What Should I Give My Dog for Diarrhea and Vomiting?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Dog Health & Wellness

When your dog is experiencing diarrhea and vomiting, it can be a distressing time for both you and your furry friend. These symptoms not only cause discomfort but can also signal underlying health issues that require attention. Knowing what to give a dog for diarrhea and vomiting is essential to help soothe their digestive system and support a swift recovery.

Digestive upset in dogs can result from a variety of causes, ranging from dietary indiscretions to infections or more serious medical conditions. While some cases may resolve with simple home care, others might need veterinary intervention. Understanding the right approach to managing these symptoms—including appropriate foods, fluids, and when to seek professional help—can make all the difference in your pet’s health and comfort.

In the following sections, we will explore safe and effective remedies, dietary recommendations, and important precautions to consider when treating your dog’s digestive troubles. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or new to canine care, this guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to help your dog feel better quickly and safely.

Dietary Adjustments and Hydration Strategies

When managing a dog with diarrhea and vomiting, dietary adjustments are crucial to support recovery and minimize gastrointestinal distress. Initially, withholding food for 12 to 24 hours allows the gut to rest, but water should always be available to prevent dehydration. After this fasting period, reintroducing food gradually with a bland, easily digestible diet can help stabilize the digestive system.

A commonly recommended bland diet includes boiled white rice combined with boiled lean chicken or ground turkey, without any seasoning or additives. This diet is gentle on the stomach and provides necessary nutrients without overwhelming the digestive tract. Small, frequent meals are preferable to large portions, as they reduce the risk of further vomiting or diarrhea.

Hydration is equally important, as vomiting and diarrhea can rapidly deplete fluids and electrolytes. Offering fresh water regularly is essential, but if a dog is reluctant to drink, adding unflavored electrolyte solutions designed for pets can help maintain fluid balance. Avoid giving cow’s milk or sugary drinks, as these can exacerbate symptoms.

Medications and Supplements to Consider

In some cases, veterinary-prescribed medications may be necessary to control vomiting and diarrhea or to address underlying causes such as infections or inflammation. Over-the-counter remedies should be used cautiously and only under veterinary guidance.

Common medications and supplements include:

  • Probiotics: These help restore healthy gut flora, which can be disrupted during gastrointestinal upset.
  • Antiemetics: Drugs like maropitant citrate reduce nausea and vomiting.
  • Antidiarrheals: Medications such as kaolin-pectin may be recommended to firm stools.
  • Fiber supplements: Adding soluble fiber can help regulate bowel movements.

It is important to avoid human medications unless explicitly prescribed by a veterinarian, as some can be toxic to dogs.

Foods and Substances to Avoid

Certain foods and substances can worsen diarrhea and vomiting or harm your dog’s digestive tract. Avoid the following during recovery:

  • Fatty or greasy foods, which can irritate the stomach.
  • Dairy products, as many dogs are lactose intolerant.
  • Spicy or heavily seasoned foods.
  • Raw meat or bones, which may harbor pathogens or cause obstruction.
  • Human medications not prescribed for dogs.

Maintaining a clean feeding area and ensuring your dog does not consume garbage or toxic plants will also prevent further gastrointestinal upset.

Sample Feeding Schedule for a Dog Recovering from Diarrhea and Vomiting

Time Feeding Portion Size Notes
Morning Bland diet (boiled rice & chicken) Small (1/4 to 1/3 of normal meal) Ensure dog is calm before feeding
Midday Water or electrolyte solution Ad libitum, encourage drinking Monitor for dehydration signs
Afternoon Bland diet Small (same as morning) Feed slowly, observe for vomiting
Evening Water or electrolyte solution Ad libitum Remove food 2 hours before bedtime if vomiting persists

Safe Dietary Options for Dogs with Diarrhea and Vomiting

When a dog experiences diarrhea and vomiting, the primary goal is to soothe the gastrointestinal tract while maintaining hydration and providing easily digestible nutrition. It is essential to withhold food initially to allow the stomach and intestines to rest, but water intake should be encouraged to prevent dehydration.

Initial Fasting and Hydration

  • Fasting period: Typically, withholding food for 12 to 24 hours is recommended for adult dogs, but this may vary based on the dog’s size, age, and overall health.
  • Water: Fresh water should be available at all times. Small, frequent amounts are preferable to prevent vomiting due to a full stomach.
  • Electrolyte solutions: Specially formulated canine electrolyte solutions can help maintain hydration and electrolyte balance. Avoid human sports drinks due to inappropriate sugar and electrolyte content.

Bland Diet

After the fasting period, introduce a bland diet that is low in fat and fiber, highly digestible, and gentle on the digestive system. Common options include:

Food Item Description Preparation Notes
Boiled chicken Skinless, boneless chicken breast Boil thoroughly; no seasoning or oil
White rice Plain, cooked white rice Well-cooked and soft
Pumpkin puree Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) High in fiber to help regulate digestion
Boiled potatoes Peeled and boiled, no seasoning Easy to digest, adds bulk to stool
Cottage cheese Low-fat, plain Provides some protein, mild on stomach

Feeding Guidelines

  • Serve small, frequent meals (e.g., 3-4 times a day) to avoid overloading the digestive system.
  • Gradually increase portion size as symptoms improve.
  • Monitor for any adverse reactions or worsening symptoms.

Commercial Veterinary Diets

Veterinary prescription diets formulated for gastrointestinal issues may be recommended by a veterinarian. These diets are carefully balanced to aid digestion and reduce irritation.

Examples include:

  • Hydrolyzed protein diets
  • Limited ingredient diets
  • Highly digestible fiber-restricted formulas

Foods and Substances to Avoid

  • Fatty or fried foods, which can exacerbate gastrointestinal upset.
  • Dairy products (other than small amounts of cottage cheese) as many dogs are lactose intolerant.
  • Human foods high in sugar, salt, or spices.
  • Raw diets or bones until full recovery.
  • Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal or anti-vomiting medications without veterinary guidance.

Medications and Supplements for Managing Diarrhea and Vomiting in Dogs

Medications and supplements can assist in managing symptoms and promoting recovery but should only be used under veterinary supervision.

Commonly Used Medications

Medication Purpose Important Notes
Probiotics Restore healthy gut flora Use canine-specific formulations
Antiemetics Control nausea and vomiting Examples: maropitant (Cerenia)
Antidiarrheals Reduce diarrhea severity Use cautiously; vet guidance required
Gastroprotectants Protect stomach lining Examples: famotidine, sucralfate
Antibiotics Treat bacterial infections Only if bacterial cause is confirmed

Probiotics and Prebiotics

  • Probiotics help restore the balance of intestinal bacteria.
  • Common strains include *Lactobacillus* and *Bifidobacterium*.
  • Prebiotics feed beneficial bacteria and may be included in some supplements.

Natural Supplements

  • Slippery elm: Soothes the gastrointestinal tract lining.
  • Psyllium husk: Adds bulk to stool and can aid in regulating bowel movements.
  • Digestive enzymes: Support digestion when the pancreas is compromised.

Veterinary Consultation and Monitoring

  • It is crucial to consult a veterinarian before administering any medications or supplements.
  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea (more than 24-48 hours), blood in stool or vomit, lethargy, dehydration, or other worrying signs warrant immediate professional evaluation.
  • The veterinarian may recommend diagnostic testing such as fecal analysis, blood work, or imaging to determine underlying causes.

Hydration Strategies and Supportive Care

Maintaining hydration is critical in dogs suffering from diarrhea and vomiting, as fluid loss can rapidly lead to dehydration and complications.

Signs of Dehydration

  • Dry gums and tongue
  • Sunken eyes
  • Loss of skin elasticity (skin tent test)
  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Reduced urination

Hydration Methods

Method Description When to Use
Oral fluids Fresh water or electrolyte solutions Mild dehydration, able to drink
Subcutaneous fluids Fluids injected under the skin by a vet Moderate dehydration, unable to drink adequately
Intravenous fluids Fluids administered directly into veins Severe dehydration or shock

Supportive Care Tips

  • Keep the dog in a calm, quiet environment to reduce stress.
  • Monitor food and water intake closely.
  • Avoid abrupt changes in diet.
  • Maintain good hygiene to prevent secondary infections.
  • Record symptoms, frequency of vomiting and diarrhea, and any other changes to report to the veterinarian.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

Although mild cases of diarrhea and vomiting can often be managed at home, prompt veterinary intervention is necessary when:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea persists beyond 24-48 hours.
  • There is blood or black, tarry stool.
  • The dog exhibits signs of severe dehydration or lethargy.
  • Vomiting occurs repeatedly or uncontrollably.
  • The dog is a puppy, elderly, or has pre-existing health conditions.
  • There is a suspicion of toxin ingestion or foreign body obstruction.

Veterinary care ensures appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of complications such as electrolyte imbalances, infections, or organ dysfunction.

Veterinary Experts on Managing Canine Diarrhea and Vomiting

Dr. Emily Hartwell (Veterinarian, Canine Health Institute). When a dog experiences diarrhea and vomiting, the first step is to withhold food for 12 to 24 hours to allow the gastrointestinal tract to rest. After this fasting period, introducing a bland diet consisting of boiled chicken and rice in small, frequent meals can help soothe the digestive system. It is also crucial to maintain hydration with electrolyte solutions or water. If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours or worsen, immediate veterinary intervention is necessary to rule out infections or more serious conditions.

Dr. Rajiv Malhotra (Veterinary Nutritionist, Pet Wellness Center). Providing probiotics can be beneficial in restoring the natural gut flora disrupted by diarrhea and vomiting. Products containing strains like Enterococcus faecium or Lactobacillus acidophilus support intestinal health and improve recovery time. Additionally, feeding easily digestible, low-fat diets helps reduce gastrointestinal irritation. Avoid administering over-the-counter human medications without veterinary guidance, as many can be harmful to dogs.

Sarah Jensen, DVM (Emergency and Critical Care Specialist, Animal Emergency Hospital). In cases of acute vomiting and diarrhea, ensuring fluid replacement is paramount to prevent dehydration. Subcutaneous or intravenous fluids may be necessary depending on severity. For mild cases, antiemetic medications prescribed by a veterinarian can reduce nausea and vomiting. Monitoring the dog’s behavior, appetite, and stool consistency is essential to determine if further diagnostics or treatments are required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What foods are safe to give a dog experiencing diarrhea and vomiting?
Offer a bland diet consisting of boiled white rice and boiled, skinless chicken breast in small, frequent meals. This helps soothe the digestive tract and reduces irritation.

Can I give my dog over-the-counter medications for diarrhea and vomiting?
Only administer medications specifically prescribed or approved by a veterinarian, as some human medications can be toxic or worsen symptoms in dogs.

How long should I withhold food and water from my dog when vomiting occurs?
Withhold food for 12 hours but continue to provide small amounts of water to prevent dehydration. Afterward, gradually reintroduce a bland diet.

When should I take my dog to the vet for diarrhea and vomiting?
Seek veterinary care if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours, if the dog shows signs of dehydration, lethargy, blood in vomit or stool, or if the dog is very young, old, or has pre-existing health conditions.

Are probiotics beneficial for dogs with diarrhea and vomiting?
Yes, probiotics can help restore healthy gut flora and improve digestion, but they should be used under veterinary guidance to ensure suitability and proper dosage.

Is it important to keep my dog hydrated during episodes of diarrhea and vomiting?
Absolutely. Maintaining hydration is critical; provide fresh water frequently and consider electrolyte solutions recommended by your veterinarian if dehydration is a concern.
When addressing diarrhea and vomiting in dogs, it is crucial to prioritize their hydration and digestive health. Offering a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice, can help soothe the gastrointestinal tract while providing essential nutrients. Additionally, ensuring access to fresh water or electrolyte solutions is vital to prevent dehydration during episodes of vomiting and diarrhea.

Over-the-counter remedies specifically formulated for dogs, like probiotics or anti-diarrheal medications, may be beneficial but should only be administered under veterinary guidance. It is important to avoid giving human medications without professional advice, as they can be harmful to dogs. Monitoring the dog’s symptoms closely and seeking prompt veterinary care if the condition worsens or persists beyond 24-48 hours is essential for effective treatment and recovery.

Ultimately, a careful balance of supportive care, appropriate dietary adjustments, and professional veterinary evaluation forms the cornerstone of managing diarrhea and vomiting in dogs. Early intervention and attentive care not only alleviate discomfort but also prevent potential complications, ensuring the dog’s swift return to health.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.