Your Guide to Dog Emergencies

Vaginal Discharge. Treatment of vaginal discharge depends on the underlying cause. If you notice discharge from your pet's vagina, such as blood or pus, see your veterinarian. Be aware that unspayed dogs will develop a bloody discharge and a swollen vulva during their heat cycle. This is a normal situation. If your pet is spayed and is bleeding, consult your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.

Vomiting. Symptomatic therapy of an episode of vomiting includes withholding food and water for three to four hours. If your pet has not vomited by the end of this time, offer small amounts of water (a few tablespoons at a time). Continue to offer small amounts of water every 20 minutes or so until your pet is hydrated. After your pet is hydrated, gradually offer small frequent feedings of a bland digestible diet such as: Hill's prescription diet i/d®, Iams Recovery Diet®, Provision EN® or Waltham Low Fat®.

Homemade diets can be made of boiled rice or potatoes (as the carbohydrate source) and cooked lean hamburger or skinless chicken or low-fat cottage cheese (as the protein source). Return to regular dog food should be gradual over one to two days. If vomiting continues at any time or the onset of other symptoms are noted, call your veterinarian promptly.

If you notice the presence of lethargy, diarrhea, continued vomiting or other physical abnormalities, call your veterinarian. Your pet needs your help and the professional care your veterinarian can provide.

Vomiting & Diarrhea. Therapy of vomiting and diarrhea is dependent on the underlying cause. Remove any known causes such as exposure to trash, table food, etc. Symptomatic therapy of an episode of vomiting includes withholding food and water for three to four hours. If your pet has not vomited by the end of this time, offer small amounts of water (a few tablespoons at a time). Continue to offer small amounts of water ever 20 minutes or so until your pet is hydrated. After he is hydrated, gradually offer a bland diet. Oral electrolyte solutions such as Pediolyte® (available in many drug stores) may also be beneficial to provide hydration and replace electrolytes. Limit the diet to one food that is normally well tolerated, or speak to your veterinarian about an alternative or prescription-type-diet. Homemade bland diets can be made of boiled rice or potatoes (as the carbohydrate source) and cooked lean hamburger or skinless chicken, or low-fat cottage cheese (as the protein source). Return to regular dog food should be gradual over one to two days. Feed small amounts at a time. Observe your dog's general activity and appetite and watch closely for the presence of blood in the stool, worsening of signs, lethargy or continued vomiting. Contact your veterinarian if you have any of these symptoms or other questions or concerns.