If your dog is throwing up (being sick) and also has diarrhea, it’s a sign something isn’t right in their body. While sometimes mild and short-lived, these symptoms can also point to serious illness that needs urgent care.
We outline the common reasons why a dog being sick and diarrhea may happen, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Being Sick and Diarrhea — Why It Happens
Vomiting and diarrhea often occur together because both are ways your dog’s body tries to get rid of something harmful. This could be spoiled food, intestinal parasites, stress, or even a more serious disease like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Infections, dietary changes, or toxins may also trigger the symptoms. The causes range from mild to life-threatening, which makes careful observation very important.
Dog Being Sick and Diarrhea: Common Causes
Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t, from garbage to table scraps. When your dog eats spoiled food or something that irritates the stomach, it can lead to sudden vomiting and diarrhea. This is often called “garbage gut.”
You may notice your dog looking uncomfortable, licking their lips, drooling, or retching before vomiting. The diarrhea may be watery or foul-smelling. While some dogs recover quickly, repeated episodes can lead to dehydration and weakness.
Read more: Dog Being Sick and Blood in Poop (What it means)
Infections (Viral or Bacterial)
Viruses like parvovirus and distemper, or bacterial infections such as salmonella, can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are especially vulnerable.
These infections often cause additional signs like fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Because parvovirus can be fatal without treatment, any dog with bloody diarrhea and persistent vomiting needs immediate veterinary attention.
Parasites
Worms and protozoa like giardia can cause chronic diarrhea with occasional vomiting. Dogs may also have weight loss, a dull coat, or scooting behavior if parasites are present.
Parasites irritate the intestines, preventing proper nutrient absorption and leading to ongoing stomach upset. Puppies, older dogs, and those with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. Diagnosis requires a stool sample checked by your vet.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis happens when the pancreas becomes inflamed, often triggered by eating fatty foods. It leads to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
Dogs with pancreatitis may hunch their backs, cry when their stomach is touched, or seem restless and lethargic. This condition can be very serious, requiring hospitalization and strict dietary changes. Left untreated, pancreatitis can cause life-threatening complications.
Food Intolerance or Allergies
Some dogs develop digestive upset when exposed to certain ingredients, such as dairy, wheat, or specific proteins. Vomiting and diarrhea may appear soon after eating, sometimes accompanied by itchy skin or ear infections.
Over time, repeated exposure to the offending food causes chronic inflammation in the gut. Identifying and avoiding the trigger ingredient, often through a vet-guided elimination diet, is key to long-term relief.
Toxins or Poisoning
Household toxins, plants, or human medications can make dogs severely sick. Vomiting and diarrhea are often the first warning signs that your dog ingested something poisonous.
Other red flags include drooling, tremors, seizures, or collapse. Substances like chocolate, grapes, xylitol, or rat poison can be deadly, and urgent veterinary care is required to prevent permanent damage or death.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Being Sick and Has Diarrhea
First, remove food for several hours to give your dog’s stomach time to settle, but always offer fresh water to prevent dehydration. After the fasting period, try bland foods like boiled chicken and rice in small portions.
Keep your dog calm and rested. Excitement and exercise can worsen symptoms. Monitor closely for improvement or worsening signs.
If your dog is a puppy, senior, or has other health problems, be more cautious. These dogs can decline quickly. Even mild vomiting and diarrhea can become dangerous if it leads to dehydration.
Never give human medications unless directed by your vet. Many common drugs are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If vomiting and diarrhea last more than 24 hours, it’s time to call your vet. Persistent or worsening symptoms are rarely harmless.
Seek urgent veterinary care if your dog:
Has blood in vomit or stool
Is unable to keep water down
Becomes lethargic or collapses
Shows signs of abdominal pain
Has a distended belly or bloating
Dehydration can set in quickly, especially in puppies and small dogs. If gums feel dry, skin doesn’t snap back when gently lifted, or your dog refuses water, call your vet right away.
Read more: Dog Being Sick and Shaking (Why it happens)
Key Takeaway
Vomiting and diarrhea in dogs can be as simple as eating the wrong thing, or as serious as a life-threatening illness. The key is to watch carefully, support your dog with rest and hydration, and seek veterinary care when symptoms persist or worsen.
Your dog depends on you to notice when something’s wrong. Trust your instincts — if you’re concerned, it’s always better to get your vet’s advice than to wait and risk complications.