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My puppy has vomiting and diarrhea. Are IV fluids painful?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Female | 1 month and 4 days old | 1.5 lbs

My vet has suggested me to give IV fluid to my 35 day old puppy. Owing to vomiting and loose motions. However I don't like the idea of injecting and making it go through so much of pain. Are there any alternatives?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 27th, 2018

IV fluids are definitely recommended for a young puppy who is vomiting and is having diarrhea because it's the best way to keep them from getting dehydrated. Getting an IV catheter put in is not very painful at all, and once the needle is in the vein, giving the fluids is painless. This is the best option for keeping dehydration at bay. Dora could be subcutaneous fluids (fluids infected under the skin), but that involves a needle as well and it does not rehydrate the dog as quickly as IV fluids. I highly recommend letting the vet give her IV fluids.

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