Dog Diarrhea and Vomiting in Dogs: Causes & What to Do

Oh, that sinking feeling in your stomach when you find your best friend sick... it's just the worst. Whether it's the dreaded puddle of vomit or a messy bout of diarrhea, I know your first instinct is probably a mix of panic and worry. As a doggy daycare owner, I've seen that look on so many faces. The most important thing is to stay calm, take a good look at your pup, and know when it's time to call the vet.

Most of the time, an upset stomach is just that—a temporary bug that will pass. But sometimes, it can be a little red flag for something more serious. Let's walk through this together so you know exactly what to do in those first crucial moments.

Your Dog Is Sick What to Do Right Now

As someone who has seen countless dogs come through my daycare, I've witnessed that worried look on a pet parent's face more times than I can count. Your mind starts racing with worst-case scenarios. But take a deep breath. We're going to approach this with a clear head.

The good news? The majority of cases are caused by something simple, like your dog sampling something from the trash or eating a new treat that didn't quite agree with them. Think of it like a person getting a stomach bug; their body is just trying to get rid of whatever's causing the problem.

This section is your go-to guide for those initial moments of discovery. My goal here is to help you confidently assess the situation, comfort your pup, and decide what to do next.

First Steps An Immediate Action Plan

Before you do anything else, just stop and observe. Your dog's behavior tells you almost everything you need to know. Are they still wagging their tail and following you around, or are they hiding under the bed looking miserable? These initial observations are your best tool for deciding if this is a "let's wait and see" situation or a "time to call the vet" emergency.

Being prepared for these moments is a skill every owner should have. It's why I always encourage the families at my daycare to be proactive about their knowledge. If you're interested in learning more, you can read about why a pet first aid class is a must for every pet parent.

The moment you discover your dog is unwell, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This simple table breaks down your immediate priorities into a clear, step-by-step plan.

Immediate Action Plan When Your Dog Is Sick

Action Step	Why It's Important	What to Look For
1. Isolate Your Dog	Keeps messes contained to one area and prevents other pets from getting sick or eating the vomit/feces.	A quiet, comfortable space with easy-to-clean floors, like a laundry room or bathroom.
2. Temporarily Remove Food	Gives their irritated digestive system a chance to rest and recover without having to work.	Let their stomach "reset" for about 12 hours. No food, not even treats.
3. Observe Their Behavior	A dog who is still alert and playful is very different from one who is weak, groaning, or unresponsive.	Note their energy level. Are they lethargic? Restless? Hiding?
4. Offer Small Sips of Water	Dehydration is a serious risk, but gulping large amounts of water can trigger more vomiting.	Provide a small amount of fresh water every hour or so. Ice chips are another great option.
5. Inspect the Mess	The color, consistency, and contents can provide vital clues for you and your vet.	Look for blood (bright red or dark like coffee grounds), foreign objects, or a foul odor.

Following these steps will help you stay in control and gather the necessary information to help your dog, and your vet, make the best decisions for their care.

It’s a surprisingly common issue. A landmark 2019 study in the UK found that about 8.18% of dogs—that's roughly one in every twelve—end up needing vet care for acute diarrhea each year. It just goes to show you're not alone in this

Common Causes of an Upset Stomach in Dogs

Now that you’ve handled the immediate mess, it's time to play detective. Figuring out why your dog's stomach is in knots is the key to preventing it from happening again. As someone who's seen just about everything in the doggy daycare world, I can tell you that the reason for most upset stomachs is usually pretty straightforward.

Think of your dog’s gut as a finely tuned ecosystem. It loves consistency. The minute you toss something unexpected or disruptive into the mix, you get ripples—and sometimes, those ripples are messy! Our job is to pinpoint what caused the disturbance.

The Number One Culprit: Dietary Indiscretion

Let's start with the most common offender, a term vets use called dietary indiscretion. All this really means is your dog ate something they shouldn't have. And let's be honest, they're experts at this. They explore the world with their mouths, and that curiosity often leads them straight into trouble.

This could be anything from a sneaky raid on the kitchen trash to gobbling up a questionable "snack" they found on their walk. Even something that seems innocent, like a fatty piece of steak off the dinner table, can be far too rich for their system to process. It's their body's way of forcefully ejecting something that doesn't belong.

Here are a few classic examples I've seen time and time again:

• Garbage Diving: The siren song of last night's leftovers is often too strong to ignore.

• Counter Surfing: That chicken breast you left on the counter to cool? It was basically an invitation.

• "Yard Snacks": Sticks, animal droppings, old leaves—a dog’s backyard can be a buffet of indigestible items.

• Foreign Objects: Sometimes it's not food at all. Swallowed socks, bits of chewed-up toys, or rocks can create serious and dangerous blockages.

Diet Changes and Food Sensitivities

Another frequent trigger is a sudden switch in their diet. Remember that finely tuned ecosystem? Abruptly changing your dog's food is like introducing a whole new species with no warning. The good bacteria in their gut need time to adapt to new ingredients and nutrient levels. This is why a slow transition over 7-10 days is so important.

Sometimes, it's not the change itself but a specific ingredient that’s causing the trouble. Just like us, dogs can develop food sensitivities or allergies. This is often a more chronic problem where their immune system reacts to a common protein, like chicken or beef, resulting in ongoing digestive issues.

If you're starting to suspect a food allergy is the culprit, be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint. Your vet is your best guide here and can walk you through an elimination diet to pinpoint the trigger. It requires patience, but finding the right food can completely change your dog's quality of life.

When Stress Becomes a Stomach Ache

It’s easy to forget that our dogs' minds and bodies are deeply connected. Stress and anxiety are major causes of digestive upset. There's a direct line of communication between their brain and their gut, so when a dog feels anxious, that emotional turmoil can easily show up as physical symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.

So, what kinds of things stress dogs out?

• Changes in Routine: Moving, a new baby, or even just a change in your work schedule can throw them for a loop.

• New Environments: The first day at daycare, a trip to the groomer, or staying at a boarding kennel can be overwhelming.

• Loud Noises: Thunderstorms and fireworks are notorious for causing anxiety-induced tummy trouble.

• Separation Anxiety: For some dogs, being left alone is a source of profound stress.

More Serious Underlying Causes

While the reasons above cover most cases, an upset stomach can sometimes be a red flag for something more serious that needs a vet's attention right away. These are the issues that require a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.

If dietary indiscretion is like a pebble in the pond, these are more like giant boulders that can cause real, lasting damage if ignored.

1. Infections: Both bacterial infections like Salmonella and viral infections like parvovirus can cause severe, violent gastrointestinal distress. Parvovirus is especially dangerous for puppies and requires immediate emergency care. This is exactly why proper vaccination is non-negotiable, a topic we cover in our doggy daycare owner's guide to vaccination requirements.

2. Intestinal Parasites: Uninvited guests like roundworms, hookworms, and Giardia can set up shop in your dog's intestines, leading to chronic diarrhea and vomiting. Regular deworming protocols and fecal tests are your best defense.

3. Other Medical Conditions: At times, the root of the problem isn't in the digestive tract at all. Conditions like pancreatitis (a painful inflammation of the pancreas), kidney disease, or even liver problems can have vomiting and diarrhea as their primary symptoms.

By keeping these potential causes in mind, you can better retrace your dog's recent activities and give your vet the crucial clues they need to get your best friend feeling better fast.

Red Flags That Mean You Should Call the Vet

Alright, let's get serious for a moment. As a pet owner, your most important job is knowing the difference between a simple upset stomach and a true emergency. Most of the time, tummy troubles are just a minor blip on the radar. But sometimes, they're a signal that something is very wrong.

Think of it like this: a single episode of vomiting after your dog ate too fast is a yellow traffic light. You slow down, you watch them closely, but you can probably keep going. The symptoms we're about to cover are blaring red lights. You stop everything and call for help immediately.

When Symptoms Escalate Quickly

The first major red flag isn't always a single symptom but the frequency and intensity of the problem. A dog who throws up once and then wants to play is a world away from a dog who can't stop.

Pick up the phone if you see any of these patterns:

• Repeated Vomiting or Diarrhea: If your dog has had more than three episodes in a 24-hour period, their risk of dehydration skyrockets.

• Vomiting and Diarrhea Together: When it's coming out of both ends, your dog loses fluids and electrolytes at a dangerous rate. This combo is far more serious than either symptom on its own.

• Severe Lethargy: I'm not talking about just being a little sleepy. I mean your dog is unusually weak, unresponsive, or completely unwilling to get up. This is a sign their body is struggling to cope.

Interestingly, a large-scale project tracking thousands of dogs found that owners were more likely to seek veterinary care for diarrhea (37% of cases) than for vomiting (28%). This just goes to show how common these issues are, but it also highlights that any significant digestive distress is a valid reason for concern. You can explore more about these owner-reported trends to see just how prevalent they are.

Signs of Dehydration

Dehydration is one of the biggest dangers of vomiting and diarrhea. It can happen incredibly fast, especially in puppies and senior dogs, and can lead to organ damage if not corrected quickly.

Think of your dog’s body like a battery. Vomiting and diarrhea drain that battery of essential fluids and electrolytes. If they can't recharge by drinking water, that battery can die. IV fluids at the vet's office are like a supercharger, rapidly restoring what's been lost.

This chart shows how vets classify dehydration and at what point it becomes a critical emergency.

As you can see, while very mild dehydration might be managed at home, anything beyond that requires a vet's help to safely restore your dog’s fluid balance.

Physical Symptoms You Cannot Ignore

Beyond the frequency of the episodes, there are specific physical signs that are immediate, non-negotiable red flags. These symptoms often point to serious, life-threatening conditions. Do not wait to see if they get better on their own.

Blood in the Vomit or Stool:

• Hematochezia: Bright red, fresh blood in the stool. This usually points to a problem in the lower digestive tract, like the colon.

• Melena: Dark, tarry, or black stool. This is a very serious sign of digested blood from higher up in the stomach or small intestine.

• Hematemesis: Blood in the vomit. This can look like bright red streaks or, more concerningly, dark coffee grounds.

Signs of Abdominal Pain or Bloat:

• A hard, swollen, or bloated belly is a classic sign of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), or "bloat," a deadly condition where the stomach twists.

• Unproductive retching—where your dog is trying to vomit but nothing comes up—is another hallmark sign of bloat. This is a surgical emergency.

• A "hunched" or "praying" posture, with their rear end up and their head and front legs down, signals severe abdominal pain.

• Whining, groaning, or yelping when you gently touch their stomach.

If you see any of these signs, especially a bloated belly or unproductive retching, it is a race against time. Get your dog to an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

Deciding when to rush to the vet can be stressful. This table breaks down common symptoms to help you quickly assess the situation.

Vet Visit Urgency Level Mild vs Severe Symptoms

Symptom	Monitor at Home (If Isolated & Mild)	Call The Vet Immediately (Red Flag)
Vomiting	One or two isolated episodes; dog acts normal afterward.	More than 3 times in 24 hours; unproductive retching; blood in vomit.
Diarrhea	One or two loose stools; dog is still energetic and eating.	Multiple watery episodes; contains blood or is black and tarry.
Energy Level	A little quieter than usual but still responsive and willing to go outside.	Severe lethargy; weakness; unwilling to move; collapse.
Appetite	Skips one meal but is still interested in water.	Refuses to eat or drink for more than 12-24 hours.
Abdomen	Soft and non-painful when gently pressed.	Hard, swollen, or bloated; dog yelps or groans when touched.
Gums	Pink and moist.	Pale, white, or blue; tacky or dry to the touch.

This isn't a substitute for professional advice, but a guide to help you gauge the severity. When you're in doubt, making the call is always the safest choice for your dog.

At-Home Care for a Mild Upset Stomach

Alright, you’ve run through the mental checklist and haven't spotted any major red flags. You can take a deep breath. This probably isn't an emergency, which means your job title just switched from "worried dog parent" to "at-home nurse." Your mission now is to make your pup comfortable and gently guide their tummy back to normal.

As a doggy daycare owner, I've walked countless families through these exact steps. The best part? For most mild cases of doggy diarrhea and vomiting, a little supportive care at home is all it takes. Think of their digestive system like an employee who's been working way too much overtime. It just needs a day off to rest and recover.

The 12-Hour Tummy Reset

First things first: we need to give their gut a break. The easiest way to do this is by holding off on food for about 12 hours. This short fast gives the inflamed lining of their stomach and intestines a chance to settle down without having to do the hard work of digestion. It's essentially a reset button for their entire GI tract.

But—and this is a big one—this is only for healthy adult dogs. Puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with health issues like diabetes can't safely skip meals without a vet's approval. Their bodies just don't have the same reserves. Throughout this fast, make sure they have plenty of fresh water available.

Hydration is Your #1 Job

Vomiting and diarrhea can dehydrate a dog incredibly fast. A dehydrated dog not only feels awful, but their condition can worsen quickly. The tricky part is that a nauseous pup might gulp down a whole bowl of water and throw it right back up. We want to avoid that cycle.

The key is to encourage small, frequent sips of water. Here are a few tricks I've picked up over the years:

• Offer Ice Cubes: A lot of dogs find crunching on ice cubes fun, and it's a fantastic way to get fluids into them slowly.

• Small Sips, Often: Ditch the full bowl for a bit. Instead, offer a small amount of water every hour or so.

• A Little Flavor: A splash of low-sodium chicken or beef broth can make the water more appealing. Just triple-check the label to ensure it's free of onions and garlic.

Reintroducing Food: The Bland Diet

After the 12-hour fast, it’s time to offer food again. The magic words here are bland, simple, and easy to digest. Their regular kibble is too rich and complex for a sensitive gut right now. A bland diet is like a soothing balm.

My go-to recipe is as simple as it gets and vet-approved:

1. Boiled Chicken: Take a boneless, skinless chicken breast and boil it until it's cooked through. Then, shred it into small pieces.

2. Plain White Rice: Cook up some plain white rice until it’s soft. No salt, no butter, no seasonings of any kind.

3. The Mix: Combine the two, starting with a ratio of about one part chicken to three parts rice. This combo is low in fat and gives them energy without making their stomach work hard.

Other good options include plain cooked sweet potato or a dollop of pure pumpkin puree (not the spiced pie filling!). As their system gets back on track, a bland diet can sometimes cause a bit of gas. If you notice this, our guide on how to stop gas in dogs has some great tips.

Start small. Offer just a spoonful or two and wait. If they keep that down for a couple of hours, you can offer another small meal. The idea is to give them several tiny meals throughout the day instead of one or two big ones.

If your dog is handling the bland diet well, you can start mixing a little of their regular food back in over the next few days. Slowly increase the amount of kibble and decrease the bland food until they're back to their normal diet.

What to Expect During a Vet Visit

Walking into the vet's office with a sick dog can be incredibly stressful. I've been there. Your mind is racing, your poor pup is miserable, and the whole situation can feel completely overwhelming. Knowing what’s coming can make a huge difference, helping you feel less anxious and more like a partner in your dog's care.

I always tell the dog parents at my daycare that a vet visit for diarrhea and vomiting in dogs is a team effort. You know your dog better than anyone, and your vet has the medical expertise. Think of it this way: you're the lead detective on the case, and your vet is the forensics expert. Together, you’ll figure out what's going on.

Let's pull back the curtain on what a typical appointment for an upset stomach looks like.

The History: You're the Expert Witness

Before the vet even touches your dog, they’re going to talk to you. A lot. This conversation is arguably the most critical part of the entire visit because your observations provide the clues that guide their entire investigation.

Be prepared to answer questions like:

• The Timeline: When did the vomiting and diarrhea first start? How many times has it happened in the last 24 hours?

• The "Evidence": Don't be shy with the details! What does it look like? Is it watery, soft, or bloody? Is the vomit yellow and foamy, or does it look like undigested food?

• Dietary Dirt: Have you changed their food recently? Any new treats? Is there any chance they got into the trash or nibbled on something mysterious during your last walk?

• Behavioral Clues: Are they acting tired and lethargic? Are they drinking a lot more or less water than usual? Do they seem to be in pain?

This information helps your vet build a picture of what’s happening on the inside. In early 2020, an outbreak of severe vomiting in UK dogs showed just how vital this owner-provided information is for tracking and treating illnesses. You can learn more about these veterinary disease monitoring findings and see how crucial pet owner reports really are.

The Physical Exam: A Hands-On Investigation

Next up is the physical examination. This is way more than just a quick pat on the head; your vet is systematically searching for specific clues that could point to the cause of your dog’s GI upset.

Think of the physical exam like a mechanic checking under the hood of a car. They're checking all the essential systems—hydration, temperature, heart rate, and pain response—to pinpoint the source of the trouble.

During the exam, your vet will likely:

1. Check Hydration: They’ll gently pinch the skin on your dog’s back to see how quickly it snaps back into place. They'll also check their gums to see if they feel tacky or dry, both classic signs of dehydration.

2. Take Their Temperature: A fever is a big red flag that an infection might be brewing.

3. Listen to Their Heart and Lungs: This helps ensure there aren't any other underlying conditions complicating the situation.

4. Gently Feel the Abdomen: The vet will carefully press on your dog’s belly to check for any signs of pain, bloating, or a potential blockage.

Diagnostic Tests: Getting a Deeper Look

Sometimes, the history and physical exam don't tell the whole story. If your vet needs more information, they might recommend a few common diagnostic tests. These tools are like using a microscope to see what the naked eye can’t, giving a much clearer picture of what's causing the diarrhea and vomiting in dogs.

• Fecal Exam: A small stool sample is checked for common intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, or Giardia.

• Blood Work: A complete blood panel is incredibly useful. It checks organ function (like the kidneys and liver), looks for signs of infection or inflammation, and measures electrolytes, which dehydration can throw way out of balance.

• X-rays or Ultrasound: If there’s any suspicion your dog swallowed something they shouldn't have (we’ve all heard the sock-eating stories!), imaging can confirm if there's a blockage.

Once all the information is gathered, your vet will walk you through a diagnosis and a treatment plan. This might involve IV fluids to rehydrate your dog, anti-nausea medication, or a special diet that’s easy on their stomach. Understanding each step of the process helps take the fear out of the unknown and puts you back in the driver's seat.

Proactive Steps for a Healthy Digestive System

After diving deep into tummy troubles, let's talk about my favorite topic: prevention! As a daycare owner, my number one goal is making sure every dog goes home happy and healthy. And honestly, the best way to handle diarrhea and vomiting in dogs is to make them a rare event in the first place.

Building a rock-solid digestive system comes down to creating healthy, consistent habits. Think of it like building a house brick by brick. Each good choice you make adds another layer of strength, making your dog’s gut far more resilient to the occasional upset. This is your game plan for a happy tummy.

The Foundation of Gut Health: A Quality Diet

The single biggest influence on your dog's digestive health is what you put in their bowl every single day. A consistent, high-quality diet is the cornerstone of a healthy gut. Your dog's system thrives on routine, so constantly switching foods can be a recipe for disaster.

If you absolutely must change their food, the key is to go slow. You wouldn't go from sitting on the couch to running a marathon overnight, and the same principle applies here. A gradual transition is non-negotiable.

Here’s a simple schedule to follow:

• Days 1-3: Start with 75% old food mixed with just 25% of the new stuff.

• Days 4-6: Move to an even 50/50 split.

• Days 7-9: Tip the scales to 25% old food and 75% new food.

• Day 10: By now, you should be able to serve 100% of the new food without issue.

This slow-and-steady approach gives the good bacteria in their gut time to adapt, which helps you avoid the shock that so often leads to an upset stomach.

A healthy gut is a happy dog. Simple, consistent daily habits are far more powerful than any quick fix when it comes to preventing digestive issues. It's the little things done every day that build long-term wellness.

Creating a Safe Environment

Another huge piece of the prevention puzzle is simply managing your dog’s environment. So many cases of upset stomach trace back to a bit of mischievous scavenging—what veterinarians call "dietary indiscretion." This just means dog-proofing your home is a critical part of gut health.

It's pretty simple stuff, really. Secure your trash cans, keep human food pushed to the back of the counters, and do a quick scan of your yard for any mystery "snacks." A little vigilance goes a long, long way in preventing a world of misery later.

Finally, make sure to chat with your vet about a wellness plan that includes:

• Regular Deworming: Intestinal parasites are a common and sneaky cause of chronic digestive problems.

• Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can give the gut a helping hand, especially for dogs who seem to have sensitive stomachs.

By focusing on these proactive steps—a consistent diet, a safe home, and preventative vet care—you're doing more than just dodging illness. You’re building a solid foundation for a long, happy, and comfortable life for your best friend.

A Few Common Questions About Dog Tummy Troubles

As a dog daycare owner, I've seen my fair share of upset stomachs and fielded countless questions from worried pet parents. When your dog is feeling under the weather, it's natural to have a million concerns swirling in your head. Let's clear up some of the most common ones I hear about diarrhea and vomiting in dogs.

Can I Give My Dog Medicine from My Own Cabinet?

It’s so tempting to reach for a familiar remedy like Pepto-Bismol when your pup is sick, but this is a definite no-go. You should never give your dog human medication without getting the green light and specific instructions from your vet.

Many over-the-counter human meds contain ingredients that are harmless to us but toxic to dogs, like xylitol or aspirin. Plus, figuring out the right dosage for a dog's body is a job for a professional. It's always best (and safest) to stick with treatments prescribed by someone who knows your dog's health history and weight.

What's the Deal with Dogs Eating Grass When Their Stomach Hurts?

Ah, the classic grass-eating mystery! This is one of those dog behaviors that leaves a lot of owners scratching their heads. While veterinarians don't have one single answer, a leading theory is that it’s a dog's instinctual way to make themselves vomit. The long, tickly blades of grass can irritate their throat and stomach, helping them expel whatever is causing the discomfort.

Another possibility is that they're trying to add a bit of fiber to their diet or are looking for nutrients they might be missing. Whatever the reason, a little bit of grass-eating is usually normal and nothing to worry about.

A single, mild episode of diarrhea often resolves on its own. However, you should call your vet if it lasts for more than 24-48 hours. For puppies and senior dogs, it’s wise to call much sooner, as they are far more vulnerable to dehydration.

If the diarrhea is severe, very watery, has blood in it, or comes with other worrying signs like severe weakness or repeated vomiting, don't hesitate. Call your vet immediately. These could be signals of a more serious problem that needs professional care right away.

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