Why Is My Dog Throwing Up and Having Diarrhea? Find Out Fast

Last week, I woke up to the sound no dog parent wants to hear—my Buddy throwing up next to the bed, followed by a mess I definitely wasn’t ready for. If you’re asking yourself “why does my dog have diarrhea and throwing up?”—you’re not alone. I’ve been through it more than once, and over the years,
I’ve learned what could cause a dog to have diarrhea and vomiting, how to treat dog diarrhea and vomiting at home, and when it’s time to call the vet.
In this post, I’ll share what’s worked for me, including simple dog upset stomach remedies, what to watch out for, and how to help your pup bounce back. Let’s get into it—because your dog’s health (and your peace of mind) matter.

What Could Cause a Dog to Have Diarrhea and Vomiting?

When your dog suddenly throws up or has runny poop, it can be scary. I’ve been there, more than once. It helps to know what might be going on, so you can figure out what to do next. Here are some of the most common reasons your dog might be sick like this.

Eating Something They Shouldn’t (Garbage, Human Food, Toxins)

Dogs love to sniff around and eat things they shouldn’t. Trash, greasy food, chocolate, or even plants in the yard can make them sick. That’s often the reason for sudden vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
One time, Buddy got into our kitchen trash while I stepped outside. He ate chicken bones and leftover food. A few hours later, he threw up and had diarrhea all night. I didn’t know what he ate until I saw the knocked-over bin. Now, I always keep it closed tight.

Sudden Diet Changes or Food Intolerances

If you switch your dog’s food too fast, their tummy might not like it. Even if it’s a better brand or healthier, dogs need time to adjust. Some dogs also can’t handle certain foods like dairy or wheat.
When I first changed Buddy’s kibble to a new one, I didn’t mix it slowly. That same day, he threw up and had diarrhea. Since then, I take 5 to 7 days to switch foods—starting with just a little and slowly adding more.

Parasites (Worms, Giardia)

Tiny bugs like worms or giardia can live in your dog’s belly. These parasites often cause runny poop, vomiting, and sometimes a bloated belly or weight loss. They can come from dirty water or soil—or even from other dogs.
If your dog is sick for more than a day or has strange-looking poop, a vet can test it. Buddy had giardia once after drinking from a puddle at the park. A simple medicine cleared it up, but it took a few days to feel better.

Bacterial or Viral Infections (e.g., Parvovirus, Salmonella)

Sometimes, a dog can catch a bug just like people do. Infections like parvo or salmonella can make them very sick. This often comes with vomiting, diarrhea, and even blood in the stool. Puppies are at higher risk.
If your dog seems weak, stops eating, or has a fever, go to the vet right away. These kinds of infections can get worse fast. When Buddy had a bacterial infection once, he had to stay on meds for a week and rest a lot.

Stress or Anxiety

Dogs feel stress too. Loud noises, new people, a trip, or even being left alone for too long can upset their stomach. This stress can lead to vomiting or diarrhea even if nothing else is wrong.
Whenever Buddy hears fireworks or thunder, he starts shaking—and once even got sick from it. Now, I give him a quiet space and a calming chew to help him feel safe.

Chronic Conditions (IBD, Pancreatitis, Liver/Kidney Issues)

Sometimes the cause isn’t simple. Dogs can have long-term health problems like IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), pancreatitis, or liver trouble. These can lead to vomiting and diarrhea again and again.
When this happens often, your vet might do blood tests or scans to find out what’s wrong. Buddy was once diagnosed with mild pancreatitis after eating fatty food. Now I keep his meals simple and low-fat to avoid another episode.

The Time My Dog Got Into the Trash and Gave Me a Scare…

One morning, I came into the kitchen and found the trash knocked over. Buddy had eaten who-knows-what. A few hours later, he was sick—vomiting and with diarrhea all over the living room. I rushed him to the vet, thinking the worst. Luckily, it wasn’t serious, but it was a big wake-up call. Since then, the trash can has a lid and a lock.

How to Treat Dog Diarrhea and Vomiting at Home (What’s Worked for Me)

When my dog gets sick, I panic a little—but I’ve learned to stay calm and take small steps. If your dog is throwing up or has diarrhea, here’s what I do at home to help him feel better. Just remember, if things don’t improve fast, it’s best to call your vet.

Step 1: Withholding Food Briefly (When It’s Safe)

When Buddy throws up, I usually hold off on giving him food for about 12 hours. It gives his stomach time to settle. Skipping one meal won’t hurt him, and it often helps the vomiting stop. But I never skip food if he’s very young, old, or already weak—then I call the vet first.
If your dog has diarrhea but is acting normal, a short break from food might help his belly rest. I always keep water available, though.

Step 2: Hydration Is Critical (Avoid Dehydration)

When a dog has diarrhea or vomits, they lose a lot of water. That’s why keeping them hydrated is the most important thing. I give Buddy small sips of clean water every 15–20 minutes. If he keeps it down, I offer more.
Sometimes I mix in a bit of plain chicken broth (no onions or garlic) to encourage him to drink. If your dog is super tired or stops drinking, it’s time to see the vet. Dehydration can sneak up fast.

Step 3: Bland Diet (Boiled Chicken and Rice, Pumpkin, etc.)

Once Buddy goes a few hours without throwing up, I give him a bland meal. Boiled chicken and plain white rice usually do the trick. Sometimes I add a spoon of canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling). It’s easy on his tummy and helps firm up his poop.
I start with just a few bites and watch how he does. If it stays down, I feed him small meals like that for a day or two. Then I slowly switched him back to his regular food.

Natural Dog Upset Stomach Remedies I’ve Tried

Over time, I’ve found a few gentle remedies that help Buddy when his stomach’s off. Probiotics made for dogs are one. They help the good bacteria in his gut. I also tried slippery elm once—it’s a natural powder that can coat the stomach. Just check with your vet before trying anything new.
I avoid giving him any medicine unless the vet says it’s okay. Some stuff that works for humans can be dangerous for dogs.

When to Take Your Dog to the Vet for Diarrhea and Vomiting

Sometimes, your dog just needs a little rest and rice. But other times, things are more serious—and waiting could make it worse. Over the years, I’ve learned to spot the signs that mean, “Okay, time to call the vet.”

Blood in Vomit or Stool

If there’s blood in your dog’s vomit or poop, don’t wait and see—get to the vet. It’s often a sign something more serious is going on, like an infection, a stomach ulcer, or something stuck inside.
I remember the first time I saw red in Buddy’s vomit. I froze. I wanted to think it was just something he ate, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t right. The vet found a small tear in his stomach lining from something sharp he likely licked outside. He healed up fine, but it reminded me—blood is never something to ignore.

Lethargy, Collapse, or Fever

If your dog is super tired, won’t move, or feels hot to the touch, that’s a red flag. Dogs get fevers just like we do, and when combined with vomiting or diarrhea, it can mean an infection or something worse.
When Buddy had a stomach bug last summer, he didn’t even lift his head when I walked into the room. I touched his ears—they felt warmer than usual. His temp was over 104°F. We rushed in, and the vet said I got there just in time. He needed fluids and antibiotics. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t chalk it up to “just being tired.”

Symptoms Lasting More Than 24 Hours

If your dog keeps throwing up or has diarrhea for more than a day, it’s time for a vet visit. Even if they seem okay otherwise, anything that lasts past 24 hours could lead to dehydration or signal a deeper problem.
One time, Buddy had diarrhea that just wouldn’t quit. I gave him boiled chicken and rice, but after 24 hours, nothing had changed. My vet ran some tests and found a bacterial infection. A week of meds cleared it up, but she said waiting longer could’ve caused worse problems. Now I always go by the 24-hour rule—no improvement by then, we’re off to the vet.

Why I Rushed My Dog to the Vet Even Though Google Said It Might Be Fine…

I get it—when something seems mild, it’s easy to Google it and try to wait it out. I did that once. Buddy had only thrown up once, and he didn’t seem too off. But by the evening, he was still not eating, and his belly felt tight. Even though some articles said it could pass, something in me said, “Go.”
Good thing I listened. He had early pancreatitis. It wasn’t life-threatening yet, but it needed meds and rest. The vet said catching it early probably saved him a lot of pain. So now, I always say—if something feels off, trust your gut. You know your dog better than anyone else.

Common Illnesses Causing Vomiting and Diarrhea in Dogs

Parvovirus

Parvo is a really bad virus that makes puppies super sick. If your dog is throwing up and has bloody poop, this might be why. Parvo spreads easily and can make dogs very weak, tired, and not want to eat at all. I once took care of a rescue puppy who had it. She was so tired she couldn’t stand up, and her poop smelled terrible. The vet gave her fluids through a needle and medicine to help her fight it. She got better, but it took time. If you see these signs, don’t wait—go to the vet right away because parvo can be deadly if not treated fast.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis happens when your dog’s belly gets hurt from eating too much greasy or fatty food. It makes dogs throw up, have diarrhea, and not want to eat. One time, my dog Buddy got into some leftover bacon grease. The next day, he was throwing up and just wanted to sleep. I took him to the vet, and they said he had a mild case of pancreatitis. After a few days of medicine and switching to low-fat food, he felt better. Now I always keep greasy foods far out of reach.

Gastroenteritis

This is just a big word for an upset tummy. Dogs get this when they eat something that doesn’t agree with them or when they catch a little bug, like a stomach virus. They might throw up, have watery poop, and act a little tired. Buddy had this once after sneaking some old food out of the trash (gross, I know). He was sick for a day or two, but with bland food like boiled chicken and rice and lots of water, he got better quickly. It’s like when we eat something bad and feel sick for a bit but get better with rest.

Intestinal Obstruction

Sometimes dogs eat things they shouldn’t—like socks, toys, or even rocks—and it gets stuck inside them. This is called an intestinal blockage, and it can be dangerous. When Buddy was a puppy, he chewed part of a tennis ball and swallowed it. He threw up over and over again and couldn’t poop. That’s when I knew something was really wrong. The vet had to take an X-ray and do surgery to get it out. If your dog keeps vomiting and nothing is coming out the other end, it might mean something is stuck inside. That’s a vet emergency.

How My Vet Found Out What Was Wrong

When Buddy had diarrhea and threw up, I was scared and took him to the vet right away. She asked me a lot of questions about what he ate, how he was acting, and when the symptoms started. Then she checked his belly, took a little blood, and even tested his poop. She found out it was pancreatitis, and I felt so much better knowing what was wrong. It reminded me that when dogs get sick, vets are like detectives—they ask, check, and test until they know how to help.

Dog Dehydration Symptoms and Treatment

How to Check for Dehydration at Home (Skin Pinch Test, Gums, etc.)

If your dog is throwing up or has diarrhea, the biggest thing to watch for is dehydration. It can sneak up fast—especially if they’re not drinking or losing fluids from both ends.

Here’s how I check Buddy at home:

1. The skin pinch test: Gently lift the skin on the back of your dog’s neck or between the shoulder blades. If it snaps right back, that’s a good sign. If it stays up or falls slowly, your dog might be dehydrated.

2. Gum check: I gently lift Buddy’s lip and touch his gums. They should feel moist and smooth, kind of like the inside of your cheek. If they’re dry or sticky, that’s a red flag.

3. Energy levels and eyes: If Buddy seems super tired, has sunken eyes, or just isn’t acting like himself, I take it seriously. These little clues can say a lot.

I always trust my gut on this. If something feels off, I call the vet—even if it’s just to ask.

Best Ways to Rehydrate Your Dog (Electrolyte Solutions, Broths)

Getting fluids back in is key—but forcing water never works (and can make things worse if they’re still nauseous). Here’s what I do:

• Small sips of water: Every 15–30 minutes. I don’t let him gulp a whole bowl. Too much too fast can come right back up.
  
• Unseasoned chicken broth: I warm it up just a bit and offer a few spoonfuls. The smell usually tempts him to drink, even when he’s feeling crummy.
  
• Dog-safe electrolyte mixes: There are powders you can mix into water to replace lost salts and minerals. I keep one from my vet on hand, just in case.
  
• Ice cubes or crushed ice: Sometimes Buddy won’t drink, but he’ll lick ice. It’s slow hydration, but better than nothing!
  

If your dog keeps vomiting, can’t hold water down, or seems limp or disoriented—skip all this and go to the vet. They may need fluids under the skin or through an IV.

My Go-To Hydration Tricks When My Dog Is Sick

Whenever Buddy’s sick, I switch into nurse mode. Here are a few tricks that have saved us from full-on dehydration:

• I freeze low-sodium broth into ice cubes—he thinks they’re treats.
  
• I offer water with a tiny splash of tuna juice (in water, not oil)—he can’t resist the smell.
  
• I serve broth in a shallow bowl or even a spoon if he’s too weak to drink normally.
  

One time, Buddy hadn’t had a drop of water in hours. He just lay in his bed, looking miserable. I offered everything—nothing worked. Then I dipped a clean finger into broth and let him lick it off. That tiny lick turned into a few, and within minutes, he was sipping from the bowl. Sometimes, it just takes a little creativity and a lot of love.

Best Food for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs

Transitioning Back to Regular Food Safely

Once Buddy started feeling better, I didn’t jump straight back into his regular meals. That’s something I learned the hard way! A sudden change—even back to normal food—can upset a healing tummy.

So here’s how I eased him in:

• Day 1–2: 75% boiled chicken and rice, 25% regular food
  
• Day 3–4: 50% chicken/rice, 50% regular food
  
• Day 5–6: 25% chicken/rice, 75% regular food
  
• Day 7: Back to 100% regular food (if no signs of tummy trouble)
  

I kept the portions small and fed him 3–4 times a day instead of two big meals. That way, his stomach didn’t get overwhelmed.

Long-term Dietary Choices That Helped My Dog

After a few rounds of stomach issues, I knew I had to rethink Buddy’s diet—not just during flare-ups, but long-term.

Here’s what made a real difference:

• Limited ingredient dog food – fewer things, fewer problems
  
• Grain-free didn’t help in our case (but check with your vet)
  
• No table scraps – even tiny bits upset his gut
  
• Prebiotics and probiotics – his vet suggested these, and they’ve really helped with digestion
  
• Pumpkin – I add a spoonful of plain canned pumpkin to his food a few times a week (great fiber!)
  

It wasn’t just about what to add—but also what to avoid. For Buddy, rich treats, new foods, and greasy leftovers are a no-go.

Vet-Recommended Foods vs. Homemade Meals

I asked my vet whether I should stick with store-bought dog food or try homemade meals full-time.

Here’s the breakdown she gave me:

For Buddy, we landed on a mix: high-quality sensitive stomach kibble, with the occasional homemade topper like boiled turkey, rice, or pumpkin. It keeps things interesting without upsetting his belly.

FAQs for Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea and Throwing Up

The MyPawSafe Team

We’re the dedicated team behind MyPawSafe.com, with over a decade of combined experience in veterinary care, pet emergency response, and animal behavior. While we prefer to let our work speak for itself, our mission is clear: to provide science-backed, vet-approved advice that helps pet owners prevent accidents and save lives.