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My dog has diarrhea and vomiting for days. Did he eat something bad?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 75 lbs

My dog has had diahrrea and vomiting here and there for a couple days. I'm afraid he ingested something and I'm not sure if I should wait to see if it goes away or take him to the vet now

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 1st, 2019

Hello, and thanks for your question. If Archer has had symptoms for a few days already, then i'd recommend taking him in to the vet now. He may just need some meds to get his GI tract back on track, but if he may have ingested a foreign body, it's definitely best to have him seen immediately. We have a much better outcome if we can get dogs started with the right medical care before they become really sick!

Your vet will likely take x-rays, and depending on the findings they'll talk through the options with you. Sometimes we can treat dogs as outpatients with Gi support, sometimes we encourage hospitalization and pushing IV fluids (if there is foreign material present but we think it might still pass on its own), and sometimes we need to take dogs right to surgery. Best to get Archer seen as soon as possible.

Hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 5th, 2017
Oh no, poor Lady! At this point, it's time to see a vet. When a dog has both vomiting and diarrhea that has been going on for longer than 24 hours, veterinary attention is needed. She could be suffering from a severe GI illness, may have eaten something rotten, could have a foreign body, or may have pancreatitis. The vet can diagnose what is causing her symptoms so she can be treated. Please bring Lady into a vet today.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on December 26th, 2016
Poor Dapper! If he's already been having diarrhea for a few days and is now vomiting also, I would definitely recommend having him seen by a vet today. The vomiting could be related to the crab shell, or could be due to a serious GI problem such as pancreatitis, or ingestion of something toxic. Your vet can do a fecal exam as well as blood work and x-rays if needed to help determine the problem and get him started on appropriate treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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