Treatment and Home Remedies for Dog Diarrhea and Vomiting

Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common symptoms seen in dogs. They can occur alone or in tandem and be a minor self-limiting problem or very significant problem.

Below are some common questions pet owners ask when their dog has vomiting and/or diarrhea:

What Are Diarrhea and Vomiting?

Vomiting is the act of expelling contents from the stomach through the mouth.

Diarrhea is the act of having abnormally loose or liquid stools. This can also be associated with an increased frequency of bowel movements. Some dogs will have a large amount of liquid or abnormally loose stools once, and others will have semi-formed stools frequently, coupled with straining.

Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea and Vomiting?

Causes of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs include eating too fast, eating too much, eating something that is not digestible, changes in diet, eating spoiled food or garbage, infectious agents (including bacteria, viruses or parasites), or systemic problems such as cancer, diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Vomiting and diarrhea can affect your dog by causing extreme fluid loss, which leads to dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, and/or acid-base imbalances.

A common question that pet owners often ask is, “What can I do at home to help my dog?”

How Do I Treat Vomiting and Diarrhea for Dogs at Home?

Specific treatments and dog vomiting remedies are dependent on the cause. Here is the general approach to treating vomiting and diarrhea.

In mild cases, such as when a dog vomits once or has a small amount of diarrhea but then eats normally, has a normal bowel movement, and continues to act playful, the issue may resolve on its own without intervention. If you identify a possible trigger, such as access to trash, a recent diet change, or ingestion of plants, removing that cause is an important first step in recovery.

When vomiting and diarrhea occur together, management can be more challenging. If your dog vomits multiple times, has ongoing diarrhea, and you are unable to take them to the veterinarian (which is always recommended), supportive care at home may be attempted with caution.

Feeding should be withheld for approximately 2 to 4 hours, or longer if diarrhea is also present, to allow the gastrointestinal tract to rest. If your dog appears lethargic, continues vomiting, or seems otherwise unwell, veterinary care should be sought immediately. Medications should never be given unless specifically directed by a veterinarian, as some over-the-counter products can be toxic to dogs.

If your dog has not vomited after the fasting period, small amounts of water, just a few tablespoons at a time, may be offered. Water can be given every 20 minutes, but excessive drinking should be avoided, as it may trigger further vomiting.

Once your dog tolerates water without vomiting, you can gradually introduce a bland, easily digestible diet. Small, frequent meals are recommended, using either a veterinary prescription diet such as Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d, Iams Recovery Diet, Purina EN, or Waltham Low Fat, or a homemade mixture of boiled rice or potatoes paired with lean protein like skinless chicken, lean hamburger, or low-fat cottage cheese.

Start with small portions and, if no vomiting occurs, offer slightly more about an hour later. Feed every 3 to 4 hours during the first day, gradually increasing portion sizes and decreasing feeding frequency as your dog’s tolerance improves.

Vet Recommended At-Home Treatment for Vomiting and Diarrhea in Dogs

Wondering "What home remedy can I give my dog for diarrhea and vomiting?"

Many veterinarians recommend Pepcid AC® (generic name is Famotidine) to decrease stomach acid. The most used dosage is 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound (0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg) every 12 to 24 hours. A 20-pound dog should get about 5 to 10 mg (total dose) once to twice daily.

This is an oral medication, which can be found at most pharmacies in the antacid section. Pepcid (Famotidine) does not require a prescription. It is often used for 3 to 5 days.

Some veterinarians recommend Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate® (for dogs only!). The active ingredients are generally subsalicylate and Bismuth. Two tablespoons of Pepto-Bismol contain almost as much salicylate as one aspirin tablet (which is toxic to cats). Do NOT give cats Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate!

The subsalicylate, an aspirin-like compound, can decrease diarrhea caused by intestinal infection. The bismuth agent is a chalk-like compound designed to coat the lining of the stomach and intestines. This helps some pets with diarrhea.

The typical daily dose administered to dogs amounts to approximately 2 teaspoons (10 ml total) per 10 pounds, ideally split between two to four doses. This can be found at most pharmacies and does not require a prescription. It is often used for 1 to 2 days. DO NOT USE IN CATS.

Diarrhea and Vomiting in Dogs: When to Worry

If the vomiting and/or diarrhea continues or worsens, if you note blood in the vomit or feces, or if other symptoms appear, call your veterinarian immediately. If your dog is not eating, acts lethargic, continues to vomit, or there are any other physical abnormalities, it is important to see your veterinarian.

Your pet needs the professional care your veterinarian can provide. If your pet is having the clinical signs mentioned above, expect your veterinarian to perform some diagnostic tests and to make treatment recommendations dependent upon the severity and the nature of the clinical signs.

Concerned about your dog’s vomiting and diarrhea? Learn more about how pet insurance may be able to help.

The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of a veterinarian.