Vomiting and diarrhea are two of the most common signs of gastrointestinal (GI) upset in pets. Sometimes the cause is relatively simple and short-lived—such as eating something unusual or experiencing a sudden diet change. Other times, these same symptoms can be associated with parasites, infections, toxins, pancreatitis, foreign material, or conditions affecting other parts of the body.
Because vomiting and diarrhea are symptoms rather than diagnoses, what matters is the entire picture: how often they are occurring, how long they have been present, your pet’s age and medical history, appetite and activity level, hydration, and whether other symptoms are developing.
What Can Cause GI Upset?
Vomiting and diarrhea can have many different causes, including:
- Dietary indiscretion (garbage, spoiled food, or sudden diet changes)
- Foreign material (toys, bones, fabric)
- Intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, Giardia)
- Infectious disease, medications, or toxins
- Food-responsive gastrointestinal disease or dietary intolerance
- Pancreatitis or chronic gastrointestinal disease
- Conditions outside the digestive system (kidney, liver, or endocrine diseases)
When Should I Be Concerned?
A mild, isolated episode may not always represent an emergency. However, contact a veterinarian promptly for repeated or persistent vomiting, inability to keep water down, significant blood in vomit or stool, black/tarry stool, severe lethargy, abdominal pain, or known toxin/foreign object exposure.
Emergency Note: Repeated attempts to vomit without producing anything, especially with a rapidly enlarging abdomen (particularly in large dogs), can be an emergency known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV or “bloat”).
Frequently Asked Questions
- My pet vomited once but seems completely normal. Do I need an appointment? Not every isolated gastrointestinal episode represents serious illness. Monitor your pet closely for additional signs. If symptoms continue or worsen, contact our team.
- Should I withhold food if my pet is vomiting or has diarrhea? Feeding recommendations depend on your pet’s age, species, and medical history. Puppies, kittens, and diabetic pets may require different instructions. Contact your veterinary team before restricting food or water.
- Can I give Pepto-Bismol® or Imodium®? Please contact your veterinarian first. Human medications are not automatically safe or appropriate for dogs and cats, and treatment depends on the underlying cause.