Dog vomiting or having diarrhea? What your dog’s upset stomach could mean
From time to time, it's likely your dog will vomit or have diarrhea. It's important to know when these issues are cause for concern or if there's anything you can do to help prevent them.
Eating something they shouldn’t
This is one of the most common causes of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Dogs are curious by nature, and many will try to eat things that aren’t meant to be food. Much of the time, this leads to a mild upset stomach and passes on its own, as long as the item isn’t toxic. But if you see your dog eating something they shouldn’t, it’s best to call an emergency practice immediately.
Ingesting a toxin
If dogs eat or lick things like chocolate, grapes, human medications, mouse poison, or cleaning products, they can get very sick. This is always considered an emergency, and if this happens to your dog, you should immediately seek veterinary care. You could also call local animal poison control. Be sure to tell your vet and/or animal poison control the active ingredients of the toxin that was ingested, if known.
Overeating or eating too quickly
This can lead to vomiting or regurgitation. Regurgitation is different from vomiting. It usually happens soon after eating, without any loud gagging. To prevent this, consider feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals. Another helpful strategy is to use puzzle feeders to slow down eating.
Sudden diet change
Changing your dog’s food too quickly can upset their stomach. If this happens, switch back to their previous food for 2 to 3 days, then reintroduce the new food gradually over 7 to 14 days. If your dog vomits or has diarrhea that lasts more than 24 to 48 hours, or your dog seems unwell in any way, call your veterinarian.
Food allergies
Gastrointestinal signs, such as throwing up and runny stools, can be linked to a food allergy. When coupled with itchiness, they are not typically an emergency. You should talk to your vet, who may recommend trying different types of foods to narrow down what your dog is allergic to.
Intestinal parasites (worms)
Intestinal parasites are tiny worms or germs that live in your dog’s digestive tract. Common types include roundworms, hookworms, giardia, and coccidia. They can cause repeated vomiting and loose or soft stools, especially in puppies. Your veterinarian will need a fresh stool sample to check for these parasites and treat your dog.
Infections (viral, bacterial)
An infection happens when harmful germs, like viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi, enter the body and multiply. These germs can upset how the body normally works and make your dog sick. Depending on the type of germ and where it affects your dog's body, an infection can cause signs like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, low energy, pain, or swelling.
One example is parvovirus, a viral infection that can cause dangerous dehydration in puppies. Parvovirus attacks white blood cells and the lining of the intestines. In some cases, it can even damage the heart. If your dog keeps having vomiting and foul-smelling watery poop (often with blood in it), especially if they are not yet fully vaccinated, seek veterinary care right away.
Stressful situations and anxiety
Some dogs are more prone to vomiting and/or diarrhea during stressful situations like fireworks, thunderstorms, moving, etc. While this is not usually considered an emergency, it does require a conversation with your veterinarian about how to best manage your dog’s anxiety in these types of situations.
Side effects of certain medications like antibiotics and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Throwing up and loose stools are common side effects to many medications. Stopping your dog’s medication may resolve the symptoms. However, you should speak with your vet before stopping or changing any medication. For your pet’s safety, only give them medication that’s been prescribed by your veterinarian.
Underlying medical conditions
Conditions that affect other organs, such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and adrenal glands, can sometimes cause vomiting and diarrhea. Your veterinarian can help guide what tests may be best for your dog to get to the bottom of their signs.
What does it mean if your dog keeps having stomach issues?
A mild upset stomach may go away on its own without treatment. But if your dog keeps throwing up or having loose stool, it could be a sign of a more serious problem.
To find out what’s causing these symptoms, your veterinarian may need to run some tests. Ongoing stomach issues can be linked to more serious health concerns, such as kidney disease, which can cause nausea and vomiting. Blood work and a urine test are often needed to check organ function and help confirm the cause. In some cases, veterinarians may recommend starting with imaging.
If stomach signs continue or keep coming back, your vet may also recommend other tests, such as a stool test, X-rays, or an ultrasound. These tests help your veterinarian find the problem sooner and work with you to create the best treatment plan for your dog.
When to call the vet: Signs it’s more than an upset stomach
While it can be confusing and frustrating trying to decide if your dog’s upset stomach needs a vet visit or not, the following are signs that your dog needs professional care as soon as possible:
- Your dog vomits or has diarrhea for more than 24 to 48 hours
- More than one episode of vomiting per day
- Your dog suddenly stops eating or drinking
- Your dog shows signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes or dry gums
- Your dog has abdominal pain or discomfort
- Your dog acts very depressed or tired
- You see blood in your dog’s poop or vomit, or if it looks dark or feels sticky
- You see your dog eat a known poisonous substance or foreign object
- Your dog is very young, very small or very old, or has an underlying illness like diabetes, kidney disease, etc.
While there are many possible causes of vomiting and diarrhea, some are more serious than others. If your dog's symptoms keep happening or come back, it's a good idea to talk with your veterinarian. They can help you decide if testing is needed and guide you on next steps. Together, you can make a plan to help your dog feel better.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about this topic
Your dog may vomit and/or have diarrhea. Excessive drooling or frequent licking of their lips can also be a sign of nausea in dogs. Some dogs cannot seem to get comfortable and may even whine, cry, or stretch repeatedly.
It is always recommended to discuss ANY medications with your veterinarian before giving them to your dog. Do not give your dog medications made for humans, as many are not safe for dogs. However, it is generally safe to offer your dog small amounts of a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and white rice (as long as they aren't allergic), and small amounts of water.
Your veterinarian will first ask you for a complete history of the signs. Then they will perform a thorough physical exam on your dog. Next, they will often use a combination of diagnostic tests that may include blood work, pee tests, stool analysis, X-rays, ultrasound, biopsies, and specialized GI panels.
