Diarrhea & Vomiting in Dogs: Vet Explains the Signs, Causes & Treatment

As a veterinarian and dog lover, one of the most common – and concerning – conditions I see in my furry patients is gastroenteritis. If your dog has been experiencing diarrhea and vomiting for several days, I know how stressful and scary it can be. You‘re desperate to help your pup feel better, but you may be unsure whether to try at-home remedies or rush to the emergency vet clinic.

In this article, I‘ll share my knowledge and experience to help guide you through this challenging situation. We‘ll take an in-depth look at the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of gastroenteritis in dogs. My goal is to provide you with the most up-to-date, comprehensive information available so that you can make informed decisions about your dog‘s care.

First, let‘s define what gastroenteritis is. The term refers to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Acute gastroenteritis appears suddenly, while chronic cases develop over weeks or months.

The causes of your dog‘s gastroenteritis can range from relatively minor, like dietary indiscretion, to life-threatening emergencies, like intestinal blockages or parvovirus. Some of the most common causes I see in my practice include:

Viruses: Parvovirus, coronavirus, distemper, rotavirus
Parasites: Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, giardia, coccidia
Bacterial infections: Salmonella, E. coli, Clostridium, Campylobacter
Toxic substances: Chocolate, grapes, xylitol, household cleaners, pesticides
Foreign objects: Toys, sticks, bones, string, fabric, rocks
Endocrine disorders: Diabetes, Addison‘s disease, hyperthyroidism
Tumors: Lymphoma, adenocarcinoma, leiomyosarcoma
Organ dysfunction: Kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis
Inflammatory conditions: Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Bloat/gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV): Seen in large breed dogs

As you can see, many of these causes are serious or even potentially fatal. That‘s why it‘s so important to observe your dog closely and check with your vet if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or seem severe.

Some signs that your dog needs immediate veterinary attention include:

Profuse, bloody, or black diarrhea
Projectile or repeated vomiting
Vomit containing blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Severe lethargy or weakness
Distended or painful abdomen
Inability to keep down water
Pale gums or signs of dehydration
Pre-existing medical conditions
Young puppies or senior dogs

If your adult dog has mild diarrhea or has only vomited once or twice and seems otherwise okay, your vet may advise at-home treatment first. This typically involves withholding food for 12-24 hours to allow the digestive tract to rest. Make sure your dog still has access to plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration. After the fast, start reintroducing small, frequent meals of a bland diet, such as boiled chicken breast and white rice. You can also try adding probiotics or plain canned pumpkin to help regulate the digestive system.

However, if at-home remedies don‘t lead to improvement in 1-2 days, it‘s time to see the vet. They will perform a thorough physical exam and likely recommend diagnostics to identify the underlying cause. These may include:

Fecal exams to check for parasites, bacteria, and viruses
Blood tests to evaluate organ function, electrolytes, blood cell counts, and pancreatic enzymes
X-rays or ultrasound to visualize the digestive tract and check for blockages, gas patterns, and tumors
Endoscopy to take biopsies of the intestinal lining

Treatment depends on the severity of the gastroenteritis and the identified cause. In serious cases, hospitalization may be required for intravenous fluids, medications, and close monitoring. More common treatments include:

Anti-nausea medications like maropitant or ondansetron
Antidiarrheal agents like metronidazole, tylosin, or loperamide
Dewormers and antiparasitics like fenbendazole, praziquantel, or metronidazole
Antibiotics, if a bacterial infection is diagnosed
Gastroprotectants like sucralfate or famotidine to prevent ulcers
Probiotics to replenish beneficial gut bacteria
Prescription gastrointestinal diets
Pain medication, if the abdomen is tender or the pancreas is inflamed

As your dog recovers, it‘s important to transition back to their regular food slowly to avoid further tummy troubles. In most cases, gastroenteritis resolves with prompt and appropriate treatment. However, chronic or severe cases may require longer-term management, dietary changes, and monitoring.

Prevention is always the best medicine, and there are steps you can take to reduce your dog‘s risk of developing gastroenteritis:

Keep your dog up-to-date on vaccines, especially parvovirus
Administer broad-spectrum deworming medication as directed by your vet
Don‘t allow your dog to scavenge spoiled food, trash, or animal carcasses
Secure toxic household substances and plants out of your dog‘s reach
Avoid giving your dog bones, antlers, rawhides, and chew toys that can splinter
Transition to new foods or treats gradually
Manage allergies and food sensitivities with vet guidance
Bring your dog for regular check-ups to identify health issues early

I hope this article has provided you with valuable information and guidance to help your furry family member through a bout of gastroenteritis. Remember, your vet is always your most trusted resource. Don‘t hesitate to reach out with any concerns about your dog‘s health. With attentive home care, appropriate medical treatment, and lots of TLC, your dog will hopefully be back to tail-wagging, ball-fetching happiness before you know it!