Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea in Dogs

Dogs often have brief bouts of diarrhea and occasionally vomit. However, dogs that show these symptoms consistently or shows both symptoms could be suffering from a severe health problem. This requires immediate veterinary care. At Grand Park Animal Clinic in Katy, TX, our veterinary team will diagnose your dog and provide the proper treatment.

Vomit and Diarrhea

Parvovirus

One of the most common viruses in dogs is called parvovirus. It’s highly contagious. Puppies and older dogs are especially at risk of dying from it. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract first, then can attack bone marrow and the heart. It causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. Parvo is incurable, but most dogs survive if treated early enough. Luckily, parvo is preventable with vaccinations.

Poisoning

Poison ranges from eating human food to ingesting something more lethal, like rat poison. Poisoned dogs often vomit and get diarrhea suddenly. They also often get other symptoms, like loss of appetite, seizures, loss of coordination, drooling more often than usual, foaming at the mouth, sudden collapse, body temperature going up or down, and problems breathing. These symptoms require immediate treatment. Poisoning is often treatable if the dog receives vet care soon enough.

Pancreatitis

This is an inflammation of the pancreas. If left untreated, it can be fatal. Some dogs get acute pancreatitis, which is only an occasional attack. Some dogs are prone to attacks all their lives. Other symptoms of pancreatitis include fever, loss of appetite, walking with a hunched back, abdominal pain, and swelling of the abdomen. Pancreatitis is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment.

Gastroenteritis

This is an inflammation of the intestinal tract. There are many causes of gastroenteritis, including parasites, accidental exposure to pesticides, new medications, new foods, chronic illness, or bacterial infection. Dogs often will not be able to keep down water. When their stomachs are empty, they will vomit yellow bile. They will cry in pain or flinch when their abdomens are touched. Dogs with these symptoms should visit our veterinarian right away to have tests done to determine the cause. Our vet can then provide the proper treatment. While waiting for the test results, the dog will need to be given rehydrating fluids.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian for a Pet Exam

If your dog is vomiting and has diarrhea or other concerning symptoms, don’t wait to bring it in to our veterinarian. The sooner your dog is diagnosed and treated, the better its chances are of recovering. At Grand Park Animal Clinic in Katy, TX, we will treat your pet and bring it back to health. If you are unsure of your pet’s condition, speak with our veterinarian immediately. We are happy to answer any questions you have. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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