Vomiting and Diarrhoea In A Dog: Causes And Treatment
Vomiting and diarrhoea are widespread occurrences in dogs, often resulting from their adventurous eating habits that include rummaging through rubbish and chewing on non-food items.
While it is typical for dogs to experience such episodes at least a few times throughout their lives, some cases can quickly resolve themselves, while others may indicate more severe health issues. In this article, we will explore the usual causes behind these symptoms and discuss appropriate treatment methods.
Besides understanding the reasons behind a dog’s vomiting and diarrhoea, it is essential to know when to seek veterinary assistance. Additionally, preventative measures can significantly minimise these episodes, ensuring the health and well-being of your canine friends. By reading this article, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how to handle and prevent vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs.
Key Highlights
- Vomiting and diarrhoea are common in dogs and can result from a variety of causes
- Identifying when to visit a vet is crucial for your dog’s well-being
- Adopting preventative measures can decrease the frequency of these symptoms in your canine friends.
Vomiting and Diarrhoea Symptoms
Vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs, commonly known as gastroenteritis, are signs of stomach and intestinal inflammation. These symptoms typically resolve by themselves or with minimal treatment. However, if they persist, veterinary attention may be required. Dogs may also experience additional symptoms, such as:
- Reduced appetite
- Changes in drinking habits (increased or decreased)
- Lethargy
- Abdominal discomfort
- Behavioural or personality changes
- Absence of bowel movements
- Nausea indicated by drooling or lip-licking
It’s crucial to note other symptoms that your dog may display, as this could help identify the underlying cause, particularly in severe or unresolved cases.
The specifics of your dog’s vomiting and diarrhoea should also be closely observed. Factors worth considering regarding vomiting include:
- The vomit’s contents (e.g., food or bile)
- Time elapsed since food ingestion before vomiting
- Frequency of vomiting episodes
- Vomit colour
- Presence of blood in vomit
- Vomiting occurrences after drinking water
- Dry retching incidents
Regarding diarrhoea, consider the following characteristics:
- Diarrhoea form and consistency
- Colour of diarrhoea
- Presence of blood (bright red or dark red/black)
- Mucous in the diarrhoea
- Urgency of bowel movements
- Straining during defecation
Although these questions may seem highly specific, comprehending your dog’s symptoms is critical. Should a visit to the vet become necessary, presenting this information to them will help determine the cause of your dog’s stomach upset.
Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhoea in Dogs
Dogs may experience stomach issues due to various factors ranging from mild to severe. Mild causes of such issues include:
- Alteration in diet or consuming low-quality food
- Eating an inappropriate item
- Stress, such as a puppy adapting to a new home
- Post-surgery recovery at a veterinary clinic
On the other hand, more serious cases often require a veterinarian’s intervention and may take longer to resolve. These conditions encompass:
- Parasites and worms
- Viruses like parvovirus, which particularly affects puppies
- Bacterial infections or overgrowth
- Exposure to poisonous substances or toxins like chocolate
- Food allergies
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis, causing inflammation
- Intestinal obstruction from foreign bodies or intussusceptions
- Pancreatitis affecting the digestion process
- Liver or kidney disease
- Cancer
Various conditions listed above may lead to continuous vomiting and diarrhoea, exhibiting other symptoms. Some of these, such as parvovirus infection, can even be contagious and necessitate specific treatment by a veterinarian.
How to Address Vomiting and Diarrhoea in Dogs at Home
Initially, when your dog has mild vomiting and diarrhoea, and is otherwise well, consider withholding food and water for approximately 6 hours to let their stomach rest. After this period, provide small amounts of food and water to see if the vomiting stops. Be cautious about fasting for longer durations, as dehydration might set in due to vomiting and diarrhoea.
In case vomiting continues after withholding food and water or if no improvement is observed in diarrhoea within 12-24 hours, it’s essential to visit your veterinarian. To settle their stomach and avoid further irritation, feed your dog a bland diet in 4-5 smaller meals throughout the day instead of their regular food. Refrain from giving treats or milk other than this special diet.
Prebiotics and probiotics can be beneficial for an upset stomach, as they restore good bacteria in the gut. This is particularly helpful in cases of bacterial infections and antibiotics usage. Preferably, obtain these supplements from a reliable source suggested by your veterinarian.
Fibre supplements, such as psyllium husk and pureed pumpkin, can also be useful. However, consult your vet about implementing these supplements, especially if your dog is prone to constipation due to other underlying conditions.
It is crucial to avoid administering any human medications to your dog without your vet’s advice. Numerous human medications can be toxic and even fatal for dogs if given at certain doses.
If you suspect your dog is stressed, a pheromone diffuser (Adaptil) may help. Discuss the possibility of calming medications or supplements with your veterinarian to ensure your dog’s wellbeing during this uncomfortable period.
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
In many instances, vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs subside within 12-24 hours. However, if these symptoms persist beyond this timeframe, it is recommended to contact your vet, particularly if the dog exhibits additional symptoms or the severity of the issue increases.
Dogs with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease, should seek veterinary assistance promptly. These conditions can predispose dogs to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be exacerbated by vomiting and diarrhoea.
Do not hesitate to call your veterinarian if you are unsure. They will examine your dog and perform blood and urine tests to eliminate potential underlying conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, or pancreatitis. Additionally, your vet may conduct fecal sample tests if parasites are a concern, or perform X-rays and ultrasound examinations if they suspect obstructions such as foreign bodies, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer. Based on the findings, your veterinarian will identify the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment for your dog.
How to Guard Your Dog Against Vomiting and Diarrhoea
Caring for your dog’s health can reduce the risk of vomiting and diarrhoea. Opt for dog foods with limited ingredients to prevent tummy upsets and potential food allergies, as a fit and healthy dog is less likely to suffer from these issues.
Probiotics can be beneficial in keeping the digestive system healthy, while diet changes could be necessary when spotting triggers for vomiting or diarrhoea. For dogs prone to consuming non-food items, ensure they are supervised around toys and keep other objects out of reach or inside dog-proof cupboards.
To protect against parasites, maintain a worming control treatment regimen, available at veterinary clinics. In addition, consider vaccinating your dog as a preventative measure against common illnesses that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
When planning your dog’s nutrition, consult with a veterinarian about a possible prescription intestinal diet for sensitive dogs. Pay attention to your pet’s surroundings and remove potential hazards like broken toys or sharp objects that could cause harm if ingested.
By following these steps, your dog will be at a reduced risk of experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea, ensuring a happier and healthier life.
Ending Thoughts
Vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs often stems from consuming something that disrupts their digestive system. While many instances resolve spontaneously, some persist and may derive from more serious issues. In cases where symptoms fail to subside or are especially severe, a veterinarian should be consulted to examine potential concerns like parasites, obstructions, or liver and kidney diseases. Maintaining a consistent worming regimen and providing high-quality dog food can aid in preventing such maladies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What can be done for a dog experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting?
Offer a bland diet in small portions 4-5 times throughout the day. Ensure they have access to water and consider providing a probiotic supplement recommended by a veterinarian.
At what point should a dog be taken to the veterinarian for vomiting and diarrhoea?
Visit the vet if symptoms don’t improve within 12-24 hours. Take them earlier if they exhibit other signs such as severe abdominal pain, refusal to drink, lethargy, or blood in vomit or faeces.
What could be the cause when a dog suffers from diarrhoea and vomiting?
These symptoms suggest that the dog’s digestive system is inflamed or irritated. This could be due to something they have consumed or an underlying health issue.
How long can a dog be sick with diarrhoea and vomiting?
Mild cases typically last 12-24 hours, while more severe instances may persist longer. Seek veterinary advice if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours or the dog appears extremely unwell.