My Dog’s Upset Tummy: What to Do When Your Furry Friend Has Diarrhea and Vomiting + Meds That Can Help!

Imagine this: a symphony of gurgles emanating from your pup’s belly followed by the dreaded sounds of retching. It’s a dog parent’s nightmare! So, what do you do when your beloved canine companion is experiencing the double whammy of diarrhea and vomiting? Don’t panic! This guide will walk you through the common causes, initial steps to take, and medications that your vet might prescribe (always consult your vet first!). Ultimately, it’s about observing your dog, acting quickly, and seeking professional advice when necessary.

What’s Causing This Mess?! Decoding Doggy Diarrhea and Vomiting

Okay, so your dog is feeling under the weather. What could be the culprit? Think detective work! There are numerous reasons why your dog might be experiencing digestive upset.

Dietary Indiscretions: This is the big one! Did your dog sneak a bite of that leftover pizza crust? Maybe they raided the trash can when you weren’t looking? Sudden changes in diet or ingestion of spoiled food are frequent offenders. Remember that time my golden retriever, Max, devoured an entire chocolate cake (yes, chocolate is toxic to dogs, I know, I panicked!)? Let’s just say the next 24 hours were… eventful.

Infections: Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can all wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system. Think Giardia, Salmonella, Parvovirus (especially dangerous for puppies). These infections often come with other symptoms like lethargy and fever.

Food Allergies/Intolerances: Just like humans, dogs can develop sensitivities to certain ingredients in their food. Common culprits include beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat. If you suspect a food allergy, talk to your vet about an elimination diet.

Medications: Some medications, like antibiotics, can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in your dog’s gut, leading to digestive upset.

Stress/Anxiety: Believe it or not, stress can also cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Think travel, thunderstorms, or changes in their environment. My chihuahua, Bella, gets the runs every time we go to the vet, poor thing!

Underlying Medical Conditions: In some cases, vomiting and diarrhea can be symptoms of a more serious underlying condition, such as kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, or even cancer.

Home Remedies & Initial Care: Can I Treat My Dog at Home?

Before rushing off to the vet (though sometimes that’s the best course of action), there are a few things you can try at home to help your pup feel better. Remember, this is for mild cases only. If your dog is severely ill, weak, or showing other concerning symptoms (like blood in their vomit or stool), call your vet immediately!

Withhold Food: Give your dog’s digestive system a chance to rest. Withhold food for 12-24 hours. This doesn’t mean starving them, it just means allowing the stomach to settle.

Offer Plenty of Water: Dehydration is a major concern with vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. You can also offer unflavored Pedialyte (diluted 50/50 with water) to help replenish electrolytes. Some dogs find this more palatable than plain water.

Introduce a Bland Diet: After the fasting period, gradually reintroduce food with a bland, easily digestible diet. A classic option is boiled chicken breast (skinless, boneless) and white rice. You can also try plain boiled sweet potato or pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!). Feed small, frequent meals to avoid overwhelming the digestive system.

Probiotics: Consider adding a probiotic supplement to your dog’s diet. Probiotics help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut. Look for a probiotic specifically formulated for dogs. You can usually find these at your local pet store or online.

Monitor Closely: Keep a close eye on your dog’s symptoms. Are they improving? Getting worse? Are there any new symptoms? Note the frequency and consistency of their vomit and stool. This information will be helpful for your vet.

Medications: What Can the Vet Prescribe?

If home remedies aren’t doing the trick, or if your dog’s symptoms are severe, your vet may prescribe medication. Never give your dog medication without consulting your vet first! Many human medications are toxic to dogs.

Antiemetics: These medications help to control vomiting. Examples include Cerenia and Metoclopramide. Cerenia is particularly effective and often used for motion sickness as well.

Antidiarrheals: These medications help to slow down or stop diarrhea. Metronidazole is a common antibiotic and antidiarrheal used in dogs. Loperamide (Imodium) can be used in some cases, but only under the guidance of a veterinarian, as it’s not safe for all dogs, especially certain breeds.

Antibiotics: If your dog has a bacterial infection, your vet may prescribe antibiotics. The specific antibiotic will depend on the type of infection.

Parasite Medications: If your dog has a parasitic infection, your vet will prescribe a deworming medication to kill the parasites.

Fluids: In severe cases of dehydration, your vet may administer intravenous fluids.

Protectants: Medications such as Kaolin Pectin or Bismuth Subsalicylate (the active ingredient in Pepto Bismol), coat the lining of the digestive tract and may offer some relief, however, Bismuth Subsalicylate should only be administered under the guidance of a Veterinarian

Important Note: Pepto Bismol contains salicylate, which is similar to aspirin, and can be toxic to dogs in large doses.

Always follow your vet’s instructions carefully when administering medication to your dog. Make sure you understand the dosage, frequency, and potential side effects.

And remember, a healthy pup is a happy pup! By understanding the potential causes of vomiting and diarrhea, providing appropriate home care, and seeking professional veterinary advice when necessary, you can help your furry friend get back to their tail-wagging, playful self in no time.