Dogs Vomiting and Diarrhoea – Causes, Treatment and When to Worry
Seeing your dog being sick or suffering from diarrhoea can be upsetting. Many owners search for answers such as “my dog keeps throwing up”, “dog been sick” or “my dog has diarrhoea and vomiting” when symptoms appear suddenly.
Vomiting and diarrhoea are common in dogs and puppies and can happen for many reasons — from mild stomach upset to more serious illness. While some cases resolve quickly, others require veterinary attention, especially if symptoms persist or your dog appears unwell.
This guide explains the most common causes of dogs vomiting and diarrhoea, what different types of vomit may mean, and when it’s time to contact your vet.
What Does Vomiting and Diarrhoea Mean in Dogs?
Vomiting is the forceful emptying of stomach contents. Dogs may throw up food, yellow bile, white foam or liquid. Diarrhoea refers to loose, watery or unusually frequent stools and may appear yellow, brown, black or bloody.
Common presentations include:
Dog throwing up yellow or foamy vomit
Dog vomiting after eating or drinking water
Dog puking and not eating
Watery diarrhoea
Blood in dog poop
Dog vomiting and lethargic
Occasional sickness can be normal, but repeated vomiting or diarrhoea can quickly lead to dehydration and weakness, especially in puppies and senior dogs.
It’s also important to distinguish vomiting from regurgitation, where food comes back up without effort — this can suggest different underlying problems.
Common Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhoea in Dogs
There are many possible reasons your dog may be throwing up or experiencing diarrhoea, including:
Sudden dietary changes or food intolerance
Eating grass, rubbish or spoiled food
Stomach bugs or infections
Stress or anxiety
Motion sickness (dog car sickness)
Bilious vomiting syndrome (often causes bright yellow vomit, especially in the morning)
Pancreatitis
Some dogs vomit yellow bile when their stomach is empty, while others throw up shortly after meals. Dogs eating grass and vomiting is also common, usually linked to nausea or stomach irritation.
Persistent symptoms such as dog constantly throwing up, dog keeps vomiting after eating, or bloody diarrhoea should always be assessed by a vet.
Vomiting and Diarrhoea in Puppies
Puppies are particularly vulnerable to dehydration and illness. If your puppy is vomiting, has diarrhoea, or keeps throwing up food, this should never be ignored.
Common causes include:
Viral or bacterial infections
Sudden food changes
Eating inappropriate items
Signs such as puppy vomiting yellow, puppy puking and diarrhoea, or bloody diarrhoea in puppies require urgent veterinary attention.
Young dogs can deteriorate quickly, so early treatment is essential.
When Should I Be Worried?
Contact your vet if you notice any of the following:
Vomiting lasting longer than 24 hours
Diarrhoea lasting more than 24–48 hours
Blood in vomit or stools
Repeated bright yellow or foamy vomit
Lethargy or weakness
Refusal to eat or drink
Signs of abdominal pain
Projectile vomiting
Symptoms in puppies or elderly dogs
Many owners ask “dog vomiting when to worry?” — as a general rule, ongoing or worsening symptoms always justify professional advice.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and your dog’s overall condition. Veterinary care may include:
Fluid therapy to prevent dehydration
Dietary management with easily digestible food
Parasite treatment
Anti-nausea medication such as Cerenia for dogs or puppies, where appropriate
Probiotics to support gut health
Further tests if symptoms persist
Never give human anti-sickness or diarrhoea medication to dogs unless specifically advised by your vet.
If your dog is vomiting and not eating, throwing up water, or has diarrhoea alongside sickness, prompt assessment is important.
How Fab Vets can help
At FAB Vets, we regularly treat dogs and puppies experiencing vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach upset. Our experienced veterinary team will perform a thorough examination to identify possible causes and create a tailored treatment plan for your pet.
Whether your dog has been sick once or is suffering ongoing vomiting and diarrhoea, we’re here to provide compassionate, professional care.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s symptoms, please contact FAB Vets to arrange an appointment.
