No, it is often something harmless and gets better quickly. If it persists or is accompanied by fever, vomiting or lethargy, have it checked by your vet.
Digestive Problems in Dogs
From a change of food to stress: what upsets the tummy.
At a glance
- What is it?
- An umbrella term for problems such as diarrhoea, vomiting, wind or changing stools.
- Typical signs
- Soft stools, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach rumbling, wind, reduced appetite.
- Commonly affected
- Any dog can be affected; take particular care with puppies and seniors.
- Causes
- A change of food, stress, infections, parasites, intolerances, medication, less often organ disease.
Interactive symptom check
Select the symptoms you observe in your dog. You will receive an immediate initial assessment. This tool does not replace veterinary advice!
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When should you see a vet?
Often it is something harmless, but some signs are serious. Go to the vet straight away if:
- there is blood in the faeces or vomit, or the faeces look black and tarry,
- your dog vomits several times, retches without bringing anything up, has a bloated belly or seems very lethargic (suspected gastric torsion, or bloat, an emergency),
- diarrhoea lasts longer than one to two days or your dog is a puppy or a senior.
Diarrhea, soft stool, vomiting or gas are common in dogs. Often something harmless is behind it, such as a change of food or excitement, and the symptoms improve quickly. If they persist or warning signs appear, your dog should see the vet.
What counts as digestive problems?
Digestive problems is an umbrella term for complaints in the gastrointestinal tract. These include diarrhea and soft stool, vomiting, gas, stomach rumbling and changing stool consistency. They are a sign, not a disease in their own right.
Common causes
- a quick change of food or eating something unusual, for example table scraps or something from the trash
- stress, fear or excitement, for example when traveling
- gastrointestinal infections caused by viruses or bacteria
- parasites such as worms or Giardia
- intolerances or allergies
- medications, for example antibiotics
Less common but serious causes
Sometimes diseases of other organs are behind it, such as inflammation of the pancreas, kidney disease, hormonal disorders, tumors or poisoning. A swallowed foreign object can also cause vomiting. That is why it is important to have it checked if the symptoms don’t improve quickly.
How does the vet find the cause?
Depending on the situation, the examination is followed by a stool test for parasites, blood tests and ultrasound. It helps if you can tell the vet how long the symptoms have lasted, what the stool looks like and whether your dog has eaten anything unusual. Bringing a fresh stool sample often saves time.
What you can do in everyday life
- Change food gradually over several days.
- Keep table scraps, trash and anything toxic out of reach.
- Make sure your dog drinks enough when it has diarrhea.
- Have your dog checked for parasites regularly, as your vet recommends.
- With puppies, seniors or dogs with existing conditions, go to the vet sooner, because they become dehydrated more quickly.
Frequently asked questions about Digestion
Is diarrhoea in dogs always dangerous?
Can stress cause diarrhoea?
Yes, excitement, fear or a change of surroundings can upset digestion for a short time.
Why does my dog have diarrhoea after antibiotics or worming treatment?
Some medicines also affect the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Mention the symptoms to your vet.
What should I tell the vet?
How long the symptoms have lasted, what the faeces look like and whether your dog has eaten anything unusual. Bringing a fresh stool sample can be helpful.
More about nutrients in a dog’s diet
Our ingredient glossary explains 43 ingredients from Agaricus to zinc.
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Veterinary expertise at the heart of our team
Dr. med. vet. Sibylle Ott has been part of our team at DOG FIT by PreThis® from the very beginning. As an experienced vet, she supports our work professionally and contributes her knowledge of dog health. Her experience and her deep understanding of dogs’ needs are an important guide for us. She is a valuable treasure for our team and for the well-being of many dogs.
This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a vet. Our products are complementary feed for dogs. They do not replace a veterinary examination or treatment. If your dog has any health problems, please contact your vet.
