Vomiting and Diarrhea in Puppies

By K9Reproduction.com Editorial Published Mar. 29, 2023

All puppies will experience vomiting or diarrhea at some point—and most of the time, it doesn’t mean there’s anything seriously wrong. However, it’s not a good idea to dismiss vomiting or diarrhea in your puppy, especially if you see blood or mucus or if it’s happening often.

Learn more about the causes of vomiting and diarrhea in puppies and when you should see your veterinarian to make sure there are no serious underlying causes.

Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea in Puppies

There are many reasons your puppy might be vomiting or have diarrhea, ranging from harmless to serious medical conditions. Some conditions might cause blood in the vomit or diarrhea as well. Here are the most common causes:

Viruses

Several viruses can cause signs of an upset stomach in puppies, including canine parvovirus, canine coronavirus, canine distemper virus, and canine herpesvirus. Viral infections tend to be more severe in young puppies. You can protect your puppy against many of these viruses with vaccinations. Puppies typically require multiple vaccinations spread out over the first several months of life.

Bacteria

A healthy puppy’s digestive tract normally contains many strains of bacteria. However, if certain bacteria multiply too quickly or if your puppy picks up a bacterial infection, it can cause gastrointestinal upset. Bacteria such as E. coli and Clostridial bacteria are commonly present in the GI tract but can overgrow under stress, dietary changes, or infections. Other bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter can cause infections and are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to people.

Intestinal Parasites

Intestinal parasites are another common cause of vomiting and diarrhea in puppies. Even if you don’t see worms in the vomit or diarrhea, and even if your puppy has been dewormed, they can still be highly susceptible to parasites like hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, giardia, and coccidia.

Stress

Puppyhood can be a stressful time, and stress can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Stress can also affect immune system function, making puppies more susceptible to viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Sources of stress can include moving to a new home, exposure to new situations, and separation from their mother and siblings.

Swallowing Things

Puppies are curious and often eat things they’re not supposed to, which can result in vomiting or diarrhea. This can include small toys, mulch, sand, rocks, sticks, paper, food wrappers, or chew treats that were not fully chewed. Larger objects can cause intestinal blockages and may require emergency surgery. Long, stringy objects like fabric, carpet, strings, and ribbons pose a risk for causing linear foreign bodies, which can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening infections.

Eating Something Toxic

Ingesting toxins can cause serious medical emergencies. Common toxins include human pain medications, household cleaning agents, chocolate, xylitol, grapes, rat poisons, and household plants. If you suspect your puppy ate something toxic, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Sudden Changes in Diet

Sudden changes in food, introducing new treats, or feeding human food can cause gastrointestinal inflammation and upset. It’s best to gradually transition puppies to new foods over the course of a week. Treats and human foods high in fat can cause pancreatitis, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.

Chronic Disease

Chronic diseases are a less common cause of vomiting and diarrhea in puppies but can include food intolerances, allergies, and underlying liver or kidney disease.

Other Potential Causes

Hernias in puppies can lead to vomiting and diarrhea if a portion of the gastrointestinal tract becomes pinched. Intussusceptions, where a section of the intestines bunches up, can also cause gastrointestinal obstruction.

What to Do if Your Puppy Is Vomiting and Has Diarrhea

See a veterinarian right away in the following cases:

Puppies under 4 months of age experiencing vomiting and/or diarrhea
Puppies over 4 months of age experiencing both vomiting and diarrhea or showing other signs of not feeling well, such as decreased interest in eating or lethargy
Suspected ingestion of a foreign object or potential toxin
Evidence of blood in the vomit or diarrhea
Frequent vomiting preventing food or water retention
Signs of dehydration
Vomiting for more than 24 hours
Diarrhea for more than 24 hours

How to Check for Dehydration

Dehydration can happen quickly in puppies with vomiting and diarrhea. To check for dehydration:

Skin Tent Test: Gently pull up the skin on the back of their neck. If it slowly goes back to normal, your puppy may be dehydrated.
Mucous Membranes: Feel their gums. If their gums feel sticky or tacky, they may be dehydrated. Note that drooling from nausea can make gums feel moist even if dehydrated.
Other signs of dehydration include dry noses, sunken eyes, and lethargy.

At-Home Care

If your puppy is over 4 months old and only has an issue with vomiting or diarrhea but is otherwise normal:

Offer a bland diet, such as two parts cooked white rice mixed with one part boiled, boneless, skinless chicken breast. Offer small, frequent meals.
Consider adding a probiotic to their diet to help promote digestive health.

How Vets Diagnose Vomiting and Diarrhea in Puppies

When dealing with a puppy with vomiting or diarrhea, veterinarians will start with a general examination and stool sample testing for intestinal parasites and canine parvovirus. Based on findings, additional tests may include blood work, X-rays, and ultrasound.

Treating Vomiting and Diarrhea in Puppies

Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Main treatments include medications to stop vomiting, treat dehydration, and correct electrolyte imbalances. This may involve anti-nausea medications, fluid therapy, probiotics, prescription diets, anti-diarrheal medications, and antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. In cases of obstructions or other severe conditions, surgery may be necessary.

FAQs

Q: What should I do if my puppy has vomiting and diarrhea? A: Contact your veterinarian, especially if your puppy is young, shows other signs of illness, or the symptoms persist.

Q: Can I treat my puppy’s vomiting and diarrhea at home? A: Only if your puppy is over 4 months old, otherwise normal, and showing mild symptoms. A bland diet and probiotics can help, but consult your vet for guidance.

Q: What are common causes of vomiting and diarrhea in puppies? A: Causes include viruses, bacteria, parasites, stress, eating inappropriate items, toxins, sudden diet changes, pancreatitis, chronic diseases, hernias, and intussusceptions.

Q: How can I check if my puppy is dehydrated? A: Use the skin tent test, check mucous membranes, and look for other signs like dry noses, sunken eyes, or lethargy.

By understanding the causes and knowing when to seek veterinary care, you can help your puppy recover quickly and stay healthy. For more information and resources, visit K9Reproduction.com.