Vomiting and Diarrhea in Dogs: What to Do at Home
Learn when vomiting or diarrhea in dogs can be managed at home and when it's a sign you need to see a vet right away. A guide for dog owners.
By the Animal Wellness Desk 8 min read
Almost every dog owner has dealt with it: the unpleasant surprise of vomit on the carpet or a bout of sudden, loose stools. An upset stomach is a common problem in dogs, and it can be worrying to see your pet feeling unwell. Often, a mild case of vomiting or diarrhea is short-lived and resolves with simple supportive care at home.
However, these signs can also point to a serious medical issue. Knowing what to watch for, how to provide care at home for a mild case, and when to seek veterinary help is key. Your dog’s age, overall health, and the specifics of their symptoms will guide your next steps.
What causes vomiting and diarrhea?
An upset digestive system in dogs can have many triggers, ranging from the very simple to the complex and serious. Often, the cause is something straightforward that resolves on its own or with minimal intervention.
One of the most frequent causes is dietary indiscretion. This term means your dog ate something they should not have. This could be garbage, spoiled food from the countertop, a new rich treat, or something they found on a walk. This often leads to a self-limiting episode of vomiting or diarrhea as the body works to expel the offending item.
Other common causes include:
- A sudden change in diet without a gradual transition period.
- Food intolerances or allergies.
- Stress, anxiety, or overexcitement, which can affect the gut.
- Intestinal parasites like worms or single-celled organisms such as Giardia.
- Viral infections, such as parvovirus, which is especially dangerous for puppies.
- Bacterial infections from contaminated food or water.
More serious conditions can also cause these signs. These include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), kidney or liver disease, ingestion of a toxin or a foreign object causing a blockage, and other systemic illnesses. Because the list of possibilities is so long, it is essential to observe your dog closely.
First steps: what to do at home for a mild case
If your adult dog has vomited once or twice or had a single bout of diarrhea but is otherwise acting normally, you may be able to manage the situation at home. A dog that is still bright, energetic, and eager to interact is a good candidate for a brief period of home care. This does not apply to very young puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with existing health conditions, who are more vulnerable and should see a vet sooner.
Rest the digestive system
The first step is to give your dog’s stomach and intestines a break. Withhold food for about 12 to 24 hours. This brief fasting period allows the inflamed digestive tract to calm down. Do not withhold food for longer than 24 hours without veterinary guidance, and do not fast a puppy for more than a few hours.
Provide water
Dehydration is a significant risk with vomiting and diarrhea. Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh, clean water. If they are vomiting after drinking large amounts, try offering small amounts of water frequently or giving them ice cubes to lick. This can help them stay hydrated without overloading their sensitive stomach.
Reintroduce food slowly
After the fasting period, if the vomiting has stopped, you can offer a small meal of a bland, easily digestible food. A common approach is a diet of plain, boiled, boneless, skinless chicken or lean ground meat, mixed with plain, cooked white rice. Do not add any oils, fats, or seasonings.
Start with a very small portion, perhaps a quarter of their normal meal size. If they keep this down without any more vomiting, you can offer another small meal a few hours later. Continue with small, frequent meals of the bland diet for a day or two. As their stools begin to firm up and return to normal, you can gradually transition them back to their regular food over several days. Mix a small amount of their regular food into the bland diet, and slowly increase the proportion of regular food at each meal.
What to observe and monitor
When your dog is unwell, your observations are critical. What you notice about your dog’s behavior and symptoms can help determine if home care is appropriate or if a vet visit is needed. Keep a close eye on both your dog’s behavior and the nature of their symptoms.
Your dog’s overall condition
How is your dog acting? A dog with a mild upset stomach might be a little quieter than usual but should still be responsive, alert, and able to move around comfortably. If your dog becomes lethargic, weak, disoriented, or seems to be in pain, that is a red flag. Check their gums. In a healthy, hydrated dog, they should be pink and moist. Pale, white, or tacky gums can be a sign of dehydration or a more serious problem.
The vomiting
Note the frequency and appearance of the vomit. Is it a single event or repeated episodes? Is it happening right after eating or drinking? Look at what is in the vomit. Is it undigested food, yellowish bile, or clear foam? The presence of blood is always a cause for concern. It might look like bright red streaks or have the appearance of dark coffee grounds, which indicates digested blood.
The diarrhea
Observe the consistency, color, and frequency of the diarrhea. Is it just soft, or is it completely watery? Is there a lot of straining? Look for anything unusual in the stool. A small amount of mucus can be normal with an irritated colon, but large amounts are not. Just like with vomit, any blood in the stool warrants a call to the vet. It can appear as bright red streaks or as dark, tarry stools.
When home care is not appropriate
While a mild, one-off stomach upset can often be managed at home in a healthy adult dog, certain situations always require prompt veterinary attention. Do not attempt home care if your dog fits into any of these categories.
Puppies and senior dogs
Very young puppies and elderly dogs are much more susceptible to dehydration and have fewer reserves to fight off illness. What might be a minor issue for a healthy adult dog can quickly become serious for them. Puppies, especially those not fully vaccinated, are also at risk for dangerous viral infections like parvovirus.
Dogs with pre-existing conditions
If your dog has a known medical problem, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or Addison’s disease, do not wait. Vomiting and diarrhea can destabilize their condition and interfere with their medication. Contact your vet for advice.
Suspected toxin or foreign body
If you have any reason to believe your dog has ingested something toxic, such as chocolate, xylitol (a sweetener found in many products), human medications, or certain plants, this is an emergency. The same applies if you think they may have swallowed an object like a toy, sock, or bone, which could cause an intestinal blockage. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Things to avoid
When trying to help your sick dog, it is easy to make mistakes with good intentions. There are several things you should never do without specific instructions from a veterinarian.
Never give your dog human medications for vomiting or diarrhea. Many over-the-counter drugs for people are toxic to dogs. Pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are particularly dangerous and can cause severe stomach ulcers, kidney failure, or liver failure. Even products that seem safe can have unintended consequences. Stick to the bland diet and water unless your vet advises otherwise.
Do not try to induce vomiting at home unless you are explicitly told to do so by a vet or a poison helpline professional. Inducing vomiting can be dangerous, especially depending on what was ingested. Caustic substances can cause more damage coming back up, and there is a risk of aspiration pneumonia if the vomit is inhaled.
Finally, avoid giving rich foods or treats to tempt them to eat. Things like cheese, fatty meats, or milk can make the digestive upset much worse. Stick to the prescribed bland diet until they are fully recovered.
When to call your vet
If you are ever in doubt about your dog’s condition, contacting your veterinary clinic is always the right choice. They can provide guidance based on your dog’s specific symptoms and history.
Emergency signs: go now
Call your vet or the nearest emergency clinic immediately if you see any of the following signs. Let them know you are on your way so they can prepare.
- Repeated episodes of vomiting, or vomiting that continues for more than 24 hours.
- Vomiting or diarrhea that contains a significant amount of blood (bright red) or looks like coffee grounds or dark tar (digested blood).
- Weakness, lethargy, collapse, or disorientation.
- Signs of pain, such as whining, a hunched posture, or reluctance to move.
- A swollen, hard, or painful abdomen, especially if accompanied by non-productive retching or attempts to vomit.
- Pale, white, or bluish gums.
- Trouble breathing.
- Suspected poisoning or ingestion of a foreign object.
Book an appointment soon
If the situation is not an emergency but your dog is not improving, it is time to book a non-urgent appointment. Contact your vet if you notice:
- Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts for more than 48 hours, even if it seems mild.
- Your dog is not drinking water or is showing signs of mild dehydration.
- The diarrhea is not starting to improve after a day or two on a bland diet.
- Your dog is just not acting like their normal self.
- This is a recurring problem for your dog.
