(BPT) - Key takeaways:
- Occasional diarrhea is a common complaint in dogs and cats, and pet parents may not always know what to do about it.
- Diarrhea can have many causes, including stress or sudden change in diet.
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements has created a non-prescription kit to help pet parents manage their pets' occasional diarrhea and long-term gut health.
- Call your vet if symptoms continue, worsen, or your pet experiences vomiting or changes in appetite or energy.
When a pet has diarrhea, pet parents may not know what to do, or when it's time to call their veterinarian. Diarrhea is one of the most common reasons pets feel under the weather, and it's not always obvious what will actually help.
In honor of the 2026 National Cat & Dog Gut Health Awareness Day on September 21, Purina Veterinary Nutritionist Martha Cline, DVM, DACVIM, explains how pet parents can ease their pet's tummy troubles, and keep their gut healthy so it's less likely to happen again.
How you can help your pet feel better
Diarrhea is a common complaint in dogs and cats, with a wide range of potential causes. Two common culprits are stress and diet. A change in routine, construction noise, a new pet or baby in the house or a sudden food switch can all play a role.
One or more of these strategies can help ease your pet's tummy troubles:
1. Keep their environment calm
Has life at home been chaotic? Help your pet relax and reset. For cats, that could mean a place to escape the hustle and bustle, like a cozy hideaway or special box. Dogs tend to do best when sticking closely to their routine. Providing extra one-on-one attention and a chew toy can also help dogs burn off nervous energy.
2. Introduce new foods more gradually
"If you've recently introduced a new food, it might not be sitting well with your cat or dog, especially if they have a sensitive stomach," said Dr. Cline. "A slower introduction, or mixing it with their usual food, can help their stomach adjust."
If your pet's diet has not changed, a temporary switch to a highly digestible or fiber-enhanced diet may help. Consult your vet before making any dietary changes.
3. Consider a supplement created just for pets
To give your dog or cat extra support, skip the human medicine cabinet and stick to supplements designed specifically for pets.
"The best supplements for pets are created in collaboration with veterinary nutritionists who have expertise in health and nutrition," said Dr. Cline.
FortiFlora Diarrhea Response Kit for pets (dogs; cats) with occasional diarrhea from Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements is one option. Developed by Purina scientists, it pairs FortiFlora Response stick packs for short-term use to help firm loose stools with FortiFlora sachets, the No. 1 vet-recommended probiotic brand to support digestive health*, with no prescription required. FortiFlora Response stick packs contain kaolin and pectin to soothe the GI tract during times of loose stool, and come in an easy-to-mix, liver-flavored powder you can pour right into your pet's bowl.
"Diarrhea can be difficult for pets and pet parents, but having a plan takes a lot of the stress out of it," said Dr. Cline. "Keeping the FortiFlora Diarrhea Response Kit on hand means you'll be ready whenever it strikes."
Diarrhea can be difficult for pets and pet parents, but having a plan takes a lot of the stress out of it.
Watch for these important signs
Make sure to note how long your pet's diarrhea lasts, and any other symptoms you see. These details can point to whether there's a bigger issue.
"If you notice vomiting, changes in appetite or energy, or diarrhea that isn't improving or worsens within 72 hours, it's time to call your veterinarian," added Dr. Cline.
How to prepare for your vet visit
If you do need to see your vet, a little planning goes a long way:
- Provide plenty of fresh water to help prevent dehydration.
- Note the details. Frequency, whether there's blood, mucus or any straining are all useful symptoms to share. The Fecal Scoring Chart from Purina Institute is a helpful tool to describe what you see.
- Collect a sample so your vet can screen for parasites, another common cause of diarrhea.
Continue supporting your pet's long-term gut health
A single episode of diarrhea can be handled in the moment, but the goal is to help your pet avoid another round in the future. That's where the FortiFlora sachets come in: Daily use helps keep your pet's digestive and immune systems on track. The sachets contain Enterococcus lactis SF68, a safe, effective single-strain probiotic that helps promote healthy digestive and immune systems, backed by over 20 years of research.
With a plan already in place, pet parents can skip the stress and get straight to helping their pet feel better as soon as possible.
*Online survey among all qualified U.S. veterinarians who indicated the brand as one of 1-3 brands recommended, Q4 2025.
