Dog vomiting or diarrhoea is often mild and passes within a day, but some signs mean your dog needs a vet urgently. See a vet straight away if your dog vomits blood, has bloody or black diarrhoea, has a swollen belly, is lethargic or won’t eat, or may have eaten a toxin or object. Puppies with vomiting or diarrhoea should always see a vet.
Common causes of dog vomiting and diarrhoea
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) list these common causes:
- Eating something unsuitable, such as rubbish, fatty food or processed meats. This is the most common cause.
- Swallowing an object, such as a toy, sock, bone or string
- Toxins, such as chocolate, grapes or human medicines
- Infections, including viruses, bacteria and parasites
- Pancreatitis
- Other illnesses, such as kidney, liver or hormonal disease
When dog vomiting or diarrhoea is an emergency
Take your dog to your vet or nearest emergency vet straight away if:
- There’s blood in the vomit, or the vomit looks like coffee grounds
- There’s blood in the diarrhoea, or the diarrhoea is black or watery
- Your dog has vomited or had diarrhoea several times over a few hours
- Your dog is lethargic, weak or has collapsed
- Your dog won’t eat
- Your dog seems to have a sore belly, such as groaning, being unable to settle, or stretching into a “prayer position”
- Your dog’s belly looks swollen or bloated, especially in large breeds
- You know or suspect your dog has eaten a toxin, object or human medicine
- Your dog is a puppy, or has an existing medical condition
SASH warns that a swollen belly in a large dog can be a sign of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), where the stomach twists. This is a surgical emergency.
Why puppies need a vet straight away
Puppies have small reserves and can become dehydrated quickly. They’re also more at risk of serious infections such as canine parvovirus, according to the AVA. Any puppy with vomiting or diarrhoea should see a vet as soon as possible. Keeping your puppy’s vaccinations up to date helps protect them. Read our puppy vaccination schedule.
When you can try home care
If your adult dog has vomited once or twice, or had a small bout of diarrhoea, and is otherwise bright, drinking and interested in food, the AVA suggests:
- Rest the stomach. Hold back food for at least 6 hours. Don’t do this for puppies.
- Offer small amounts of water often during this time.
- Feed a bland diet for a couple of days, such as steamed boneless chicken with boiled rice, in small, frequent meals.
- Slowly return to the usual diet. A bland diet isn’t balanced, so only use it short term.
If your dog doesn’t improve, gets worse, or you’re worried at any stage, call your vet.
How vets diagnose and treat vomiting and diarrhoea
Your vet will examine your dog and ask about their diet, recent activity and anything they might have eaten. The AVA notes that vets may recommend blood tests or imaging, such as X-rays or an ultrasound, to rule out serious causes. Treatment can include medicine for nausea and pain, a special gut-friendly diet, and treating the underlying cause. Some dogs need intravenous fluids and a stay in hospital.
How to reduce the risk
- Keep bins closed and out of reach.
- Don’t feed fatty leftovers or processed meats.
- Keep toys, socks and string off the floor.
- Store medicines and chemicals securely.
- Change your dog’s food slowly over about a week.
- Keep vaccinations and worming up to date.
FAQ
When should I worry about my dog vomiting?
See a vet if your dog vomits more than once, vomits blood, is lethargic, won’t eat, has a swollen belly, or may have eaten something toxic. Puppies should always see a vet.
What should I feed my dog after vomiting?
For an adult dog that is otherwise well, the AVA suggests a bland diet of steamed boneless chicken and boiled rice in small meals for a couple of days, then a slow return to the usual food.
Is it normal for a dog to vomit once?
A single vomit in a dog that is bright, drinking and eating normally may not need treatment, according to SASH. Watch closely, and call your vet if it happens again or you’re unsure.
Can vomiting and diarrhoea together be serious?
Yes. SASH says vomiting and diarrhoea together needs a vet check, because dogs can become dehydrated quickly.
Be ready for the unexpected
Tests, fluids and hospital stays can add up quickly. Find out how dog insurance could help with unexpected vet bills.
Sources
- Australian Veterinary Association: What to do if your pet vomits or has diarrhoea
- Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH): What to do if your pet is vomiting or has diarrhoea
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from your vet. If you’re worried about your dog, contact your vet.