Dog Vomiting & Diarrhea: Causes & When To Call Vet

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Dog vomiting and diarrhea are common ailments that can be unsettling for pet owners. While occasional episodes might be harmless, frequent or severe occurrences warrant veterinary attention. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek professional help is crucial for your dog’s well-being.

Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea

The reasons behind a dog’s upset stomach are varied, ranging from minor dietary indiscretions to more serious underlying health conditions. Here are some common culprits:

  • Dietary Indiscretion: This is a frequent offender. Dogs often scavenge and eat things they shouldn’t, such as garbage, spoiled food, or foreign objects. These can irritate the digestive tract.
  • Sudden Diet Change: Rapidly switching dog food can disrupt the gut’s delicate balance, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. Always introduce new food gradually.
  • Food Allergies or Intolerances: Some dogs are sensitive to specific ingredients like grains, certain proteins (chicken, beef), or dairy.
  • Infections: Viral (parvovirus, distemper), bacterial (salmonella, E. coli), or parasitic (worms, giardia) infections can wreak havoc on the digestive system.
  • Toxins: Ingestion of poisonous substances like household cleaners, pesticides, or certain plants can trigger vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Medications: Certain medications, including antibiotics and NSAIDs, can have gastrointestinal side effects.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This chronic condition involves inflammation of the digestive tract.
  • Organ Disease: Kidney or liver disease can sometimes manifest as vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Stress or Anxiety: Just like humans, dogs can experience digestive upset due to stress or anxiety.

When to Call the Vet

Not all cases of vomiting and diarrhea require a vet visit. However, it’s essential to recognize the signs that indicate a more serious problem:

  • Frequent or Profuse Vomiting/Diarrhea: If your dog is vomiting or having diarrhea repeatedly within a short period, it’s time to call the vet.
  • Blood in Vomit or Stool: The presence of blood is a significant red flag and warrants immediate attention.
  • Lethargy or Weakness: If your dog is unusually tired, weak, or unresponsive, it could be a sign of dehydration or a more serious underlying condition.
  • Abdominal Pain: If your dog is showing signs of pain when you touch their abdomen, or if they are panting excessively, seek veterinary care.
  • Dehydration: Signs include dry gums, sunken eyes, and decreased skin elasticity (when you gently pinch the skin, it doesn’t spring back immediately).
  • Fever: A rectal temperature above 102.5°F (39.2°C) is considered a fever in dogs.
  • Refusal to Eat or Drink: If your dog refuses to eat or drink for more than 24 hours, it can lead to dehydration and other complications.
  • Known Toxin Ingestion: If you suspect your dog has ingested a poison, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately.
  • Puppies and Senior Dogs: Puppies and senior dogs are more vulnerable to complications from vomiting and diarrhea, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.

In summary, while a mild case of vomiting or diarrhea might resolve on its own with simple home care (like withholding food for a short period and offering small amounts of bland food), paying close attention to your dog’s symptoms and knowing when to seek veterinary help is crucial for their health and recovery. Don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog’s condition.

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