Dog vomiting & diarrhoea: common causes & when to worry
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There's nothing quite like the panic of finding a mess of some sort of bodily substance on the kitchen floor and wondering if it's nothing, or if you should be worried about your four legged pal.
The good news? Most tummy troubles in dogs settle down on their own with a bit of TLC.
But there are a few signs that mean it's time to pick up the phone to your vet. Here, our brilliant expert Joanna Sutherland explains how to tell the difference, common causes and what to do if you’re ever faced with one (or both)...
Table of contents
Common causes of vomiting or diarrhoea in dogs
Upset tummies can be a real worry, it's a common pet ailment but when is it a cause for serious concern and what can you do for mild symptoms to treat at home?
The most common cause for either of these is eating something unsuitable. This might be something that has gone off, something out of the bin or off the floor especially in the hot weather or something they are not used to eating.
Problems in this area are often referred to as gastroenteritis and can range from mild upsets that usually resolve on their own with a little support to life threatening situations.
Puppies and diarrhoea after moving to a new home
One thing I saw time and time again in practice was puppies with diarrhoea after arrival in their new homes. This can make the transition to a new home even more difficult as diarrhoea is uncomfortable. It also makes getting sleep for everyone more challenging in those first few nights. So how can this be avoided?
This problem is most likely to do with sudden diet change and/or stress from the change of homes. Often puppies at 8 weeks have just had their first vaccination then go off to their new homes.
Puppies can feel a bit under the weather for 48 hours after vaccination so a big change at the same time isn't ideal. At 8 weeks puppies have an emotional fear phase and so it's much better to pick them up at 9 weeks if the breeder is open to that or pick a breeder who is doing that anyway.
Feeding the same food as the breeder whatever you feel about it for at least the first week should reduce the risk of diarrhoea.
I would also recommend if you want to change the diet to something different like Years then take 7 to 10 days to make the switch.
Any diet change or giving a large volume of an unfamiliar treats can cause tummy upsets. If you are thinking of joining the Years family or any diet change make sure you do so slowly. Ideally add just a teaspoon or two to each meal for the first two days and see how things are before adding a little more to meals every day making the full transition by day 7 to 10.
If giving new treats again try just one or two for a few days and watch for changes in their poo.
Poor quality diets and fillers
Another cause of soft poo or runny tummies are poor quality diets that have fillers or additives. With Years food you get high quality protein, no fillers and healthy fibre to keep tummies tip top.
Vomiting in dogs: what it can mean?
In relation to vomiting your dog might be sick just once or twice and then settle if they have eaten something that has caused a mild upset.
They can also vomit for other reasons like illness, high temperature etc so keep a close eye on them and make sure they are drinking little and often.
Always contact your vet if you're worried or symptoms are not improving after 24-48 hours or before if they are getting worse.
More serious causes to consider
Unlike mild upsets your dog could experience more serious problems if they have eaten something poisonous like chocolate, raisins etc.
Some dogs will eat unusual items, puppies are little monkeys in this area and a foreign body could cause vomiting. During my time in practice, we saw dogs were vomiting due to eating corn on the cobs, finger puppets, fishing wire and lots came in having eaten socks!
If your dog is eating things they shouldn't, it's important to see a qualified and accredited behaviourist to fix this problem so risk is removed.
Other things to consider for both vomiting and diarrhoea would be parasites. Worms can really upset tummies. Round worms can be picked up from the environment and tapeworms more commonly from eating fleas or hunting and eating things like mice, birds etc. Some dogs will have a little lick or chew at something dead this can be a risk for parasites and bacteria also.
Regular worming following your vet's advice will keep these things under control. You can also have problems with other parasites like giardia. With persistent upset tummies your vet will send off a sample of your dog's poo to check for parasites, blood and other things to further tailor treatment.
What's normal vs what’s not?
As unappealing as it might seem we should all be keeping an eye on our pets eating habits and what's coming out the other end. This is easily done as we pick up our dog's poo on walks. We want to see no vomiting and poos that are firm and formed, not dry, not going through 6 poo bags a day and no runny poo.
If you see runny poo maybe with some mucus in your dog's poo and it isn't improving within 48 hours make an appointment to see your vet or sooner if it's getting worse.
Mild tummy upsets can settle on their own. However, I would stop all extras so no treats or chews and add a probiotic. There are lots on the market, but I have found Years Breed health+ supplement really helps keep my dogs sensitive tummy settled. There are lots of other great brands out there, if in doubt always speak to your vet for advice on suitable options.
Sometimes if what they have eaten is causing a bigger reaction or they have eaten a lot of it, settling things down might involve a bland diet for a few days or more (I like white fish and rice) as well as probiotics.
If your dog is suffering from a food allergy or more serious tummy upset, they might need a prescription food in the short or longer term from your vet.
When it's deemed suitable to come off a bland or prescription diet remember to do this super slowly.
I would take 10 to 14 days to make the change. If you rush you may end up back where you started with more time, expense and discomfort for your doggy to settle things down before you can attempt a diet change again.
When to contact your vet
You can always call your vet if you are concerned. It might be that a quick check up and some probiotics or a special food is all that is needed.
Contact your vet and book an appointment immediately:
If you see any blood in your dog's poo or vomit.
If your dog's diarrhoea or mucus in their poo has not resolved in 48 hours or is getting worse.
If your dog has become withdrawn, reactive or lethargic.
If your dog is over 7 years or is a puppy as they should be considered more at-risk groups.
FAQs
How long can diarrhoea in dogs last before I should worry?
If your dog seems otherwise well, mild diarrhoea lasting under 24 hours can often be managed at home. But it's best to contact your vet for advice if your dog seems unwell, or has had symptoms for more than 24 hours. You should also seek advice sooner if it's very watery, they have an underlying health condition, are on medication, or are very young or very old.
Is blood in my dog's vomit or poo always an emergency?
Not always, but it's always worth checking. A small amount of fresh blood, no more than a few drops or a small streak, is often just due to forceful retching or straining. However, vomit that looks like coffee grounds or black, tarry diarrhoea are signs of internal bleeding and need emergency veterinary attention. When in doubt, call your vet rather than wait and see.
What are the signs that my dog's sickness is more serious than a simple upset stomach?
Vets flag several signs to watch for alongside vomiting or diarrhoea: very watery diarrhoea, blood in vomit or stool, appearing unwell, or stopping eating and drinking. Other red flags include abdominal pain, dehydration, poor appetite, fever, weakness or weight loss. If you notice any of these, it's time to call your vet rather than wait it out.
Should I withhold food if my dog is vomiting?
Many vets recommend a short break from food during active vomiting. A common approach for mild gastric upset is to skip your dog's next meal, then offer a smaller portion at the following meal. During active vomiting episodes it's generally best to withhold food to avoid triggering more sickness, offering small amounts of water instead. Always check with your vet first if your dog has an existing health condition.
Are puppies and older dogs more at risk from vomiting and diarrhoea?
Yes. Young puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with existing health conditions need veterinary care sooner, as they can become dehydrated quickly. This is worth bearing in mind if you've recently welcomed a puppy home, as they're particularly vulnerable in those first few weeks.
Joanna Sutherland
VN, Cert AAB
Veterinary Nurse & Behaviourist
Joanna is a qualified Veterinary Nurse and Behaviourist with over 15 years of experience in first opinion and referral practice. She holds a Certificate in Applied Animal Behaviour and has long focused on preventative health- spanning nutrition, dental care, and behaviour. Her interests include gut health, fussy eating and using food to support training and mood. A passionate advocate of holistic pet care, she’s worked with hundreds of families to find diets that are both practical and health-promoting. Joanna is thrilled to support Years because, as she says, we’ve created “the food I always wished existed”.