Vet Tips: What to Give a Dog with Diarrhea and Vomiting

Seeing your furry buddy deal with diarrhea and vomiting is no fun. It’s super upsetting, and you just want to help them feel better fast. Figuring out what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting can be tricky, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. We’ll talk about safe foods, hydration tricks, and when to call the vet, all tailored for folks in the USA. Let’s dive in and get your pup feeling great again!

Understanding Why Dogs Get Diarrhea and Vomiting

Sometimes dogs get an upset tummy, and it shows up as diarrhea or vomiting. Knowing why this happens helps you pick what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting. Here are some common reasons:

• Eating something bad, like garbage or human snacks.
• Germs, like bacteria or viruses.
• Swallowing something toxic, like chocolate or plants.
• Feeling stressed from moving or loud noises.
• Health problems, like tummy diseases.

If your dog’s symptoms last more than a day or two or seem really bad, call the vet. For mild cases, you can try some simple things at home to figure out what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting.

Immediate Steps to Take When Your Dog Has Diarrhea and Vomiting

When your dog starts vomiting or having diarrhea, acting fast can help. Here’s what to do right away to decide what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting:

1. Stop Food for a Bit: Don’t give food for 12-24 hours (6-12 for puppies) to let their tummy rest. Keep water nearby.
2. Watch Them Closely: Check how often they vomit or poop and what it looks like. Blood or acting super tired means call the vet.
3. Keep Them Hydrated: Give small sips of water often so they don’t get dehydrated.

These steps make it easier to figure out what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting to help them feel better.

What to Give a Dog with Diarrhea and Vomiting: Safe Home Remedies

When you’re thinking about what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting, you want stuff that’s gentle on their tummy. Here are some easy, vet-approved ideas:

Bland Diet for Recovery

A bland diet is like a superhero for upset dog tummies. It’s easy to digest and helps stop diarrhea. Here’s what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting for food:

• Boiled Chicken and Rice: Use plain chicken (no skin, no spices) and white rice. Mix 1 part chicken with 2 parts rice. Give small amounts every few hours.
• Plain Pumpkin: Canned pumpkin (not the pie kind) is awesome for digestion. Give 1-2 tablespoons for every 20 pounds of your dog’s weight.
• Boiled Sweet Potato: Mash up some plain sweet potato—it’s gentle and full of good stuff.

Start with tiny portions and slowly go back to regular food over a few days.

Hydration Solutions

Dehydration is a big deal when your dog has diarrhea and vomiting. Here’s what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting to keep them hydrated:

• Plain Water: Give small sips often.
• Bone Broth: Make it at home with no salt, onions, or garlic. Dogs love it, and it keeps them hydrated.
• Dog-Safe Electrolytes: You can find these at pet stores. Ask your vet first.

Probiotics for Gut Health

Probiotics are like good bacteria that help your dog’s tummy. They’re a great choice for what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting. Try vet-approved ones like FortiFlora. Mix them with food as the package says.

Over-the-Counter Meds (Ask the Vet First)

Sometimes meds like Pepto-Bismol can help, but you must talk to your vet first about what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting. Wrong doses can hurt your dog.

What Not to Give a Dog with Diarrhea and Vomiting

When figuring out what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting, you also need to know what not to give:

• No fatty or spicy foods—they make things worse.
• No milk or cheese—lots of dogs can’t handle dairy.
• No human meds unless the vet says it’s okay.
• No table scraps—they might have bad stuff like onions.

How to Prevent Dehydration in Dogs with Diarrhea and Vomiting

Dehydration can happen fast, so it’s super important when thinking about what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting. Look for these signs:

• Dry gums
• Tiredness
• Eyes that look sunken
• Skin that doesn’t bounce back when pinched

To keep your dog hydrated:

• Give small sips of water or broth often.
• Use a syringe to give water if they won’t drink.
• Watch if they’re peeing less—that’s a bad sign.

If they seem really dehydrated, call the vet right away.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Most times, you can handle mild cases with what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting at home. But call the vet if you see:

• Vomiting or diarrhea that won’t stop after a day or two.
• Blood in poop or vomit.
• Acting super tired or weak.
• Not eating or drinking at all.
• Looking like they’re in pain.

The vet might do tests or give fluids to help your dog.

How to Transition Back to a Normal Diet

Once your dog feels better, you don’t want to rush back to regular food. Here’s how to do it right with what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting:

1. Days 1-2: Stick with bland food like chicken and rice.
2. Days 3-4: Mix 75% bland food with 25% regular food.
3. Days 5-6: Go half and half.
4. Day 7: Back to normal food if they’re okay.

This slow switch keeps their tummy happy.

Preventing Future Episodes of Diarrhea and Vomiting

To stop this from happening again, here’s what to do after figuring out what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting:

• Stick to the same dog food.
• Keep bad stuff like chocolate or plants out of reach.
• Take your dog for regular vet visits.
• Use the flea and worm medicine the vet recommends.

Check out the American Kennel Club for more dog care tips.

Common Causes of Diarrhea and Vomiting in Dogs

Knowing why your dog is sick helps you choose what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting. Here’s a quick look:

How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Recover?

Most dogs feel better in 2-3 days if you give them the right stuff, like what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting (think bland food and water). If it’s a bigger problem, it might take longer, and the vet can help.

Can Stress Cause Diarrhea and Vomiting in Dogs?

Yup, stress can mess with your dog’s tummy. Things like moving or loud noises can cause it. To help with stress and decide what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting:

• Keep their space quiet and comfy.
• Try calming products like pheromone diffusers.
• Talk to your vet if it’s a big issue.

Are There Natural Remedies for Dog Diarrhea and Vomiting?

Natural stuff can work great for what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting. Besides pumpkin and probiotics, try:

• Slippery Elm Bark: Calms the tummy. Mix 1/4 teaspoon per 10 pounds of weight with food.
• Chamomile Tea: Soothes the stomach. Give a little cooled tea (no sugar).

Always check with your vet before trying these.

FAQs About What to Give a Dog with Diarrhea and Vomiting

Conclusion

Figuring out what to give a dog with diarrhea and vomiting doesn’t have to be hard. Simple stuff like chicken and rice, pumpkin, and lots of water can help your dog feel better fast. Keep an eye on them, and if things don’t improve, call your vet. With these easy tips, your pup will be back to wagging their tail in no time. For more help, check out ASPCA’s Pet Care Guide or talk to your vet.