Vomiting and Diarrhea in Dogs and Cats: What Pet Owners Should Know

Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common reasons dogs and cats are brought to the veterinarian. While an occasional upset stomach can be mild and self-limiting, frequent or severe gastrointestinal signs can indicate a more serious problem. Understanding possible causes, diagnostics, treatments, and home monitoring can help you know when to seek veterinary care.

Common Causes

Vomiting and diarrhea can occur for many reasons, including:

• Dietary indiscretion (getting into the trash, eating spoiled food, or sudden diet changes)

• Food intolerances or allergies

• Parasites (roundworms, hookworms, giardia, coccidia)

• Bacterial or viral infections

• Toxins or foreign objects

• Stress or anxiety

• Underlying medical conditions, such as pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or hormonal disorders

Puppies, kittens, senior pets, and those with existing health conditions may become sick more quickly.

Common Diagnostic Tests

Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests to determine the cause, including:

• Fecal testing to check for parasites

• Bloodwork to assess organ function, hydration, inflammation, and electrolytes

• Urinalysis to evaluate kidney function and check for infection

• X-rays or ultrasound if a foreign body, obstruction, or organ abnormality is suspected

• Specialized tests for pancreatitis, viral diseases, or chronic gastrointestinal conditions

Not every pet needs extensive testing, but diagnostics are especially important if symptoms are severe, persistent, or recurrent.

Common Treatments

Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include:

• Anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medications

• Fluids (subcutaneous or intravenous) to correct dehydration

• Probiotics or prescription gastrointestinal diets

• Deworming medications

• Antibiotics, when appropriate

• Hospitalization for pets that are very ill, dehydrated, or unable to keep food or water down

What to Monitor at Home

If your pet is being managed at home, monitor closely for:

• Frequency and appearance of vomiting or diarrhea

• Blood in vomit or stool

• Lethargy, weakness, or collapse

• Decreased appetite or refusal to drink

• Signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes)

Contact a veterinarian promptly if symptoms worsen, last more than 24 hours, or if your pet seems painful or unusually quiet.

When in doubt, it’s always safest to check in with your veterinary team. Early intervention often leads to faster recovery and better outcomes for your pet.

Have questions about your pet’s health? 

Schedule an appointment with your primary care veterinarian or visit our Burbank or Koreatown location if your pet has urgent symptoms. 

Call us at (818) 296-0700 in Burbank or (323) 302-5200 in Koreatown to speak with a member of our care team. Top quality care for your furry loved one is our priority!