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My dog has diarrhea & vomiting for 3 days. Is an emergency vet needed?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | neutered | 68 lbs

I have been fostering a few dogs through an odd series of events. One has gone on to be adopted but I was just alerted she had worms. I have a white shepherd in my care who is on day 3 of diarrhea and vomiting. I have tried Imodium, along with just rice and water. Is this an emergency or can it wait for after the Holiday weekend? He has recently had a bone from a meat market and a powdered heartworm dose. Anything else I can try?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on May 26th, 2017

Combined vomiting and diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration so you should monitor very closely for weakness which would indicate the need for an emergency vet visit. Rice and water does not provide enough nutrition to promote bowel healing - I recommend a specialist intestinal canned diet or boiled chicken/fish/eggs added to the rice.
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