Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Dog has upset stomach, vomiting, loose stool. Could it be coconut oil?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 30 lbs

My dog has vomited twice digested food. It was like a log not liquidity. It had some strings of hair in it. She licks her hair a lot and I think that’s irritating her stomach. I also put coconut oil on her, could that also be causing an upset stomach? She has loose stool not totally diarrhea. What can I do to help settle her stomach? I’ve given her pumpkin but I don’t think that’s working.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on June 2nd, 2020

I'm sorry to hear that Sadie isn't feeling well. I agree with Dr. Melanie that pancreatitis is a very real possibility, given Sadie's vomiting, soft stool and coconut oil ingestion. The severity of signs with pancreatitis can vary pretty widely. Other possible causes could include a gastrointestinal virus, foreign body obstruction (blockage), parasites, stomach upset from different foods, among many other possible causes. Without knowing the cause of her vomiting and soft stool, it's difficult to determine the best course of action. At this point, if Sadie is still eating, drinking and acting normally, you can try to offer her a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken and white rice for a few days before gradually mixing in her normal food. However, if she's a bit lethargic or not eating and drinking normally, it would be best to take her to the vet for further evaluation. Your vet will be able to examine her and perform any necessary diagnostic testing to get to the bottom of this problem. I hope that Sadie feels better soon!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Sadie. Yes it could be the coconut oil causing her vomiting, she may have pancreatitis from it. Pancreatitis can also cause loose stools. Pancreatitis can be fatal without treatment, so I think it's best to have her seen by a vet immediately to be sure she will be ok. I hope this helps!

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored