Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea Care
Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea Treatment in Lilburn, GA
Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common reasons dogs visit a veterinarian. While some cases are mild and resolve quickly, others can indicate serious medical conditions that require prompt treatment.
At Abbott Animal Hospital in Lilburn, Georgia, we provide diagnosis and treatment for dogs experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal discomfort, dehydration, and other digestive problems. Our veterinary team serves dogs from Lilburn, Norcross, Snellville, Tucker, Stone Mountain, Lawrenceville, and surrounding Gwinnett County communities.
Why is my dog vomiting?
Dogs may vomit for many reasons, including:
- Dietary indiscretion (eating garbage, spoiled food, or table scraps)
- Sudden diet changes
- Intestinal parasites
- Food allergies or food sensitivities
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Pancreatitis
- Foreign body ingestion (toys, socks, bones, corn cobs, etc.)
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Toxin exposure
- Certain medications
Occasional vomiting may not be an emergency, but repeated vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration and may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Why does my dog have diarrhea?
Diarrhea can occur when the digestive tract becomes irritated or inflamed. Common causes include:
- Dietary indiscretion
- Intestinal parasites
- Stress-related colitis
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections
- Food intolerance
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Pancreatitis
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Certain medications
Diarrhea may appear soft, watery, contain mucus, or occasionally contain blood. The severity and duration of symptoms help determine the appropriate treatment plan.
When should I take my dog to the veterinarian?
Contact a veterinarian promptly if your dog experiences:
- Repeated vomiting
- Persistent diarrhea
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Refusal to eat
- Lethargy or weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Signs of dehydration
- Suspected toxin ingestion
- Suspected foreign body ingestion
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting longer than 24 hours
Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with underlying medical conditions should be evaluated sooner because they are at greater risk for complications.
How We Diagnose Vomiting and Diarrhea
Our veterinarians perform a thorough examination and may recommend:
- Fecal testing
- Blood work
- Urinalysis
- Digital X-rays
- Ultrasound
- Additional diagnostic testing when indicated
These tests help identify the underlying cause and guide the most effective treatment plan.
Treatment for Vomiting and Diarrhea in Dogs
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Recommendations may include:
- Fluid therapy for dehydration
- Anti-nausea medications
- Gastrointestinal protectants
- Prescription gastrointestinal diets
- Deworming medication
- Antibiotics when appropriate
- Hospitalization for severe cases
- Surgery if a foreign body obstruction is identified
Many dogs improve quickly with early diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dog recover from vomiting and diarrhea without treatment?
Some mild cases resolve on their own, but persistent symptoms can lead to dehydration and may indicate a serious underlying illness.
Do parasites cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs?
Yes. Intestinal parasites are a common cause of digestive upset, especially in puppies and dogs with incomplete parasite prevention.
What should I feed a dog with vomiting or diarrhea?
Your veterinarian may recommend a bland diet or prescription gastrointestinal diet depending on your dog’s condition.
Is vomiting and diarrhea an emergency?
It can be. Dogs experiencing repeated vomiting, bloody diarrhea, severe lethargy, dehydration, or abdominal pain should be evaluated promptly.
Contact us for an appointment, or email us at serviceabbottanimal@gmail.com. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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Same-Day Sick Pet Appointments
If your dog is vomiting, has diarrhea, is not eating, or simply is not acting normally, contact Abbott Animal Hospital. We offer same-day appointments whenever possible and work closely with pet owners to determine the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan.
Call Abbott Animal Hospital at 770.921.2121 to schedule an appointment.
