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My dog has diarrhea and is throwing up, but has energy. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 5 years and 4 months old | 30 lbs

My dog threw up on and off on Wednesday. Now she's had diarrhea for 4 days. She's not acting lethargic and has her normal energy level. She'll eagerly eat anything I hand feed her but won't touch her dog food. What should I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 28th, 2018

Diarrhea and throwing up can have many causes. It is basically a problem with the stomach and intestines caused by a food over sensitivity, eating something that does not agree with the dog, intestinal parasites, bacterial infection, viral infection, the weather, food change, stress, an obstruction in the bowel, etc. I would put Brennan off all food for about 12 hrs, then put him on bland food for a day or two, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to his regular food slowly over a few days. If this does not clear up the diarrhea or if the vomiting increases, or if he gets lethargic, he needs to see a veterinarian for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 21st, 2018

    Diarrhea and throwing up can be caused by a food over sensitivity, eating something that does not agree with the dog, intestinal parasites, an intestinal blockage, bacterial infection, viral infection, the weather, food change, stress, etc.  I would fast him for 24 hours and then put the dog on bland food for two days, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to regular food slowly over a few days. If this does not clear up the diarrhea or if the vomiting increases, or if your dog gets lethargic, it needs to see a veterinarian for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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