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An abrupt onset of diarrhoea that often last <7 days is a common problem in dogs and cats. Most cases are associated with mild clinical signs, are self-limiting, and require minimal diagnostic testing and therapy. However, diarrhoea may be unpleasant for the animal and inconvenient for the owner. The most common cause for acute diarrhoea are dietary indiscretion and gastrointestinal (GI) parasites. Life-threatening causes of diarrhoea, such as parvovirus, intussusception and haemorrhagic gastroenteritis, do occur and these require more intensive diagnostic evaluation and patient care. Because there are numerous causes of acute diarrhoea in dogs and cats a thorough and logical diagnostic plan must be followed in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis and to administer appropriate therapy. This chapter reviews the practical clinical approach to the problem of acute diarrhoea in dogs and cats.