Is Your Dog Vomiting and Having Diarrhea? Beware of Acute Gastroenteritis

Vomiting in dogs is a common symptom that can indicate a variety of diseases or issues. In some cases, vomiting may simply be due to mild gastrointestinal irritation or indigestion, but in other situations, it could be a sign of a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. As a dog owner, observing the situation can help you determine the next steps. So, when should you take your dog to the vet for vomiting?

Observing Vomiting in Dogs

Keep an Eye On:

• Undigested Food: If your dog's vomit consists mainly of undigested food, such as swollen kibble, it may be due to eating too quickly, overeating, or indigestion.
• White or Clear Liquid with Foam: This is usually digestive fluid, often caused by the accumulation of stomach acid, commonly seen in acute gastritis or gastric ulcers.

If the vomiting occurs occasionally and doesn’t exceed once a day, it may be considered a mild symptom. In this case, you can reduce gastrointestinal irritation and add probiotics to their food to help regulate gut motility and promote a healthy gut microbiome. Continue monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian.

Seek Immediate Veterinary Care If:

• Yellow-Green Bile: This indicates the presence of bile in the vomit, which is usually caused by prolonged fasting or irregular eating habits.
• Blood: This could suggest a risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a more serious condition.

If either of these two situations occurs, your pet may be suffering from gastroenteritis and should be taken to a veterinary clinic for examination.

Other Symptoms of Gastroenteritis in Dogs

Dogs with gastroenteritis may exhibit additional signs, including:

• Arched Back Posture: Dogs may arch their backs due to abdominal pain.
• Watery or Mucus-Laden Diarrhea: This may have an abnormal foul odor and, at times, may contain blood.
• Straining to Defecate with Little Output: Dogs may attempt to defecate but produce very little stool.
• Increased Frequency of Vomiting: The frequency of vomiting may rise.
• Possible Fever: The dog’s body temperature may increase.

What to Do If You Suspect Gastroenteritis

In addition to the observations and monitoring of dietary habits mentioned above, you should take your dog to the veterinary clinic immediately. Follow the veterinarian's advice regarding medications and appropriate prescription diets. Here are some dietary considerations during an episode of gastroenteritis:

• Slow Feeders: To help digestion, consider switching to slow-feeding bowls if your dog tends to eat too quickly.
• Small, Frequent Meals: This approach can help maintain digestive function.
• Higher Calorie Food: Reduce the amount of food your dog consumes to lessen the burden on their intestines.
• Electrolyte Replacement: To prevent dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea, provide glucose and electrolyte solutions to your dog.

In general, Hill's gastrointestinal prescription diets are designed for managing acute gastroenteritis. Both Gastrointestinal dry and wet foods provide high calories and are easy to digest, while also including their ActivBiome+ Technology to rapidly activate the gut microbiome and essential fatty acids like EPA and DHA (to alleviate inflammatory responses), promoting your dog’s digestive health. However, remember that this is a prescription diet, so always consult your veterinarian before use!