My dog has diarrhea and vomiting. When should I take them to the vet?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Gracie and Beau. If they are both are exhibiting similar symptoms, I worry that they have something infectious. They may require fecal testing and medication to clear up their symptoms. I worry that they may become dehydrated as well with losing fluid in the both the vomit and the diarrhea. I would encourage them to drink frequent small amounts of water. It is generally safe to withhold food for 18-24 hours in a effort to rest the gastrointestinal tract. This may help alleviate the symptoms. I hope this information helps!

Hello. It never hurts to do a small fast to help settle the stomach. 12 hours should be fine & then re-introduce food slowly, maybe 1/3 of the ration followed several hours later by another 1/3 & remainder in the evening. It might be easier to fast both dogs overnight, that way no one feels left out. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Diarrhea and throwing up can have many causes. It is basically a problem with the stomach and intestines caused by a food over sensitivity, eating something that does not agree with the dog, intestinal parasites, bacterial infection, viral infection, the weather, food change, stress, etc.  I would fast Annabelle for 12 hours and then put her on bland food for two days, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to her regular food slowly over a few days. If this does not clear up the diarrhea or if the vomiting increases, or if she gets lethargic, she needs to see a veterinarian for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on

Withhold food for 12-24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet (1:1 ratio of plain boiled boneless chicken and plain white rice). Feed in small, frequent amounts waiting at least one hour between feedings. If the vomiting stops, transition slowly to the regular diet. If not or if she develops other symptoms (diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, etc.), see your veterinarian.

I'm sorry to hear Brodie is not doing well. I would definitely change him back to chicken and rice but I would go ahead and take him in since its been 3 or 4 days of an abnormal stool AND he vomited. They will likely check him for parasites and prescribe medications to calm his GI tract. Better to get in under control sooner rather than later. Hope Brodie feels better soon!

I am very sorry to hear that Emma is experiencing these problems, I am sure it is very unsettling for you both. Unfortunately, with a history of vomiting and diarrhoea, and an inability to keep food down for 2 days, I advise you take Emma in to see her vet. There are a number of potentially very serious causes of such clinical signs, including pancreatistis and ingestion of a toxin or poison. Your vet will be able to perform a physical exam and run diagnostic tests such as bloodwork to determine the cause of Emma's vomiting and diarrhoea. In the meantime you can continue the boiled chicken breast and white rice diet and provide plenty of fresh water. I hope that answer was helpful and more importantly that Emma feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.

With hold food for six to twelve hours to have his intestinal tract calm down. If he becomes lethargic or the diarrhea becomes bloody or with a lot of mucus then take him in right away. Give small amounts of water every hour, if he drinks too much at one time that may make the vomiting continue. Keep him quiet and let him rest also. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Blitz.