If your dog has suddenly started vomiting, has diarrhoea, or seems to have an upset stomach, it can be difficult to know what to do next.
While mild digestive upsets can sometimes settle with supportive care, vomiting and diarrhoea can also be signs of something more serious. Gastroenteritis, for example, can be caused by infections, parasites, dietary changes, medications and other conditions, while vomiting can also occur with pancreatitis, poisoning or an intestinal blockage.
So, if your dog has gastro and is vomiting, the first step isn't reaching for a remedy. It's working out whether they need veterinary attention.
What is gastro in dogs?
"Gastro" is a common term used to describe gastroenteritis, which means inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
Dogs with gastroenteritis may experience:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Reduced appetite
- Abdominal discomfort
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
There are many possible causes, including eating something unusual, sudden dietary changes, infections, parasites and other gastrointestinal problems. Because several more serious conditions can cause similar symptoms, it's important not to assume that vomiting or diarrhoea is simply gastro.
My dog is vomiting. What should I do?
If your dog has vomited once but otherwise seems bright, comfortable and well, you can monitor them closely.
Make sure they have access to fresh water and keep an eye on their behaviour, appetite and bathroom habits. Avoid giving treats, rich foods or anything unusual while their stomach is unsettled.
If vomiting continues, your dog becomes unwell, or you notice other concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian.
It's also worth thinking about what your dog may have eaten during the previous day or two. New foods, table scraps, rubbish, plants, medications, household products and objects such as toys or string can all be relevant information for your vet.
What should I feed my dog after vomiting?
Once vomiting has settled, your veterinarian may recommend small, frequent meals of an easily digestible food.
The right approach can depend on your dog's age, health, symptoms and the suspected cause of the upset. Some dogs may be advised to have a veterinary gastrointestinal diet, while others may have a different feeding plan recommended by their vet.
Avoid immediately returning to large meals, rich foods or lots of treats. If your dog is recovering well, their normal diet can generally be reintroduced gradually according to veterinary advice.
What about probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can support the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. They are sometimes used as part of digestive support, including in dogs experiencing diarrhoea.
However, not every digestive upset needs a supplement, and the quality and effectiveness of probiotic products can vary. It's best to speak with your veterinarian before introducing a new supplement, particularly if your dog is actively vomiting or has other signs of illness.
Keeping your dog hydrated after vomiting
Hydration is an important part of recovery from digestive upset.
Vomiting and diarrhoea can cause dogs to lose fluids and electrolytes, and dehydration can become a concern when symptoms continue. Veterinary treatment for gastroenteritis may include replacing lost fluids and restoring electrolyte balance, depending on how dehydrated the dog is.
For a dog with an upset stomach, fresh water should always be available. However, if your dog is repeatedly vomiting or cannot keep water down, don't try to manage the situation at home indefinitely. Contact your veterinarian.
Where does Sip & Wag fit in?
Sip & Wag was created to make everyday hydration and gut support simple.
Our Hydration + Gut Support powder combines electrolytes, prebiotics, probiotics, L-glutamine and selected vitamins in one convenient daily serving.
But there's an important distinction: Sip & Wag is designed for everyday support, not to treat gastroenteritis, vomiting, diarrhoea or other illnesses.
If your dog is unwell, veterinary advice should always come first. Once your dog is feeling better and is able to eat and drink normally, Sip & Wag can be used as part of their regular daily routine to support hydration and digestive wellbeing.
When should I take my dog to the vet?
Don't wait it out if your dog has concerning symptoms.
Contact your veterinarian promptly if your dog:
- Is vomiting repeatedly
- Cannot keep water down
- Has blood in their vomit or stool
- Has severe or ongoing diarrhoea
- Is unusually lethargic or weak
- Has abdominal pain or a swollen abdomen
- Has stopped eating or drinking
- Shows signs of dehydration
- May have eaten a toxin or poisonous substance
- May have swallowed an object
- Is a puppy, elderly dog or has an existing health condition
Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, while symptoms such as abdominal swelling and repeated unproductive attempts to vomit can indicate a medical emergency.
If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic or swallowed an object, seek veterinary advice immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to develop.
How long does gastro last in dogs?
There isn't one set recovery time because it depends on what's causing the problem.
Some mild cases of acute vomiting or diarrhoea may improve relatively quickly, while other cases require veterinary treatment. If your dog's symptoms aren't improving, are getting worse, or are accompanied by other signs of illness, speak with your veterinarian.
The important thing is to watch the whole dog, not just the vomit or stool. Changes in energy, appetite, drinking, behaviour and comfort can all help you and your veterinarian understand how your dog is doing.
How can I help prevent future tummy upsets?
You can't prevent every digestive upset, but a few simple habits can help support your dog's digestive health:
Keep their diet consistent. Sudden changes in food can contribute to gastrointestinal upset, so introduce new foods gradually.
Watch what they eat. Keep rubbish, table scraps, toxic foods and household products safely out of reach.
Keep fresh water available. Good hydration is part of everyday wellbeing.
Support their gut. A balanced diet and appropriate digestive support can help maintain healthy gut function.
Know your dog's normal. If you know how your dog normally eats, drinks, behaves and goes to the toilet, changes are easier to spot.
The bottom line
A vomiting dog doesn't always have gastro, and gastro doesn't always look the same.
If your dog has a mild, isolated episode and otherwise seems completely normal, close monitoring may be appropriate. But repeated vomiting, diarrhoea, blood, lethargy, pain, dehydration or suspected toxin or foreign-object ingestion are reasons to contact your veterinarian.
When your dog is healthy, everyday habits such as good nutrition, fresh water and appropriate digestive support can help keep their routine on track.
Because when it comes to our dogs, prevention and everyday wellbeing are worth paying attention to long before the tummy starts making strange noises.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If you are concerned about your dog's health, contact your veterinarian.