Vomiting and Diarrhea in Dogs

At some point in your dog’s life, they might experience both vomiting and diarrhea — it’s completely normal for these to happen separately every now and then. These occasional tummy troubles could just be a simple reaction to something they ate. 

But, if your dog is vomiting and has diarrhea frequently or for extended periods of time, it could be time to visit the vet. 

Let’s take a look at what the causes of vomiting and diarrhea are, what to do if this happens to your pup, and how to prevent it from happening altogether. 

There are many factors that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, ranging from simpler dietary issues to more serious health conditions. 

Some common reasons include:

• Certain foods: New or very rich foods can upset your dog's stomach
• Bacterial imbalances: An imbalance in gut bacteria can cause digestive issues
• Stress and anxiety: Changes in routine or environment can cause your furry friend anxiety, and even lead to stomach problems
• Toxic substances: Ingesting something toxic, like pesticides, can cause immediate vomiting and diarrhea
• Viruses: Infections like parvovirus or coronavirus can contribute to digestive troubles
• Parasites: Worms and other parasites can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system
• Organ failure: Liver, pancreatic, or kidney failure can cause gastrointestinal symptoms
• Intestinal obstruction: This serious condition where the intestines are obstructed can make bathroom breaks difficult for your pup, and can even lead to runny diarrhea
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Chronic bowel inflammation can lead to bloody diarrhea

Bloody diarrhea and vomiting in dogs: a red flag

Blood in vomit or stool is a major concern. This could indicate something serious like poisoning, severe infection, or a gastrointestinal injury. Immediate vet care is a must if you notice this happening to your dog.

Wellness plans are a great way to carve out time for health check-ups and routine care for your pup. Explore plans today and keep them around for the long haul. 

What should you do when you notice your dog’s not doing too well? If your dog suddenly starts vomiting and has diarrhea, follow these steps:

• Remove food and water: Let their stomach settle. Try offering small amounts of water to prevent dehydration, but don’t give too much. 
• Monitor for 24 hours: Keep an eye on your pup and give them some time to rest and recover. 
• Reintroduce bland food: After 24 hours, try giving them small amounts of bland food to not overload their system. Chicken and rice is a good option to try.
• Vet visit: If you see no improvement after these steps, or if there are new symptoms, it’s time to take your pup to the vet.

The best way to stay prepared when your dog gets sick? Have great pet insurance. Be ready for anything and explore top pet insurance options tailored to your pup’s lifestyle at Wag! Compare.

Here’s how to keep your furry friend’s tummy happy:

• Diet management: Stick to dog food (whenever you can) and avoid table scraps. A balanced diet is key. 
• Supervision: Keep an eye on your dog when spending time outside to keep them from eating anything rogue or harmful.
• Regular vet visits: Keep up with regular vaccinations and check-ups to help catch and prevent infections or parasite infestations early. 
• Safe environment: Keep toxic substances out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

For more on keeping your dog healthy, find out how to keep your dog safe from diseases and discover some of the best budget-friendly dog foods for your pup. 

The cost of treating vomiting and diarrhea varies based on the underlying cause. Some examples of costs include: 

• Inflammatory bowel disease treatments can range from $500 to $1,500
• Parasite treatments typically cost between $150 and $300
• Poisoning treatments can range from $1,500 to $3,000

Trying to find the right dog food? Head over to our partners Dog Food Advisor for tips and recommendations on the best diet for your pup. 

FAQs about vomiting and diarrhea in dogs

My dog is vomiting and has diarrhea, but she’s acting normal. Is this okay? 

If your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea but is otherwise acting normal, it could still be something minor like a dietary indiscretion. It’s important to monitor them closely — even if they're not showing signs of distress, persistent symptoms shouldn't be ignored.

My dog has diarrhea and has been vomiting for 3 days. When should I worry?