My Dog is Vomiting and Has Diarrhea! What Medicine Works Best? 🐶🚑

Okay, deep breaths everyone! Seeing your fur baby sick is super scary. The quick answer is: it depends! Don’t just reach for human medicine! You need to figure out what’s causing the vomiting and diarrhea before giving anything. A vet visit is always the best option, but if that’s not immediately possible, there are some things you can do and certain meds your vet might recommend after a check-up. Let’s dive into what could be going on and how to help your pup feel better.

Related Searches:

Homemade bland diet for dogs with upset stomach

Signs of parvo in puppies

When to take a dog to the vet for vomiting

My Dog’s Tummy Troubles: What Could Be the Culprit?

Think of your dog as a little detective. They explore the world with their noses and mouths! Which means they can easily pick up all sorts of… undesirable things. A sudden change in diet is a biggie. Did you switch kibble brands recently? Or maybe they snagged some table scraps they shouldn’t have? Even seemingly harmless “human food” can wreak havoc on their digestive system.

Then there’s the dreaded garbage can raid. We’ve all been there, right? A whiff of something enticing, and suddenly they’re elbows-deep in discarded pizza crusts and chicken bones. Yikes! This can lead to serious GI upset.

Beyond the edible culprits, there are also infections. Viral or bacterial infections are no fun for anyone. Parvo is a particularly nasty virus that mainly affects puppies, and can cause severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. Keep an eye out for lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever – these are red flags!

Parasites like worms and Giardia are common causes of tummy trouble too. Your vet can do a fecal exam to check for these little critters.

And sometimes, it’s something totally random, like stress! Big changes at home, loud noises, or even separation anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms.

DIY First Aid: A Soothing Bland Diet Recipe

Before you rush to medication, try a simple bland diet. This can give your dog’s digestive system a much-needed break. The go-to recipe is boiled chicken and white rice. It’s easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.

Make sure the chicken is skinless and boneless. Boil it until it’s fully cooked, then shred it into small pieces. Cook the white rice plain – no butter, salt, or spices! Mix the chicken and rice in a 1:2 ratio (one part chicken, two parts rice).

Offer small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of one or two big ones. This helps prevent overwhelming their system.

Another option is boiled sweet potato. This is easy to digest and can help to settle their stomachs.

If your dog is refusing to eat, you can try warming the food slightly to make it more appealing.

Monitor them closely. If their condition doesn’t improve within 24 hours, or if they get worse, it’s vet time!

Medicine Cabinet Must-Haves (Vet Approved Only!)

Okay, so what about medication? Remember, always consult your vet before giving your dog any medicine. They can properly diagnose the problem and recommend the right treatment.

One common medication vets prescribe is metronidazole. This is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal drug used to treat bacterial infections and parasites like Giardia. It can help to stop the diarrhea and vomiting.

Another helpful med is antiemetics, which specifically target vomiting. These can provide relief if your dog is constantly throwing up and unable to keep anything down.

For pain relief, your vet might suggest buprenorphine. This is a pain reliever used for dogs to treat moderate pain, and may come in liquid or tablet form.

Probiotics can be a lifesaver for restoring the gut’s natural balance after a bout of diarrhea. These helpful bacteria can help to repopulate the digestive tract and promote healthy digestion.

Some vets also recommend Kaolin-pectin. This is an over-the-counter medication that can help to coat the stomach and absorb toxins.

When to Drop Everything and See a Vet ASAP!

While bland diets and some medications can help, certain situations warrant an immediate trip to the vet. Don’t delay if you see any of these red flags:

Blood in vomit or stool: This is a serious sign that something is wrong internally.

Severe dehydration: Look for sunken eyes, dry gums, and skin that doesn’t snap back quickly when gently pinched.

Lethargy and weakness: If your dog is unresponsive or unable to stand, it’s a critical situation.

Persistent vomiting or diarrhea: If the vomiting or diarrhea doesn’t stop within 24 hours, it’s time to seek professional help.

Abdominal pain: If your dog is showing signs of pain when you touch their abdomen, it could indicate a serious problem.

Suspected poisoning: If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, don’t wait – get them to the vet immediately.

Puppies: Puppies are more vulnerable to dehydration and complications. If a puppy is vomiting or has diarrhea, they need prompt veterinary care.

Known Underlying Conditions: If your dog has underlying health conditions, it is more critical to seek vet care.

Remember, you know your dog best. If something seems off, trust your gut and get them checked out.

Preventing Future Tummy Troubles

Once your dog is feeling better, think about how to prevent future digestive upsets. A consistent diet is key. Avoid sudden changes in food. If you do switch kibble, do it gradually over a week or so, mixing the new food with the old.

Keep tempting toxins out of reach! That means securing the garbage can, cleaning up spills promptly, and being mindful of what your dog has access to outdoors.

Regular deworming is essential for preventing parasite infestations. Talk to your vet about the best deworming schedule for your dog.

And, of course, regular vet check-ups are crucial for maintaining your dog’s overall health and catching any potential problems early.

Dealing with a sick dog is never fun, but with a little knowledge and the help of your vet, you can get your furry friend back to their happy, healthy self in no time! Sending you and your pup lots of good vibes! 💖