Almost every dog will have an upset stomach at some point. Many cases are mild and pass quickly, often after a dog eats something they should not have. But vomiting and diarrhea can also be signs of serious illness. This guide will help you understand when it is likely to be minor and when your dog needs a vet.
Vomiting vs. regurgitation
It helps to know the difference. Vomiting is an active process: dogs usually drool, lick their lips and heave before bringing up partly digested food or yellow fluid. Regurgitation is more passive: undigested food comes back up with little effort, often soon after eating. Regurgitation can point to problems with the esophagus, so mention it to your vet if it happens repeatedly.
Common causes of an upset stomach
- Eating garbage, spoiled food or something unusual (“dietary indiscretion”)
- A sudden change in diet
- Intestinal parasites
- Viral or bacterial infections, including parvovirus in puppies
- Stress, such as travel or boarding
- Swallowing a toy, sock or other object
- Toxins or certain medications
- Pancreatitis, often after a fatty meal
- Diseases of the kidneys, liver or other organs
Go to the vet right away if:
- Your dog is trying to vomit but nothing comes up, especially with a swollen belly. This can be bloat (GDV), an emergency.
- There is blood in the vomit or stool, or the stool is black and tarry.
- Your dog is very lethargic, weak or collapses.
- You suspect your dog swallowed something toxic or a foreign object.
- Your dog seems to be in pain, has a tense belly or stands in a hunched position.
- Vomiting happens many times in a few hours, or your dog cannot keep water down.
- The dog is a young puppy, especially one who has not finished vaccines, or a very small, very old or medically fragile dog.
Call your vet the same day if:
- Vomiting or diarrhea continues for more than about 24 hours
- Your dog refuses food for more than a day
- There are signs of dehydration, such as dry or sticky gums, sunken eyes or skin that is slow to return when gently lifted
- Your dog has an existing medical condition
- The problem keeps coming back
Mild cases: what you can do
For an otherwise healthy adult dog who vomits once or has a single loose stool but is still bright, alert and drinking, many vets suggest watching closely at home. Some general steps vets commonly recommend:
- Make sure fresh water is available, offered in small amounts if your dog is drinking a lot at once and then vomiting.
- Give the stomach a short rest, then offer small portions of a bland diet. Ask your vet how long and what to feed, since advice differs for puppies and small dogs.
- Return to the regular food gradually over a few days once stools are normal.
- Keep notes on how often it happens, what it looks like and anything your dog may have eaten.
Do not give human medications such as anti-diarrheal or stomach remedies unless your vet tells you to. Some contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs or can hide a more serious problem.
What your vet may do
Depending on the situation, your vet may examine your dog, check a stool sample for parasites, run blood tests or take X-rays or an ultrasound to look for blockages. Treatment may include fluids for dehydration, anti-nausea medication, a special diet or, if needed, surgery to remove a foreign object.
Preventing tummy troubles
- Keep trash cans secured and food out of reach.
- Avoid sudden diet changes; switch foods gradually.
- Limit fatty table scraps.
- Choose toys that are the right size and cannot be easily torn apart and swallowed.
- Keep up with deworming and vaccinations.
This article is for general information only. If you are unsure whether your dog needs care, call your veterinarian.