Dog Diarrhoea and Vomiting: When to Worry
Dogs are famous for eating things they should not, so stomach upsets are common. Many are mild and pass in a day or two.
But vomiting and diarrhoea can also be signs of poisoning, infection, a blockage, or other illness.
Common causes
- Scavenging rubbish or rich food
- A sudden change in diet
- Stress
- Parasites
- Infections such as parvovirus in unvaccinated dogs
- Swallowed objects causing a blockage
- Toxins
See a vet urgently if
- Your dog is a puppy, elderly, or has other health conditions
- There is blood in vomit or stool, or stool is black and tarry
- Your dog is repeatedly vomiting and cannot keep water down
- They are lethargic, weak, or collapsing
- Their abdomen is swollen or painful
- You suspect they ate something toxic or an object
- Symptoms last more than 24–48 hours
Mild cases
For an otherwise bright adult dog with mild diarrhoea, your vet may suggest offering small amounts of water frequently and a bland diet for a short time. Ask your vet for advice before withholding food or giving any medicine — some human anti-diarrhoea medicines are unsafe for dogs.
Bloat is an emergency
Large, deep-chested dogs can suffer gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Signs include unproductive retching, a swollen belly, restlessness, and drooling. This needs immediate emergency care.
This is general pet-care information, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different — if you are worried about your pet's health or behaviour, contact your veterinarian. In an emergency or a suspected poisoning, call your vet or an animal poison-control line immediately.