If your dog is vomiting and having diarrhea, it usually means their stomach or gut is upset. This is a very common problem in dogs. Most of the time, it is not serious. However, sometimes it can mean a big health issue. This guide will help you see the reasons why this happens and what you should do next.
Deciphering Common Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea Causes
When a dog is throwing up and having loose stools, many things could be the cause. Finding the root problem helps you treat your pet best. We look at the most frequent dog vomiting and diarrhea causes below.
Dietary Mistakes and Indiscretions
Dogs love to eat things they shouldn’t. This is a top reason for upset tummies.
- Eating trash: Dogs often raid garbage cans. Rotten food or spoiled items are hard to digest.
- Sudden diet change: Switching dog food too fast can upset the gut. The bacteria in the gut need time to adjust.
- Eating rich or fatty foods: Giving your dog human food, especially fatty scraps, can trigger pancreatitis or simple upset.
- Eating non-food items: Toys, socks, or sticks can cause blockages or irritation.
Infections and Parasites
Germs and tiny creatures can make a dog very sick. This is especially true for young dogs. Puppy sick vomiting diarrhea often points to these issues.
- Viruses: Parvovirus and distemper are serious viral causes. They cause severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea.
- Bacteria: Salmonella or E. coli can come from bad food or water.
- Intestinal parasites: Worms like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms irritate the gut lining. Giardia and coccidia are single-celled parasites that cause watery diarrhea.
Toxin Ingestion
Poisoning is a life-threatening emergency. If you see sudden onset dog vomiting diarrhea, think about what your dog could have eaten.
- Household chemicals: Cleaning sprays or antifreeze are very dangerous.
- Certain plants: Lilies, sago palms, and other toxic plants cause severe illness.
- Human medications: Medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are toxic to dogs.
- Insecticides or rodenticides: Rat poison causes internal bleeding and severe GI signs.
Underlying Health Issues
Sometimes, vomiting and diarrhea are signs of a bigger, long-term illness.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This is a chronic condition where the gut gets inflamed.
- Organ problems: Kidney disease or liver failure can cause nausea and vomiting.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, often linked to eating fatty food. This causes intense abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Cancer: Tumors in the digestive tract can lead to chronic GI signs.
Assessing the Severity: When to Worry About Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea
Most mild cases resolve quickly. But sometimes, the situation needs urgent veterinary care. Knowing when to worry about dog vomiting and diarrhea is vital for your dog’s safety.
Red Flags Warranting Immediate Vet Care
If you see any of these signs, do not wait. Call your vet right away.
- Persistent Vomiting: If your dog cannot keep any water down for more than 12 hours.
- Bloody Diarrhea or Vomit: Bright red blood or “coffee grounds” material in the vomit.
- Severe Lethargy: Extreme tiredness or weakness. Your dog won’t move or respond normally.
- Abdominal Pain: Whining, hunching over, or a tense, hard belly when touched.
- Known Toxin Exposure: If you know your dog ate poison or something toxic.
- Signs of Dehydration: Dry, sticky gums, or skin that stays tented when gently pinched (check the scruff of the neck).
Recognizing Dehydration Risks
Vomiting and diarrhea cause rapid fluid loss. Dehydration is a major risk, especially for small puppies or senior dogs. Always monitor your dog’s hydration status.
Dealing with Sudden Onset Dog Vomiting Diarrhea
When signs appear quickly, it often points to acute issues like dietary indiscretion or a short-lived virus. When you notice sudden onset dog vomiting diarrhea, the first steps are focused on rest and gentle rehydration.
Initial Steps for Acute Upset
- Withhold Food (Short Term): Rest the digestive system for 12 to 24 hours (longer for large breeds, shorter for small puppies). This stops further irritation. Do not withhold food for more than 24 hours without vet advice.
- Monitor Water Intake: Ensure your dog has access to fresh water. If they drink too fast and vomit immediately, offer small amounts (a few tablespoons) every 30 minutes instead.
- Watch for Improvement: If vomiting stops within 12-24 hours, you can slowly start reintroducing bland food.
Home Remedies and Supportive Care
For mild cases, certain dog diarrhea and vomiting remedies can help settle the stomach. These remedies aim to soothe the gut lining.
Bland Diet Introduction
Once vomiting has stopped for several hours, start offering a very simple diet. This is the basis of the diet for dog with vomiting and diarrhea.
Bland Diet Components:
| Component | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Plain, boiled, skinless, boneless chicken breast OR lean ground beef (drained of all fat). | Easy to digest protein for energy. |
| Carbohydrate Source | Plain white rice (cooked until very soft) OR plain boiled potatoes (no skin). | Provides energy and binds stools. |
| Ratio | Start with 2 parts carbohydrate to 1 part protein. | Ensures easy digestion initially. |
Feeding Schedule:
- Start with very small amounts—about one tablespoon of the mix every two to three hours.
- If the dog keeps this down for 12 hours, slowly increase the portion size.
- Gradually mix in a small amount of their normal food over several days to transition back.
Probiotics and Supplements
Probiotics help restore the good bacteria balance in the gut that is lost during diarrhea. Many vets recommend using a canine-specific probiotic supplement during treating dog GI upset vomiting diarrhea.
- Fortiflora or Proviable are common, vet-approved options.
- Plain yogurt (with live active cultures, no sugar added) can sometimes be used sparingly, but supplements are often more effective.
When Appetite Fails: Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea No Appetite
Loss of appetite accompanying GI signs is concerning. When you notice dog vomiting and diarrhea no appetite, it signals that your dog feels significantly unwell.
If a dog stops eating for more than a day alongside vomiting and diarrhea, it needs a vet visit. Loss of appetite means they are not getting necessary calories or hydration, and it can worsen underlying conditions. The underlying cause might be too painful or severe for them to consider food.
Veterinary Treatments for Severe GI Upset
If home care does not work, or if the signs are severe from the start, a veterinarian will take over the treating dog GI upset vomiting diarrhea.
Diagnostic Procedures
The vet needs to find the exact cause. This may involve:
- Fecal Tests: Checking for parasites like Giardia or worms.
- Blood Work: Assessing organ function (kidneys, liver) and checking for infection or inflammation markers.
- X-rays or Ultrasound: Looking for foreign objects causing a blockage, tumors, or severe inflammation in the intestines or pancreas.
Medical Interventions
Treatment depends entirely on the diagnosis.
- Fluid Therapy: IV (intravenous) fluids are crucial if dehydration is present. Fluids restore electrolytes and correct fluid loss.
- Anti-Nausea Medication: Drugs like Cerenia stop the vomiting reflex, allowing the dog to rest and potentially drink water.
- Antibiotics: Only used if a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected. They are not used for simple viral gastroenteritis.
- Gut Protectants: Medications that coat and soothe the irritated lining of the stomach and intestines.
Choosing the Right Diet Long-Term
Once the acute episode passes, selecting the best dog food for vomiting and diarrhea moving forward is important for long-term gut health.
Transitioning Back to Regular Food
The transition must be slow to prevent a relapse.
- Days 1-3: 75% Bland Diet, 25% Old Food.
- Days 4-6: 50% Bland Diet, 50% Old Food.
- Days 7-9: 25% Bland Diet, 75% Old Food.
- Day 10: 100% Old Food.
If diarrhea returns at any stage, back up to the previous, more easily tolerated ratio.
Prescription Gastrointestinal Diets
For dogs with chronic issues like IBD or repeated bouts of upset, prescription diets are often recommended. These foods are specially formulated:
- Highly Digestible: Made with simple, easily absorbed ingredients.
- Limited Ingredient: Often use novel proteins (like duck or venison) to reduce food sensitivities.
- High in Prebiotics/Probiotics: To support a healthy microbiome.
Special Considerations for Puppies
Puppy sick vomiting diarrhea is always treated with higher caution than in adult dogs. Puppies dehydrate very quickly. They are also more susceptible to severe diseases like Parvovirus.
If a puppy has two or more episodes of vomiting or persistent diarrhea, contact your veterinarian the same day. Waiting even 12 hours can be dangerous for a very young dog. Ensure they are up-to-date on all their vaccinations, as this prevents the most severe viral causes.
Summary of Action Steps
When your dog shows GI signs, follow this plan:
- Assess Severity: Check for red flag symptoms (blood, severe lethargy).
- Hydration Check: Ensure access to water; manage intake if vomiting persists.
- Rest the Gut: Fast food intake for up to 24 hours.
- Introduce Bland Diet: Once vomiting stops, start small, frequent feedings of boiled chicken and rice.
- Monitor Closely: If signs do not improve in 48 hours, or worsen, seek professional veterinary help immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long should I keep my dog off food if they are vomiting?
A: For a healthy adult dog, withhold food for 12 to 24 hours to let the stomach rest. Small puppies should only go without food for about 6 to 12 hours before consulting a vet, as they need nutrients more urgently. Always offer small amounts of water during this fast.
Q: Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol or Imodium for diarrhea?
A: Never give your dog human medications without direct instruction from your veterinarian. Pepto-Bismol contains salicylates, which can be harmful to dogs, especially in large amounts or if they have underlying conditions. Imodium (Loperamide) can be toxic to certain breeds, like Collies. Always use vet-approved treatments.
Q: What if my dog is only vomiting bile?
A: Vomiting yellow or clear/foamy bile usually means the stomach is empty, and the dog is nauseous. This often happens after a long period without food or if there is severe irritation. If this happens consistently, it signals the need for a vet visit to check for issues like Bilious Vomiting Syndrome or blockages.
Q: Is stress a cause of GI upset in dogs?
A: Yes, stress is a common trigger for diarrhea and sometimes vomiting in dogs. Major changes, travel, new pets, or loud noises can cause emotional stress that manifests physically as gastroenteritis. This often responds well to bland food and environmental calm.