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My dog has explosive diarrhea and vomiting. When should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

My dog vomited yesterday one time & had loose stool. Overnight I woke up to him having explosive diarrhea. Still loose stools. What can I do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 16th, 2017

Oh poor Scout! Given that he had explosive diarrhea last night and is still having loose stools, I would have him seen by a vet today. Whenever a dog has diarrhea for more than 24 hours, a trip to the vet is recommended. This diarrhea could be caused by a GI illness, eating something rotten, intestinal parasite, or a foreign body. These causes can also lead to him vomiting. The vet can diagnose what is causing his diarrhea and vomiting, and can give him medication to treat it.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 1st, 2017

    It sounds like Phoebe has a touch of gastroenteritis which is basically an upset tummy and gut. This can be caused by eating something that didn't agree, infection or some other irritant. It is usually quite mild but can be severe if caused by a bad infection. In a young dog there is always a chance of an obstruction due to eating a foreign body, but they tend to be very sick with this. I would try starving her for 24 hours then feed plain chicken and rice. If she deteriorates, stops drinking or the diarrohea doesn't improve take her to see the vet.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 19th, 2018

    Poor Vivian! At this point in time, she has to see a vet. I never recommend home remedies for dogs who have been having GI problems for longer than 24 hours, and a week is a long time for a dog to have diarrhea. She can very easily get dehydrated from this diarrhea, and the vomiting would make any dehydration worse. My advice is that she sees a vet now. It could be she is suffering from a severe GI illness, may have eaten something rotten, or could have a foreign body among other causes. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck, I hope this helps.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 14th, 2017

    If Luna is behaving normally otherwise, she likely does not need to go to the ER. If you would feel better having her seen, then bring her in. Monitor for lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, bloody stool or ataxia (wobbly gait). Withhold all food for 24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet in small, frequent amounts. Feed until her stool is normal then transition slowly to her regular diet. See your veterinarian or go to the veterinary ER if the diarrhea does not resolve or if Luna develops other symptoms.

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