Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea

Meta Description: Are you facing messy vomiting and diarrhea from your pet? We discuss causative problems, settling your pet’s stomach, and when it’s time to call your vet.

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/bulldog-mix-puppy-sleeping-on-gray-240714607

Vomiting and diarrhea. Two messy, unavoidable, and horrible symptoms that pet parents dread. When your dog’s stomach is uneasy, you could be dealing with one of these two issues. A once-off event of runny poop or barfing is usually nothing to concern yourself over. But if your dog vomits multiple times or loose stools are chronic, then a visit to the vet and further investigation is needed to treat the underlying cause. 

Let’s clean up this messy topic. 

We discuss the potential health problems at play, how you can help your pet’s stomach settle, and when it’s time to call your vet.

Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea in Dogs

Is your dog’s stool unusual? Or is your dog vomiting again? 

Several causes could be triggering acute or chronic vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Some of these causes can easily be remedied, while others are potentially life-threatening conditions that require a visit to your veterinarian immediately. 

Food Allergy or Intolerance

Your dog’s food should be the first thing you check. Does your dog’s new treat contain an ingredient they haven’t been exposed to before? Maybe it has dairy or soy in it? Food allergies commonly affect the skin, but they can also cause gastrointestinal upset – on both ends. 

Foreign Object

If your dog loves eating things, then it may have swallowed a bone or sharp object in the home. Foreign bodies can cause intestinal obstruction that can be fatal or damaging to surrounding organs. An intestinal blockage can lead to possible aspiration, dehydration, and hypovolemic shock.

Intestinal Parasites

Parasites in the intestinal tract can cause dog diarrhea or vomiting, or both. You may even identify worms in amongst your dog’s yellow bile or runny stool. Illnesses caused by worms and parasites can vary in severity, and it’s essential to treat and prevent further inflictions with routine prevention medication.

Infectious Diseases

A viral infection or bacterial infection will cause havoc in a dog’s GI tract.

There are several bacterial infections or viral infections that can cause diarrhea and vomiting in dogs. Some of these infections, like Norovirus, spread in feces, so if your dog is face-deep in the neighbor’s dog poop, then you’ll want to chase them off it. Other serious bacterial infections include Rotavirus, Calicivirus, Canine herpes virus, Campylobacter infection, and more.

Gastrointestinal Diseases

Pancreatitis, kidney disease, colitis, and even some cancers can cause inflammatory bowel disease in the GI tract, leading to your dog vomiting or chronic diarrhea.

Stress and Anxiety

Many dogs vomit when they are anxious. Muscles in the body tense and the body reacts to feelings of discomfort. Experts have found that many factors, including stress, can disrupt the activity of gut bacteria. If your pet tenses up during separation or social situations, acute diarrhea or vomiting may be a common side effect. 

Ulcers

Stomach ulcers in dogs may be caused by a high-fat diet, cancers, infections, or medications such as painkillers, aspirin, or steroids. A common sign of ulcers is blood in vomit or stool. 

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/dog-waiting-front-silver-metal-bowl-306587954

What You Can Do For Your Dog at Home

For acute conditions of dog vomiting and diarrhea that may have been caused by dietary indiscretion, it’s reasonable to try home remedies to ease your pet’s upset stomach. A healthy dog will react well to a period of fasting or a bland diet that settles stomach issues. Some supplements can also help to calm the gastrointestinal system. 

If the vomiting and diarrhea persists or worsens past 24-48 hours, their condition may need some veterinary intervention. 

Fasting 

Fasting is an excellent method to try for (typically) healthy and fit hounds. If you have a young puppy or a senior dog, then fasting may not be the best idea for their situation. Skip this step and instead offer older dogs or puppies a bland diet. It’s best to call your vet if dogs in these age stages are ill.

Pet owners who choose to withhold food from their companion animal should always make sure their dog has access to fresh water. Dehydration is a genuine concern for those struggling with vomiting and diarrhea, and water is an essential part of their treatment. If the vomit consists of yellow bile, it’s clear that the stomach is empty and irritated.

Withhold food for no more than a day, ideally 12-24 hours. 

Introduce a Bland Diet

A bland diet consists of certain foods free of flavorings, spices, and rich, fatty foods. It usually includes foods that are easy to digest and soothing to the digestive system. Starches and lean proteins are the stars of the show. VCA Hospital veterinarian Dr. Lynn Buzhardt suggests giving your dog a 2:1 ratio of starch to protein. Great additions to a bland diet include:

Starches:

• Canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
• Sweet potato
• White rice
• Brown rice

Proteins:

• Boiled chicken or turkey
• Egg
• Cottage cheese
• Bone broth (unsalted)

The purpose of bland food is to allow the gastrointestinal tract to rest and recover. For this outcome, it’s better to offer your dog several smaller meals throughout the day rather than one or two large meals. The last thing you want is dog diarrhea and vomiting to relapse when you’ve worked so hard to prepare a special diet for them. Rather than fill their bowl, offer them a few teaspoons of food every few hours. 

Keep your dog on a plain food diet for two to three days after their vomiting and diarrhea have stopped. Once your dog can tolerate their food without any loose stool or belching episodes, you can gradually reintroduce their everyday dog food, a little bit at a time. Don’t be in a hurry to do this though, mixing their bland food with their kibble can take a few days until they’re transitioned back to their usual meal. 

Try Vets Preferred Advanced Anti Diarrhea Supplement

Many dogs benefit from adding a supplement that serves to solidify their stool and stop diarrhea. The Vets Prefered Advanced Anti-Diarrhea Supplement contains ingredients kaolin and pectin, considered “oral protectants and absorbents.” These ingredients are alleged to “act locally within the gut lumen to adsorb bacteria and toxins and to provide a protective coating on inflamed mucosal surfaces.”

When to Call the Vet

Call the vet if your dog’s vomiting and diarrhea have gone on for more than 24 hours and show no signs of improvement. 

Since dog vomiting and diarrhea can be caused by potentially life-threatening diseases or a toxic substance, it’s essential to look out for other symptoms. Blood in vomit or stool is worrying and indicates internal bleeding that requires urgent veterinary attention. Intestinal obstruction can be fatal if not treated as soon as possible.

Lethargy, seizures, depression, loss of appetite, fever, weight loss, abdominal pain, and other abnormalities should be communicated to your vet to aid their search for a proper diagnosis. 

To diagnose and treat your companion dog, the vet may run some tests following a physical exam and palpating the stomach and GI tract organs. These diagnostic tests may include blood work, an abdominal ultrasound, stool analysis, urinalysis, biochemistry profile, or an endoscope to investigate the internal condition of the esophagus and stomach. 

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/sick-sad-maltese-dog-receive-injection-309191777

Preventing Vomiting and Diarrhea in Dogs

You’ve heard the phrase, “prevention is better than a cure,” and that’s indeed true. What better incentive is there than knowing you’ll (hardly) ever have to clean up some undigested, unidentifiable stomach contents off your carpet?

Keeping your pet healthy, exercising them, and taking them for annual and bi-annual wellness exams are some of the ways that you need to take care of your dog. Preventative maintenance and early diagnosis and treatment of even life-threatening conditions are possible. 

Monitor Their Diet

Cases of dietary indiscretion are among the most common causes of acute diarrhea and vomiting. For this reason, it’s important to make sure that your dog only eats what is intended for them. A diet that is free of allergens and offers a balanced organic diet is best for the long-term wellness of your furbaby. 

Use Probiotics

Probiotic supplements are considered helpful in easing the gastrointestinal tract and restoring balance to the gut microbiome. When bad bacteria overwhelm the digestive tract, diarrhea is a normal side effect. Good bacteria are vital and impact the entire body – from skin health to the functioning of the immune system. 

A healthy presence of probiotics leads to improved digestion and overall gut health. Probiotics and prebiotics may have beneficial effects for dog struggling with pancreatitis, skin allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer side effects, yeast ear infections, 

Up to Date Flea and Tick Prevention

Parasites and ticks can cause many problems, and keeping your dog up to date with vaccinations is an essential requirement for pet care. The initial stages of a tick or flea infestation may not include vomiting or diarrhea, but severe cases can lead to heart or liver disease.  

Provide Clean Drinking Water

Giving your dog a healthy diet is important, but don’t forget the life-giving bowl of fresh water that needs to accompany it. Water clears the body of toxins, aids in digestion, carries nutrients through the body, lubricates joints, and prevents dehydration (a danger when your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea). 

Stay Away from Toxic Chemicals

Poisonous substances are all around us. Even with convincing puppy dog eyes, it’s essential to avoid giving your pet human foods that may include spices or toxic food like onion, garlic, xylitol, some nuts, or chocolate. 

If your dog loves to forage, clear your garden or home of any poisonous plants, mushrooms, or refuse. Your compost heap should be closed off from your pet. 

Signs of toxic substance ingestion vary depending on what your dog has ingested. 

• vomiting (with or without blood)
• diarrhea (with or without blood)
• tremors
• seizures
• decreased heart rate
• decreased blood pressure
• liver failure
• kidney failure.

In the event of poisoning, call your veterinarian or contact Pet Poison Hotline for help.

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/cute-dog-apple-heart-his-mouth-487642834

Taking Care of Your Dog’s Stomach

Throughout your dog’s life, they’re exposed to many things that can directly or indirectly affect their bodies. When an upset stomach is bothering them, working with your vet to find the underlying cause should be the first step. In the meantime, ease their discomfort with natural remedies, supplements, a simple diet of boiled chicken and rice, and anti-diarrhea medications. 

Once a diagnosis has been found, your vet can advise you on the treatment plan. A change of diet, medication, exercise and some natural immune boosters will be a beneficial way to support your pet’s health and make sure you reduce the occurrence of dog vomiting or tummy spills.

Your pet may be looking and feeling green, but with some TLC from yourself and their family pet expert, they can gain some color to their complexion again. 

FAQ:

• When should I take my dog to the vet for diarrhea and vomiting? Call the vet if your dog’s vomiting and diarrhea have gone on for more than 24 hours. Signs of blood, lethargy, lack of appetite, or low heart rate are also warning signs that require emergency care. 
• What can you give a dog that has diarrhea and vomiting? A bland diet includes foods that are easy to digest and soothing to the digestive system. It may be helpful in acute cases of vomiting and diarrhea. Anti-diarrhea supplements with kaolin and pectin can also help an upset stomach. 
• What are the symptoms of a stomach virus in dogs? Vomiting and diarrhea, and nausea, dehydration, and abdominal discomfort are symptoms of gastrointestinal upset or a stomach virus.
• When should I be concerned about my dog vomiting? The presence of blood in vomit or stool is an emergency and indicates internal bleeding that requires urgent veterinary attention.