Vomiting and diarrhea: what's normal and what's not

Upset stomachs are one of the most common reasons owners worry — and most single episodes aren't emergencies. Here's how to handle it calmly and know when it's more.

When it's probably okay to watch

A single vomit or one loose stool in a dog who's otherwise bright, drinking, and acting normal is often just a stomach that disagreed with something. Watch closely for 12–24 hours.

Simple home care for a mild upset

• Hold food for a few hours (not water) to let the stomach settle — but skip fasting for puppies and tiny breeds.
• Reintroduce small amounts of a bland meal (plain boiled chicken and white rice), building back to normal over a couple of days.
• Keep fresh water available; small frequent sips beat a big gulp.

When to stop watching and call

• Blood in vomit or stool (fresh red, or black and tarry)
• More than a couple of episodes, or it lasts beyond ~24 hours
• A bloated or painful belly, or unproductive retching (possible bloat — emergency)
• Lethargy, weakness, or refusing water
• A puppy, senior, or dog with a health condition — they dehydrate fast, so call sooner
• You suspect they ate something they shouldn't have (a toy, a bone, a toxin)

Do this now

Keep a note of when it started, what came up, and anything they might have eaten — it helps your vet enormously.

General guidance only; when in doubt, your vet is the call.