By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Most dogs have a bout of vomiting or diarrhoea at some point, often after eating something they should not have. Many recover within a day or two with simple care. The combination can also be the first sign of something more urgent, such as parvovirus in a puppy, haemorrhagic gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, a swallowed toy, or poisoning. The difference often comes down to how your dog is behaving, how often it is happening, and whether there is blood. This guide gives you a practical way to decide what to do.
Key takeaways
- A single episode in a bright, well dog can often be monitored with a call to your vet.
- Repeated vomiting, blood, lethargy, belly pain, or not drinking needs prompt veterinary care.
- Unvaccinated puppies with vomiting and diarrhoea should be seen urgently for possible parvovirus.
- Retching without producing anything, with a swollen belly, is an emergency.
- Do not give human medicines, and do not fast puppies, toy breeds, or diabetic dogs without vet advice.
Common causes
- Dietary indiscretion. Rubbish, fatty scraps, compost, dead animals, or a sudden food change.
- Parasites. Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and Giardia.
- Viral infections. Especially parvovirus in unvaccinated puppies.
- Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Sudden bloody diarrhoea, often in small breeds. See HGE in dogs.
- Pancreatitis. Often after a fatty meal. See pancreatitis in dogs.
- Foreign bodies. Toys, corn cobs, socks, and bones. See intestinal blockage in dogs.
- Toxins. Xylitol, chocolate, grapes, snail bait, some plants, and medications. See xylitol poisoning.
- Other illnesses. Kidney or liver disease, Addison's disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Signs to watch for
- How many times your dog has vomited or had diarrhoea, and over what period
- Blood: fresh red, or dark and tarry stools, or coffee-ground material in vomit
- Lethargy, weakness, or hiding
- Not drinking, or vomiting immediately after drinking
- A tense, painful, or swollen belly, or a "prayer" position with front end down
- Pale, sticky, or very red gums
When to see a vet
Go to an emergency vet now if your dog:
- Is retching without bringing anything up, especially with a swollen belly. This can be bloat.
- Has vomited many times in a few hours or cannot keep water down
- Has lots of blood in the diarrhoea or vomit
- Is weak, collapsed, has pale gums, or seems in significant pain
- May have eaten a toxin, medication, or object
- Is an unvaccinated or partly vaccinated puppy with vomiting and diarrhoea
Book a same-day appointment if: signs have lasted more than 24 hours, your dog is not eating, there is a small amount of blood, or your dog is very young, old, or has an existing medical condition.
Reasonable to monitor at home with a call to your clinic: an adult dog that has vomited once or twice or had a few loose stools and is bright, drinking, and interested in food.
How vets diagnose and treat it
Your vet will examine your dog's hydration, temperature, heart rate, gums, and belly, and ask what it might have eaten. Tests can include a faecal test, a parvovirus test for puppies, blood tests, and X-rays or ultrasound to look for blockages or pancreatitis.
Treatment depends on the cause. Many dogs need only supportive care such as anti-nausea medication, fluids under the skin or into a vein, and a digestible diet. Others need hospital care, surgery for a blockage, or specific treatment for toxins or infections. Your vet will choose what is right for your dog.
Caring for your dog at home
- Ask your vet about feeding. Many now suggest small, frequent meals of a bland or gastrointestinal diet rather than long fasts.
- Never fast puppies, toy breeds, or diabetic dogs without veterinary advice, as their blood sugar can drop.
- Offer small amounts of water often. If your dog vomits water, call your vet.
- Gradually return to the normal diet over a few days once stools firm up.
- Keep a record of episodes and take photos.
- Do not give human anti-diarrhoea, anti-nausea, or pain medicines. Some are toxic to dogs.
Prevention
- Keep bins, compost, and food scraps secured.
- Avoid fatty table scraps and cooked bones.
- Keep vaccinations and worming up to date.
- Change diets slowly over about a week.
- Choose toys that cannot be swallowed or chewed into pieces.
FAQ
Should I stop feeding my dog after vomiting?
A short break may be advised for some adult dogs, but long fasts are not usually needed. Ask your vet, especially for puppies and small dogs.
Is pumpkin or rice helpful?
Some vets suggest bland foods for short-term use. A vet-recommended gastrointestinal diet is often more balanced.
When is diarrhoea an emergency?
When there is a lot of blood, it is very frequent and watery, or your dog is weak, vomiting, or not drinking.
Can my dog give vomiting and diarrhoea to me?
Some causes, such as Giardia and certain bacteria, can spread to people. Wash hands after cleaning up.
Talk with a vet
If your dog has vomiting or diarrhoea and you are unsure how urgent it is, our vets can help by video. Photos of vomit or stool are very useful. Book a consult at dialavet.com. Retching without producing anything, lots of blood, or a weak dog needs an emergency vet straight away.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
- AVMA. Canine parvovirus.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control. Common toxins for dogs.
- WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If your dog is retching without producing anything or has blood in vomit or stool, contact a veterinary hospital immediately.
