First aid
Dog Vomiting or Diarrhea: When to Worry and What to Do
Upset tummies, usually mild, sometimes not.
By Pawfessor Editorial Team Reviewed by a veterinarianUpdated
Usually handled at home. Call your vet if it gets worse or you are unsure.
Most dogs have an upset tummy now and then, and many mild cases settle in a day. But vomiting and diarrhea can also signal something serious, and puppies, seniors and small dogs can get dehydrated quickly.
For an otherwise bright adult dog
- Offer small sips of water often
- Once vomiting stops, feed small bland meals: plain chicken and rice
- Go back to their normal food over 2–3 days
Call the vet if
- It's a puppy, an elderly dog or a dog with health problems
- There's blood in the vomit or stool
- They're lethargic, won't drink, or have a painful belly
- It goes on for more than 24 hours
- They're retching with nothing coming up: see Bloat
Frequently asked questions
When is dog vomiting an emergency?
Repeated vomiting, vomiting with a swollen belly, blood, lethargy, suspected poisoning or swallowing an object, or a puppy or senior who vomits more than once, all need a vet promptly.
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Keep reading
When to call the vet
Emergency signs in dogs that need a vet straight away, symptoms to call about the same day, and what to have ready when you call.
Checking Vital Signs
What's normal, so you can tell your vet what isn't.