When Pet Vomiting & Diarrhea Are Emergencies
Vomiting and diarrhea can be signs of serious illness in pets. If vomiting & diarrhea are persistent, severe, or your pet seems lethargic, contact us immediately.
Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common reasons pets are brought in, making up approximately 3-5% of all visits in US small-animal veterinary practices. Nearly half the cases our emergency vet hospital sees are for vomiting, diarrhea or both. While these can be relatively harmless one-time behaviors, continued vomiting or diarrhea is cause for concern. That’s why it’s crucial to keep an eye on your pet and pursue timely care options when needed.
At Peak Paws, our veterinary specialists are ready to help with compassionate, quick care when you and your pet need it.
Common Causes of Vomiting & Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea can be a sign of a short-term, mild stomach upset or a more serious illness that requires treatment to resolve. Here are some common reasons your pet may be showing stomach and intestinal upset, and whether or not they’re cause for concern.
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Unsure of the cause? Some signs that indicate something serious is going on:
- Vomiting or diarrhea with blood
- Weakness or lethargy
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Belly pain
These signs aside, keep monitoring your pet and give us a call if you’re concerned or if symptoms do not resolve on their own.
Types of Vomiting in Pets
There are many reasons your pet could be vomiting. Its color could give you clues on the cause and the severity. This can help you decide whether or not you need to bring your dog or cat in for further assessment.
None of these should be taken at face value. Ultimately, only your veterinarian can confirm the cause of your dog or cat’s vomiting. It’s always best to bring your pet in if you’re concerned.
Black or Brown Vomit
Black or dark brown vomit that looks like coffee grounds could be a sign of poisoning, cancer, ulcers, or a stomach blockage. Treat this as an emergency.
Bright Red Vomit
Bright red vomit might indicate ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, an injured stomach, or heatstroke. If you suspect your pet has eaten a foreign object, it’s time to call your emergency vet.
Bright Green or Teal Vomit
Bright green or teal vomit could be a sign your pet ingested rodent poison. Call your emergency vet immediately.
Foamy White Vomit
Foamy white vomit could be a sign of bloat in any animal or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) in dogs. Call your emergency vet immediately.
Light Brown Vomit
Light brown vomit from a dog may mean they’ve eaten chocolate or have an intestinal obstruction, which should both be treated as a medical emergency.
Types of Diarrhea in Pets
Diarrhea is unpleasant at best, but understanding the details will help your vet diagnose and treat your pet appropriately. These definitions are not intended to diagnose your pet on your own, but just a helpful way to guide your next steps.
Osmotic Diarrhea
When lots of water moves into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, osmotic diarrhea or extremely loose bowel movements are the result. This could be from something as simple as a particularly fatty meal or a result of lactose intolerance in either dogs or cats. Fasting for 12 hours generally helps.
Exudative Diarrhea
Certain autoimmune disorders or ulcerative colitis can cause exudative diarrhea due to damage to the gastrointestinal lining. You can expect to see blood or mucus with this.
Secretory Diarrhea
Secretory diarrhea is caused by the presence of certain bacteria or viruses in the GI tract. This type may look similar to osmotic diarrhea, with loose, watery bowel movements, but fasting will not help
Rapid Intestinal Transit Diarrhea
When the colon squeezes more rapidly than usual, this type of diarrhea results due to material being passed too quickly through the GI tract.
What to Do at Home (Before You Call Us)
Some cases of diarrhea or vomiting are simply due to stomach upset. If you’re unsure whether the situation warrants taking your pet in for emergency care, it’s safest to call your emergency veterinarian.
There are some steps you can take to ease their discomfort:
- Remove food for a few hours to allow for fasting. Do not remove access to water.
- Check for dietary changes or access to toxins or foreign objects.
- Keep careful watch over your pet’s symptoms and their duration. Your vet will also appreciate any detail on the vomit or stool’s appearance.
- Do not give your pet medication made for human consumption.
Preventing Vomit and Diarrhea in Pets Before It Becomes an Emergency
The best way to deal with an emergency is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here’s some simple ways to keep vomit or diarrhea from making an unwelcome appearance:
- Schedule regular wellness visits to keep your pet up to date on vaccines and catch early warning signs.
- Gradually switch any new foods you feed your pet, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.
- Avoid giving your pet table scraps (no matter how much they beg).
- Keep human foods secured, especially those that can be toxic (like chocolate, sugar free foods, garlic/onions) or fatty foods (bacon, grease, steak, peanut butter).
- Keep trash properly secured and away from curious pets.
If your pet begins showing sudden digestive distress, give Peak Paws a call immediately. Our team is here to help 24/7/365.
Common FAQs
Should I be worried if my pet has diarrhea but is acting fine?
If your pet’s behavior is no different from usual, there is likely little cause for concern. Keep their food away for a few hours (no more than half a day) and see if the situation improves. If your pet begins to show any signs of lethargy, belly pain, bloody or dark stools, or if the diarrhea continues, it’s time to come in.
Can stress cause a dog to vomit?
Much like humans, stress can affect your pet’s stomach. When stressed, muscles tend to contract, which can lead to stomach discomfort and upset for dogs and cats. However, if this continues, our dogs and cats can become dehydrated quickly, especially if they are small, and treatment may be needed.
What do you feed a dog with diarrhea?
If your dog has diarrhea but is not vomiting, it’s generally okay to present them with bland options, like boiled unseasoned chicken and cooked white rice. Anything you offer your dog should be completely plain and low in fat, to prevent any additional digestive concerns.
