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My dog has diarrhea and vomiting after eating a bone. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Cattle Dog | Female | spayed | 40 lbs

My dog just had runny stool, which is abnormal for her, and she threw up 4 times in a row. Her nose is also dry. I gave her a bone last night, not thinking, and I believe that has something to do with it. What should I do? Can I wait a few days until I get paid to take her to the vet if I need to?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2018

I’m sorry to hear about Paislee! The most likely scenario is gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines) which is often brought on by eating something new/different. However it can also be caused by toxin, infection, organ disease, cancer, or other.

If she’s just vomited the few times, pick up the food and water and monitor. Reintroduce water 4 hours after the vomiting episode and a small meal 12 hours after vomiting episode.

Try a bland diet (half plain boiled/canned chicken half plain cooked white rice) for a few days and I expect the diarrhea to improve after 1-3 days. (Then transition back to her regular diet slowly over 3-5 days.) If at ANY time she is lethargic, vomiting, not wanting to eat, or you have other concerns, you need to go to the vet clinic right away to make sure it’s nothing more serious.

If Paislee’s has vomited several more times, it’s time to head to the ER clinic. The veterinarian will do a good physical exam and may recommend x-rays and/or bloodwork to help narrow down the cause of the vomiting. They can also treat the nausea and administer fluids for any dehydration that has occurred.

Best of luck to you and Paislee!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Laura Whitson DVM

    Veterinarian

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry that Paislee isn't feeling well. If you are looking for non-emergency veterinary care, we are now offering house calls in the San Diego area. You can read more here: Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.co/house-call-veterinarians/ or you can email us at housecalls@Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.co. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance!

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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