.

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Not sure whether your dog needs an appointment?

 

Please call Battersea Square Vets if you're unsure.

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When you contact us, it is helpful to tell us how long the diarrhoea has been present, whether there is blood or mucus, whether your dog has vomited, and whether they are eating, drinking and behaving normally.

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Our team can then help you decide whether your dog can be monitored at home, whether we recommend bringing in a faecal sample, or whether it would be best to book a veterinary consultation with us.