Vomiting and Diarrhea in Dogs: When To See a Vet?

It is not unusual for dogs to puke once in a while or have the occasional soft stool. But how do you know when it is something more concerning?

From yellow foam in vomit to blood in your dog’s poop, these signs can tell you a lot about potential canine gastrointestinal issues, and when it is time to bring your dog for a vet checkup or seek emergency care.

Typical causes of a dog throwing up or having an upset stomach include:

• Parasites such as intestinal worms
• Dietary indiscretion; eating inappropriate items
• Sudden change in diet
• Viral or bacterial infections
• Stress or anxiety
• Chronic diseases like pancreatitis
• Medication side effects
• Bloat or obstruction

Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea: Is It Serious?

If your dog is displaying gastrointestinal symptoms such as throwing up and having soft or watery stools, it does not always indicate an emergency or urgent issue. That being said, they should never be ignored outright.

Such symptoms can either point to a serious and life-threatening condition, or simply be mild, self-limiting digestive upset which could result from eating something disagreeable or just a minor stomach irritation.

If the vomiting and diarrhea are persistent, severe, or accompanied by blood, lethargy, abdominal pain, or other worrying signs as listed in the next section below, do seek prompt veterinary attention.

Mild cases usually involve only one or two episodes of vomiting or softer stool, for dogs who are otherwise acting normal, drinking water, and maintaining their energy. These minor episodes often resolve within 24 hours without veterinary intervention.

When in doubt, consulting a veterinarian is the ideal course of action.

Try your best to closely monitor the symptoms and note the timing, frequency, and severity of the vomiting or diarrhea episodes. Where possible, take clear photos and/or videos of the vomit or stool to document its colour, consistency, and any unusual features such as blood or foreign material. Keeping a detailed record fo these observations can greatly assist the veterinary team in diagnosing the issue.

If feasible, in cases of diarrhoea, collect a fresh stool sample in a clean container or poop bag to bring to the veterinarian as soon as possible. This will allow for prompt laboratory testing to identify infections or parasites.

For questions or to book an appointment, please WhatsApp our friendly veterinary team at 8891 4417 (Upper Thomson) or 8809 0787 (Yishun).

When to See a Vet

If you notice the following warning signs, we strongly recommend that you monitor the symptoms and bring your pet to an animal hospital or clinic to be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian.

• Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea: Persistent or frequent symptoms may suggest an underlying issue such as infection, toxins, obstruction, or chronic illness. Repeated vomiting is typically considered as vomiting more than two or three times in several hours.

• Prolonged symptoms: In general, dog vomiting that lasts for more than 12 hours or diarrhea that continues beyond 24 hours — especially in puppies, elderly, or small-breed dogs — warrants prompt veterinary attention. Immediate action and care will be required even sooner if the patient exhibits severe symptoms such as profuse vomiting/diarrhea or worsening symptoms.

• Lethargy and weakness: Unusual tiredness, reluctance to stand, or lack of interaction. These are signs of possible dehydration, systemic illness, or pain, and often justify a vet visit.

• Blood in vomit or stool: A potential sign of internal issues that need urgent care. The presence of blood (hematemesis, hematochezia, or melena) in vomit or stool can indicate serious underlying problems such as infections, ulcers, toxins, or trauma.

• Signs of pain: Whimpering, yelping, or reacting aggressively when touched. If you observe that your dog may be feeling pain, it is always a reason for urgency in veterinary care.

• Dehydration: Dry or pale gums, and loss of skin elasticity, are indicators that an animal could be dehydrated, such as from vomiting and diarrhoea. The gum colour as well as the “skin tent test” or skin turgor test are simple at-home checks that you can do on your dog, though please keep in mind that not all cases can be easily interpreted by pet owners. Dry or pale gums can also indicate shock or anaemia.

• Loss or lack of appetite (inappetence): Reluctance to eat, eating less, or refusing to eat at all is a common sign of illness in animals. For puppies or small/toy breeds, missing a meal can often be a serious concern. Meanwhile, for adult dogs who are otherwise healthy, skipping one meal occasionally may not be cause for alarm. However, if an adult dog skips more than one meal — especially when they are also vomiting or having diarrhea — visiting a vet clinic or animal hospital will be best.

• Parasites or worms in stool: Visible worms or parasites in dog poop require a professional diagnosis and specific veterinary treatment.

**IMPORTANT NOTE: These guidelines serve as general recommendations. Every dog’s situation is unique, with individual health factors and circumstances influencing the urgency and type of care required. Ultimately, the best course of action will be determined on a case-by-case basis in consultation with your veterinarian.

We would like to highlight that some dog breeds, puppies, elderly or senior dogs, as well as dogs with pre-existing medical conditions may need more urgent or emergency care.

For emergencies, please call us immediately at 8891 4417 (Upper Thomson) or 8809 0787 (Yishun). For general questions or to make an appointment, feel free to WhatsApp us at these numbers.

Understanding Vomit and Stool Appearance

The colour and texture of your dog’s vomit and faeces can provide important clues about their health, be it puking white or yellow foam, or dark red colours in the poop.

Taking clear photos and carefully observing these changes will help your veterinarian diagnose the underlying cause and tailor the treatment plan effectively.

Dog Vomit Appearance

If the patient is throwing up white foam, this usually occurs from excess saliva and stomach acid, especially on an empty or irritated stomach. It may indicate mild gastrointestinal upset, such as indigestion or acid reflux, but should still be monitored. If it continues or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or loss of appetite, a vet visit is recommended.

Yellow vomit, often foamy or liquid, typically contains bile. This may happen when a dog vomits on an empty stomach or is caused by bile reflux, gastritis, or other digestive disturbances. Persistent vomiting of yellow foam or bile will need veterinary evaluation.

Blood in a dog’s puke is indicated by bright red or dark, coffee-ground-like vomit. It signals potential internal bleeding and requires immediate medical attention. Bright red blood suggests active bleeding, possibly from the mouth, esophagus, or stomach. Dark brown or black vomit with a “coffee grounds” appearance may point to digested blood from internal bleeding.

Other unusual colours or textures, such as vomit that is green, brown, or contains foreign material or objects like undigested food or parasites, may also suggest issues such as dietary indiscretion, obstruction, or infection.

Dog Poop Appearance

Soft or watery diarrhea, ranging from loose stools to fully liquid, can indicate irritation, infection, food intolerance, or inflammation in the intestines. Acute diarrhea that lasts more than 24 to 48 hours, or is accompanied by other signs, should be assessed by a vet.

Blood in your dog’s stool always warrants urgent veterinary care. Bright red blood (hematochezia) usually comes from the lower intestines or rectum. Dark, tarry stools (melena) may point to bleeding that is higher in the dog’s digestive tract or ulcers.

Clear or mucous discharge in dog poop can be normal in small amounts. But excessive clear or slimy mucus may suggest inflammation of the colon (colitis) or intestinal irritation.

Other abnormalities should be noted and reported to your veterinarian. Examples are changes in the colour (e.g., grey, orange, green), oily or fatty stools (which may appear greasy or foul-smelling), and the presence of worms, undigested food, or foreign materials.

Common Causes of Dog Vomiting or Diarrhoea

Digestive upset and gastrointestinal (GI) issues in dogs can be triggered or worsened by numerous factors. These include:

1. Dietary indiscretion: Eating spoiled food, table scraps, rubbish, or non-food foreign objects — like fabric or toys — can irritate the digestive tract or cause blockages and obstruction.

2. Food sensitivities or intolerance: Adverse reactions or intolerance to specific ingredients, including sudden or rapid diet changes and the introduction of new treats.

3. Stress and anxiety: Changes in your pet’s living environment, travelling, pet boarding, or other possible stressors can trigger gastrointestinal symptoms.

4. Parasites and infections: Intestinal worms (e.g., roundworms, hookworms), protozoa (giardia, coccidia), as well as bacterial and viral infections (like parvovirus, distemper, or salmonella) can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs.

5. Toxins: Ingesting harmful, hazardous substances such as chocolate, human medications, certain toxic plants, cleaning products, rat poison, or pesticides, etc.

6. Underlying health conditions: Diseases affecting the liver, kidneys, pancreas (e.g., pancreatitis), or endocrine system (e.g., Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism) may lead to vomiting and diarrhoea.

7. Gastrointestinal disorders: Chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, gastric ulcers, or structural abnormalities.

Given that many symptoms can overlap across different conditions, a professional assessment by your vet is key to accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

To learn more about gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, read our blog article.

Treatment and Recovery

Depending on the diagnosis, treating vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs could require professional interventions and management, to make sure that your furkid recovers safely and effectively.

Your vet may recommend a customised treatment plan that includes:

Digestive rest:

Under veterinary guidance, fasting for a short period allows the stomach and intestines to settle before food is gradually reintroduced.

Bland or prescription diet:

An easily digestible diet or a specialised prescription gastrointestinal diet will help to support recovery, post-fasting and under supervision. This will ensure proper nutrition tailored to the dog’s condition.

Fluids:

Dehydration is a common and dangerous consequence of vomiting and diarrhoea. Rehydration typically involves veterinary-administered fluids, either intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC / subcut), to quickly restore the patient’s fluid and electrolyte balance.

Medication:

Depending on the diagnosis, your vet might prescribe anti-nausea (antiemetics), antibiotics (if a bacterial infection is confirmed), dewormers for parasites, or other treatments such as anti-inflammatory drugs as needed.

Ongoing care:

Follow-up visits and pet checkups will help monitor recovery progress, adjust the treatment plan, and address any complications.

Tailored Gastrointestinal Care for Canine Patients

Timely intervention can be lifesaving, especially for persistent and severe episodes of vomiting and diarrhea.

At Paws N’ Claws Veterinary Surgery in Singapore, both our clinic branches are equipped with advanced in-house microscopy and diagnostic tools, comprehensive facilities, and offer detailed consultation as well as tailored treatment plans — be it for mild tummy troubles or severe gastrointestinal upset.

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