When should I be genuinely concerned about my dog’s diarrhea? It is not uncommon for dogs to experience occasional gastrointestinal disturbances, but at what point does this become alarming? Could it be that a single episode of loose stools is merely a fleeting annoyance, or does it signal an underlying issue that requires immediate attention? What if the diarrhea persists for more than a day, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, or a sudden loss of appetite? How can one discern between benign dietary indiscretions and more nefarious gastrointestinal conditions? Furthermore, should the nature of the diarrhea—be it watery, bloody, or particularly foul-smelling—alter the level of concern? When considering the potential for dehydration, how do these factors interplay into determining the urgency for veterinary intervention? Is there a rule of thumb regarding the duration or frequency of these episodes that pet owners should adhere to in order to safeguard their dog’s health?