🤮 Diarrhea and Vomiting in Pets: 2025 Vet First Aid Guide for Gastrointestinal Upset 💩🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc 🩺

Few things worry pet parents more than a sudden bout of vomiting or diarrhea. While many cases resolve on their own, some can signal serious illness requiring urgent veterinary care. This 2025 first aid guide helps you identify when to wait, when to hydrate, and when it’s time to see a vet. 🩺💡

💡 What Causes Diarrhea & Vomiting?

These symptoms, together called gastroenteritis, can be caused by:

• 🍗 Dietary indiscretion (eating garbage or rich food)
• 🦠 Infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic)
• 🐍 Toxins or poisoning
• 🧪 Medication side effects
• 🌡️ Fever, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease

Some causes are mild. Others, like poisoning or parvovirus, can be fatal without intervention. 🆘

🔍 What To Watch For

These signs indicate your pet may need immediate vet care:

• 💧 Vomiting that lasts more than 12–24 hours
• 💩 Watery or bloody diarrhea lasting more than 24–48 hours
• 🥱 Lethargy or weakness
• 🍽️ Refusing all food or water
• 🩸 Bloody vomit or stool
• 😿 Pale gums or signs of dehydration

📋 First Aid: What To Do

Step 1: 🚫 Remove All Food and Water

For vomiting pets, rest the stomach completely by withholding food and water for 6–8 hours. This prevents further irritation. 🛑

Step 2: 💧 Begin Rehydration (If No Vomiting Returns)

• Start giving clear fluids after 6–8 hours without vomiting
• Use water, Pedialyte, Gatorade, or vet-approved electrolyte fluids
• Give 1 tsp per pound of body weight every 2–3 hours

⚠️ If vomiting resumes, stop fluids and see your vet.

Step 3: 🥣 Feed a Bland Diet the Next Day

• Offer small meals of boiled chicken or lean ground beef with rice
• No seasoning, skin, or oils
• Feed every 4–6 hours in small amounts

Gradually reintroduce regular food over 2–3 days if no relapse occurs. 🐶🥄

Step 4: 🧼 Isolate Sick Pets

• Prevent spread of infectious diseases
• Clean up accidents with pet-safe disinfectants

🚫 What NOT to Do

• ❌ Don’t feed dry food until cleared by a vet
• ❌ Don’t give OTC medications like Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, or human pain relievers
• ❌ Don’t force fluids if your pet is vomiting or lethargic

Incorrect treatment can worsen dehydration or mask symptoms. 😷

🩺 When to Call Your Vet

• 🐾 Your pet is young, elderly, or has a chronic illness
• 🧫 There is blood in the vomit or stool
• ⏱️ Symptoms continue more than 24–48 hours
• 😵 The pet collapses, pants, or appears in pain

Many cases require IV fluids, lab work, or imaging. Better safe than sorry. 🏥

🧴 Home Supplies for GI Upset

• 🥄 Oral syringe or measuring spoon
• 💧 Electrolyte solution (unflavored)
• 🥣 Canned pumpkin (plain, not pie mix)
• 📞 Emergency vet contact info

🛡️ How to Prevent GI Upset

• 🚫 Don’t feed table scraps or sudden diet changes
• 🔐 Keep trash, cleaning products, and human meds locked up
• 🐕 Supervise walks to avoid scavenging
• 💉 Stay current on vaccines and deworming

📲 Not Sure What’s Causing It? Ask A Vet

If you’re unsure what’s behind your pet’s vomiting or diarrhea—or need help giving fluids—the Ask A Vet app can help:

• 💬 Chat with vets 24/7
• 📸 Share photos of vomit or stool
• 🩺 Get feeding and hydration instructions

Visit AskAVet.com or download the app now. Fast action leads to faster recovery—let’s get your pet feeling better soon. 🤒💩🐾