Old Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea Treatment

What Does Vomiting and Diarrhea in an Old Dog Mean?

Both vomiting and diarrhea are signs that your dog’s digestive system is irritated or compromised. In older dogs, the causes of these symptoms can range from mild to severe.

An old dog vomiting and diarrhea simultaneously can be suffering from anything from a simple upset stomach to a life-threatening illness.

Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents, while diarrhea is the passage of loose, watery stools.

When both occur together in older dogs, they often lead to rapid fluid loss, putting your dog at risk for dehydration, weakness, and even organ failure.

Common Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea in Senior Dogs

1. Gastrointestinal Infections

One of the most frequent causes of old dog vomiting and diarrhea is a gastrointestinal infection.

These may be caused by bacteria (such as Salmonella), viruses (like parvovirus), or intestinal parasites (such as Giardia or worms).

Infections irritate the stomach and intestines, leading to both vomiting and diarrhea.

Because senior dogs have a weaker immune system, they are more vulnerable to developing infections and take longer to recover.

2. Dietary Indiscretion or Sudden Food Changes

Older dogs are often more sensitive to diet changes or eating inappropriate foods.

Eating spoiled food, trash, or sudden transitions between food types can trigger gastrointestinal distress.

This results in an old dog vomiting and diarrhea soon after ingestion.

Highly fatty or spicy foods can also upset their stomach, leading to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which causes vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Related: Old dog diarrhea and vomiting (Causes and treatment)

3. Chronic Illnesses

Chronic diseases become more prevalent as dogs age.

Kidney disease, liver failure, diabetes, Addison’s disease, and cancer are common in older dogs and often present with vomiting and diarrhea as early warning signs.

When an old dog vomiting and diarrhea is also lethargic, losing weight, or showing changes in thirst and appetite, it’s crucial to rule out chronic health conditions.

4. Medication Side Effects

Many senior dogs are on long-term medication for arthritis, heart disease, or other age-related ailments.

Some of these medications, especially NSAIDs and certain antibiotics, can irritate the stomach lining or affect gut flora, leading to both vomiting and diarrhea.

If your old dog vomiting and diarrhea started shortly after beginning a new medication, this might be a side effect that should be reported to your vet.

5. Toxin Ingestion

Older dogs may accidentally ingest toxic substances like human medications, pesticides, chocolate, xylitol, or even toxic houseplants.

Toxins can immediately affect their digestive system, resulting in an old dog vomiting and diarrhea episode.

This is a veterinary emergency.

Toxin ingestion can quickly escalate and lead to seizures, tremors, or organ damage if not addressed immediately.

6. Stress or Anxiety

Aging dogs often experience more stress, especially due to cognitive decline, environmental changes, or separation anxiety.

Stress affects gut motility and can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If your old dog vomiting and diarrhea episodes often occur after events like travel, grooming, or being left alone, stress could be the trigger.

7. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease is common in older dogs and can cause recurring gastrointestinal symptoms, including chronic vomiting and diarrhea.

The condition results from an abnormal immune response in the gut lining.

If your old dog vomiting and diarrhea issues are persistent, IBD might be the cause and requires a biopsy to confirm.

Related: Old dog bloody diarrhea and vomiting (Causes and treatment)

Signs That Require Immediate Vet Care

While some cases may resolve on their own, certain signs indicate an emergency.

If your old dog vomiting and diarrhea episodes are accompanied by the following, seek veterinary attention immediately:

• Blood in vomit or stool

• Severe lethargy or collapse

• Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours

• Pale gums or dry, tacky gums

• High or low body temperature

• Bloating or abdominal pain

• Continuous vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours

What to Do for Old Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea

When managing old dog vomiting and diarrhea treatment, your first goal is to prevent dehydration and identify the cause. Here’s what to do:

1. Remove Food for 12–24 Hours

Allow your dog’s stomach and intestines to rest.

Remove food (but not water) for up to 12–24 hours. This gives the digestive tract time to recover.

However, do not fast puppies, small breeds, or very frail old dogs without consulting your vet first, as they can become hypoglycemic.

2. Offer Small Amounts of Water

Keep fresh water available at all times. You can also offer ice chips or an electrolyte solution like unflavored Pedialyte.

If your old dog vomiting and diarrhea symptoms are severe, they may not be able to keep water down and could require subcutaneous or IV fluids at the vet.

3. Reintroduce a Bland Diet

After the fasting period, reintroduce food slowly with a bland diet for a few days. A typical bland diet includes:

• Boiled white rice

• Boiled chicken (no skin or bones)

• Mashed boiled potatoes

• Low-fat cottage cheese or plain pumpkin (not spiced pie filling)

Feed small portions multiple times a day and gradually return to their regular food over 3–5 days.

4. Use Probiotics

Probiotics help restore healthy gut bacteria disrupted by vomiting and diarrhea.

Ask your vet to recommend a dog-specific probiotic that’s suitable for your senior pet.

5. Monitor for Dehydration

Old dogs are more prone to dehydration.

Check for signs like dry gums, sunken eyes, poor skin elasticity, and weakness.

If you suspect dehydration, don’t wait—get to the vet.

6. Avoid Over-the-Counter Medications

Never give your dog human medications like Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, or Tylenol.

These can be toxic to dogs, especially in older pets with liver or kidney issues.

7. Visit the Veterinarian

If the vomiting and diarrhea persist beyond 24 hours, or if your dog appears sick, always consult your vet.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood tests to check organ function

• Stool sample to identify parasites or bacteria

• X-rays or ultrasound to check for tumors or obstructions

• Urine tests for kidney function

Your vet may prescribe medications to reduce vomiting (antiemetics), control diarrhea, treat infections, or manage chronic conditions.

Related: Old dog vomiting and can’t talk (Here’s why)

Home Tips to Prevent Future Episodes

To reduce the chances of your old dog vomiting and diarrhea again, consider these prevention tips:

• Stick to a consistent, high-quality senior dog diet.

• Avoid giving table scraps or changing foods suddenly.

• Keep household toxins, trash, and medications safely out of reach.

• Maintain a calm, stress-free environment.

• Keep your dog up to date on parasite prevention.

• Schedule regular check-ups with your vet.

Key Takeaway

Seeing an old dog vomiting and diarrhea can be distressing, especially when you’re unsure of the cause.

While some cases may resolve on their own, prolonged or severe symptoms in senior dogs can point to serious health issues.

Always monitor their condition closely, support them with hydration and bland foods, and don’t hesitate to contact your vet.

Early intervention can make all the difference in recovery, especially in older dogs whose resilience is not what it once was.

Remember, your furry friend has been by your side for years—return the favor by acting quickly and compassionately when their health is in question.