My Dog Has Diarrhea and Vomiting! Here’s Exactly What I Did (Step-by-Step Guide)

What to Do When Your Dog Has Diarrhea and Vomiting: A Step-by-Step Guide

I still remember waking up one night to the awful sound of my dog retching on the bedroom floor. In a panic, I flicked on the lights to find a mess no pet owner wants to see: puddles of vomit and, to my dismay, evidence of diarrhea on the rug. My heart was pounding with worry as my groggy pup looked up at me with sad, uncomfortable eyes. As a pet owner, seeing your furry friend so sick and miserable is downright scary, and all you want to do is make it better as quickly as possible.

A sick dog lies flat on the floor with a tired, miserable expression. I scooped up my dog and wrapped him in a soft towel, trying to comfort him while I frantically wondered what could have caused this sudden explosion of sickness. Did he eat something bad? Did I do something wrong with his dinner? My mind raced through possibilities as I cleaned up, all the while cooing gentle reassurances to my pup. It was clear that I needed to act fast — but also carefully — to help my dog feel better. I took a deep breath, reminded myself to stay calm, and started mentally running through what steps I should take next.

If you’ve ever been in a similar situation, you know how frightening it can be. The good news is that many cases of dog vomiting and diarrhea are manageable with some prompt, simple home care. The key is to know what to do and when. In this article, I’ll share a personal perspective and an easy step-by-step guide on how to handle a dog that’s experiencing diarrhea and vomiting. We’ll start by looking at the possible causes (so you have an idea of why it’s happening), then walk through exactly what you should do to help your pup feel better. And importantly, we’ll cover the warning signs that mean it’s time to get the veterinarian involved right away.

Possible Causes of Diarrhea and Vomiting in Dogs

There are many reasons why a dog might suddenly come down with an upset stomach. Sometimes it’s no big deal — like when your pup sneaks a bit of leftover pizza from the trash — and other times it can indicate something more serious. Here are some common causes of diarrhea and vomiting in dogs:

• Dietary indiscretion (eating something bad): This is a fancy way of saying your dog ate something they shouldn’t have. Maybe it was garbage, table scraps, a new treat, or even grass. Dogs are notorious for gobbling up spoiled food or foreign objects, which can upset their stomach. This “garbage gut” scenario is one of the most frequent culprits behind sudden vomiting or loose stools.
• Food allergies or intolerances: Just like people, dogs can have food allergies or sensitivities. A sudden change in diet or an ingredient that doesn’t agree with your dog can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. For example, some dogs are allergic to certain proteins or lactose intolerant. If you recently switched dog foods or introduced a new food, that might be the cause of the upset.
• Infections (viral or bacterial): Various infections can cause gastrointestinal issues. Young puppies, for instance, are vulnerable to viruses like parvovirus that cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. Dogs of any age can pick up bacterial infections from contaminated water or food (think salmonella or E. coli), leading to GI distress. Often, infections come with other signs like fever or lethargy.
• Parasites: Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, or giardia are another common cause. These unwelcome critters can irritate a dog’s digestive tract and result in diarrhea, sometimes with vomiting. Parasites are especially suspect if you notice loose stools that persist or contain mucus. Fortunately, a vet can test for and treat most parasites easily.
• Stress or anxiety: Believe it or not, stress can give dogs an upset stomach too. Big changes like moving homes, boarding, long car rides, or the absence of a family member can make a dog so anxious that they develop diarrhea (often known as stress colitis) or even vomit. If your dog is otherwise healthy and something emotionally stressful happened recently, it could be the trigger.

All of the above issues can upset your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and lead to the unfortunate symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. In many cases — especially with dietary indiscretions or mild stress — the problem is temporary and your pup can recover with some supportive care at home. However, keep in mind that sometimes vomiting and diarrhea can signal a more serious illness if they are severe or persistent. For example, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or an intestinal blockage can also cause these signs. As you go through the next steps to help your dog, always be ready to call your vet if things don’t improve or if you suspect something more serious is at play.

Step-by-Step Guide on What to Do

Okay, so your dog is throwing up or has the runs (or both), and you’re understandably concerned. Here’s a step-by-step guide — in plain language — on what dog owners should do in this situation. We’ll start from the first moments of discovering the mess, all the way through nursing your pup back to health or deciding it’s time for professional help.

1. Assess the severity: First, take a good look at your dog and the situation to gauge how severe the vomiting and diarrhea are. Did your dog vomit just one time and then go back to wagging their tail, or are they vomiting repeatedly and having multiple bouts of diarrhea? Is there anything unusual in the vomit or stool, like blood or pieces of something they ate? Check your dog’s demeanor: are they still fairly active and bright-eyed, or are they looking lethargic, depressed, or in pain? If it’s a single episode of vomit or a one-off loose stool and your pup otherwise seems normal, it might just be a mild upset. In that case, you can likely manage it at home (we’ll get into how in the next steps). However, if your dog is vomiting or pooping nonstop, can’t even hold down water, or is acting very sick, take that as a serious sign. Also, puppies and seniors can get weak fast from dehydration, so err on the side of caution with them. A good rule of thumb: if the vomiting or diarrhea hasn’t stopped within about 24 hours, or if it’s accompanied by worrying signs like weakness, fever, bloody output, or obvious pain, then it’s more than just a minor tummy ache. In those cases, skip the home remedies and call your veterinarian (see “When to Contact a Veterinarian” below). Essentially, know when you can safely observe a bit longer versus when you need to act quickly or seek help.
2. Withhold food for 12-24 hours: If your dog’s situation seems mild to moderate (for example, a couple of vomits or a few loose stools, but now they’re able to rest), the next step is usually to temporarily take away their food. It sounds a little cruel, because none of us likes to skip a meal when we’re sick, but dogs are actually pretty resilient to short-term fasting. In fact, veterinarians often recommend withholding all food for about 12 to 24 hours when a dog has been vomiting or has diarrhea. The reason is simple: giving the GI tract a rest can help stop the cycle of irritation. Imagine your dog’s stomach and intestines are irritated and inflamed; continuing to put food through there can keep provoking it. By not feeding your dog for a short period, you’re essentially hitting the “pause” button and allowing their system to calm down. Important: only skip food, not water. Make sure your pup still has access to fresh water (more on hydration in the next step). Also, use judgment on the fasting: if you have a young puppy, a very tiny dog, an elderly dog, or one with other illnesses like diabetes, check with a vet before fasting them that long. Those dogs might need a shorter fasting period or even none at all, because they can get low blood sugar or other issues if they don’t eat. But for most healthy adult dogs, a 12-24 hour food break is often beneficial to help clear out the “bad stuff” and let their tummy settle. During the fasting period, do not give treats, table scraps, or any other foods – strict means strict, or the whole point of resting the gut is lost. Your dog might beg for food (if they’re feeling a bit better), but stay strong and remember it’s for their own good!
3. Provide hydration: Dogs can become dehydrated very quickly when they have diarrhea and vomiting, because they’re losing a lot of fluids. Keeping your dog hydrated is absolutely critical. Never withhold water from a sick dog; in fact, you should encourage them to drink. Start by checking that your pup has a bowl of clean, fresh water available at all times. Take note if they are actually drinking it. If your dog is reluctant to drink, try some tricks: offer ice cubes for them to lick (many dogs think it’s a treat), or pour a small bowl of low-sodium chicken or beef broth. Sometimes the slight flavor will entice a dog to drink more. You can even chill the broth so it’s easier on a nauseous stomach. The goal is to get fluids in slowly and steadily – gulping a lot of water at once might cause more vomiting, so let your dog sip if possible.A close-up of a sick dog being given liquid medicine or water from a dropper. In a pinch, using a clean dropper or syringe to drip water into your dog’s mouth can help keep them hydrated when they refuse to drink on their own. Hydration is so important that if your dog won’t drink voluntarily, you may need to carefully administer water yourself in small amounts. As shown above, you can use a pet syringe or even a turkey baster (without the needle, of course) to squirt a bit of water into the side of your dog’s mouth. Do this slowly and gently to avoid choking or aspirating. Little by little is key. This can be tedious, but it can prevent dehydration. Keep an eye on your dog’s hydration status by checking their gums – they should be wet and slippery, not dry or tacky. You can also perform the skin tent test: gently pinch the skin between your dog’s shoulder blades and then release it. In a well-hydrated dog, the skin will snap right back into place. If it stays “tented” or goes back slowly, that’s a sign of dehydration. Always prioritize hydration; a dog that can’t hold down water or shows signs of dehydration needs prompt veterinary attention. In mild cases, though, offering plenty of water and maybe an electrolyte solution (ask your vet for something like unflavored Pedialyte dilution) can help your pup recover at home.
4. Introduce a bland diet: After the fasting period (and once any bouts of vomiting have stopped), you’ll want to reintroduce food gradually and gently. The first meals back should be very simple and bland, to not shock your dog’s digestive system. Think of the classic human remedy of dry toast or crackers when we’re sick — for dogs, the go-to bland diet is usually boiled white rice and boiled lean chicken breast. Plain rice is easy to digest and chicken provides some protein without being heavy on fat or seasoning. You can also use plain boiled ground beef (extra lean, fat drained off) as an alternative protein, or even plain scrambled egg, but chicken and rice is most common. Serve it with no seasoning, oils, or butter. Start with a small amount: a few tablespoons for a small dog, maybe 1/2 cup for a larger dog, just to see if they can keep it down. If your dog scarfs it up and it stays down for a few hours, you can offer a little more later. It’s best to feed small, frequent meals instead of one big meal. For example, you might give a few spoonfuls of the bland food every 3–4 hours. This is easier on the tummy. Over the next day or two, if the diarrhea is improving (stools starting to firm up) and no more vomiting, continue this chicken-and-rice diet. Most vets recommend sticking to a bland diet for 2-3 days and then slowly transitioning back to the dog’s regular food. To transition, mix a little of the regular food into the rice mixture and gradually increase it over a couple more days. During the bland diet phase, avoid treats and any other foods. Bland really means bland! You can also consider getting a prescription gastrointestinal diet from your vet (they often have canned bland food that’s formulated for recovery). Whether homemade or prescription, the idea is the same: give the digestive tract a gentle reboot with easily digestible, plain food. Many dogs actually love the taste of chicken and rice, so you might have an eager patient once their appetite returns. Just don’t rush back to burgers and biscuits — patience is key here.
5. Monitor symptoms and behavior: While you’re nursing your dog through this upset tummy episode, keep a close eye on how they’re doing. Monitoring is important because it tells you if your home care is working or if things might be taking a turn for the worse. Watch for the frequency of vomit or diarrhea: is it decreasing in frequency? Are the stools getting a bit more formed instead of pure liquid? These are good signs. Also observe your dog’s behavior and energy level. A dog that starts acting like their normal playful self again, or at least is looking brighter and showing interest in food/water, is probably on the mend. On the other hand, red flags to watch for include: vomiting or diarrhea that continues or worsens despite the steps you’ve taken, the appearance of blood in the vomit or stool (bright red or even dark, tarry-looking stools), your dog becoming very lethargic, weak, or unresponsive, a fever (if you can take their temperature, above ~103°F/39.4°C is a concern), or signs of pain (like whining, groaning, or adopting a hunched-up posture). If any of these occur, it’s time to stop the home treatment and seek veterinary care. In fact, veterinarians advise that if diarrhea lasts more than about 24 hours or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, you should give them a call. As you monitor, also make sure you’re noting intake and output – how much water your dog is drinking, how often they pee, etc., since dehydration might not be obvious until it’s severe. If at any point you’re unsure or uncomfortable with what you’re seeing, don’t hesitate to phone your vet and ask. It’s always better to be safe. Most vets are happy to give advice over the phone on whether a dog can be cared for at home or needs to come in.
6. Try natural remedies if symptoms are mild: In mild cases of diarrhea (especially when vomiting has ceased), there are a few gentle, natural remedies that many dog owners and vets swear by. One popular tummy-soother is plain canned pumpkin (not the sweet pumpkin pie filling, but plain pumpkin). Pumpkin is high in soluble fiber, which can absorb excess water in the intestines and help firm up loose stool. It’s also rich in vitamins and generally very safe. You can mix a tablespoon or two of plain pumpkin into your dog’s bland food. Many dogs love the taste! Another helpful addition can be probiotics. These are supplements (often powders or pastes for dogs) that add good bacteria to the gut. The idea is to rebalance the intestinal flora after it’s been upset. There is evidence that probiotics can shorten episodes of diarrhea and restore normal digestion
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   . You can ask your vet for a recommended probiotic brand (they often carry products like FortiFlora or Proviable), or use a canine probiotic from a pet store. Even plain unsweetened yogurt with live cultures can be a mild probiotic source (only if your dog tolerates dairy). Introduce any remedy in small amounts to ensure it agrees with your dog. For example, start with 1 tablespoon of pumpkin and see how they do, rather than dumping a whole cup in their bowl. Besides pumpkin and probiotics, some owners use herbal teas (cooled chamomile tea can be soothing and also provides hydration) or slippery elm (an herbal supplement that can coat the digestive tract). These can be effective for mild cases, but always do a bit of research or consult a vet for appropriate usage. And remember, natural does not mean harmless – never give human medications or random herbs without professional guidance. Simple, dog-safe remedies like pumpkin are usually the best bet. If at any point the natural remedies aren’t helping and the diarrhea is getting worse, it’s time to seek veterinary care. Natural fixes are only for mild, improving situations, not a substitute for medical treatment in serious cases.

By following the steps above, many dogs will start to recover within 24-48 hours. However, it’s crucial to know your individual pet and use common sense. If your gut (or your dog’s gut!) is telling you that this is not a simple upset, you’ll want to escalate to professional help sooner rather than later. In the next section, we’ll go over exactly when to pick up the phone and call your veterinarian.

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a dog’s vomiting or diarrhea may be too severe to handle at home. Certain signs mean you should seek veterinary care immediately. Don’t wait until your dog is extremely ill — if you notice any of the following situations, call your vet or an emergency animal hospital right away:

• Blood in vomit or stool: If you see blood (red or black) in your dog’s vomit or diarrhea, that’s a big red flag. Vomiting blood (known as hematemesis) or passing bloody stool can indicate anything from a severe GI irritation to a bleeding ulcer or a toxic ingestion. A dog vomiting blood is considered an emergency and should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Likewise, blood in the diarrhea (red streaks or a black tar-like appearance) warrants urgent evaluation. Don’t delay if you spot blood – get professional help.
• Persistent or worsening vomiting/diarrhea: A single puke or a one-time loose stool might not be cause for panic, but if your dog can’t stop vomiting or having diarrhea, it’s time to see the vet. For example, more than about 24 hours of continuous symptoms or more than a few episodes in a single day is concerning. Also, if the diarrhea is very watery and frequent (potentially leading to dehydration), or the vomiting is so bad that even water won’t stay down, your dog likely needs medications and fluids that only a vet can provide. The general rule: if things aren’t steadily improving with home care, or they’re getting worse at any point, seek veterinary attention.
• Lethargy, weakness, or collapse: If your dog is acting extremely weak, lethargic (very low energy, won’t get up), or worse, seems to be on the verge of collapse, go to the vet immediately. Lethargy combined with vomiting/diarrhea can indicate dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or a serious underlying infection. For instance, parvovirus in puppies causes lethargy with vomiting and diarrhea (often bloody) and is life-threatening. Even in adult dogs, if you notice your pet is just not themselves at all — if they’re listless, shaking, or too weak to stand — that’s beyond a home remedy situation.
• Signs of dehydration: As mentioned earlier, dehydration can become very dangerous. If your dog’s gums are dry or sticky, their eyes look sunken, they aren’t urinating, or their skin “tents” when pinched, these are signs of significant dehydration. Severe dehydration often requires intravenous fluids from a vet. Also, dehydration makes a dog feel much sicker and can cause organ damage. So if you suspect your pup is dehydrated and you’re unable to get them to drink or keep fluids down, it’s time for a vet visit.
• Abdominal pain or bloating: Severe abdominal pain in dogs might show up as whining when their belly is touched, a tense/hard abdomen, or the dog adopting a prayer position (front legs and head down, rear end up) to try to relieve the pain. This could indicate something like pancreatitis or a blockage. Similarly, if your dog’s abdomen looks bloated or distended and they are vomiting without producing much (which could be bloat or an obstruction), get to a vet immediately. These conditions can be life-threatening emergencies.
• Very young, very old, or underlying health issues: If your dog is a young puppy, a senior, or has other medical conditions (like diabetes, kidney disease, etc.), you should be more cautious. Puppies in particular can decline rapidly from dehydration or may have contagious diseases like parvo. Older dogs might not bounce back as easily and could have complicating factors. In these cases, it’s wise to contact a vet at the first sign of trouble rather than taking a wait-and-see approach. The vet may recommend you come in right away due to the higher risk these dogs carry.

In summary, trust your instincts. You know your pet best. If something feels very off or the symptoms are hitting any of the above danger notes, play it safe and get professional medical advice. It’s always better to have a vet check out a serious case of vomiting/diarrhea sooner than later. They can provide treatments like anti-nausea injections, IV fluids, and medications to tackle infections or pain — interventions that can truly be lifesaving in critical situations.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a dog that’s vomiting and has diarrhea is undoubtedly stressful, but remember that you’re not alone and that these ailments are extremely common in our canine friends. Often, a simple upset tummy will resolve with a bit of fasting, hydration, and a bland diet, and your pup will be back to their tail-wagging self in no time. The key is to remain calm, follow the basic steps to care for them, and monitor closely.

As a pet owner, it’s normal to feel worried and even a tad helpless when your furry companion is ill. But by knowing what to do (and what not to do), you’ve already taken a lot of the fear out of the situation. We’ve covered how to assess the severity, how to respond with home care, and when to escalate to the professionals. If you’ve done everything you can at home and your dog still isn’t improving, never hesitate to contact your veterinarian. In fact, even if you just have a gut feeling that something is wrong, it’s perfectly fine to reach out to the vet – they can guide you over the phone or ask you to come in for an exam. There’s no such thing as being too cautious when it comes to your pet’s health. You’ll never regret making that call or visit, even if it turns out to be a minor issue, because your dog’s well-being and your peace of mind are worth it.

In the end, our dogs rely on us to take care of them when they’re sick. By acting quickly, thoughtfully, and with care, you can help your dog get through a nasty bout of diarrhea and vomiting. And if things don’t get better, getting professional help is the best decision – it doesn’t mean you failed, it just means you want the best for your furry family member. With some TLC and the right actions, chances are your beloved pup will recover and be giving you sloppy kisses again before you know it. Good luck, and give your dog an extra hug – they (and you) will get through this!