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Vomiting and diarrhoea: wait or call?

A single episode in an otherwise lively dog can often be watched, but some signs mean you should call the vet straight away.

Mild cases

If an adult dog vomits once or has a loose stool but is otherwise bright, drinks and wants to go for walks, keeping an eye on it is often enough. Make sure fresh water is available, and ask your clinic whether a bland diet for a day or two suits your dog.

Call the vet straight away

Call if the dog vomits repeatedly or cannot keep water down, there is blood in the vomit or stool, the belly is swollen or the dog retches without bringing anything up, it is lethargic or in pain, or you suspect it has eaten something poisonous or swallowed an object. Puppies, old dogs and dogs with an illness dehydrate quickly, so call earlier for them.

Help the vet

Note when it started, how often it happens, what the vomit or stool looks like and anything the dog may have eaten. A photo can help. Logging the episodes in the dog's diary in the app lets you see patterns over time.

Test yourself: Vomiting and diarrhoea

An adult dog vomits once but is lively and drinking. What is often enough?
  1. Going to an emergency clinic at once
  2. Keeping an eye on it and making sure water is available
  3. Giving human medicine

Correct answer: Keeping an eye on it and making sure water is available

A single episode in a bright dog can often be watched; call if it gets worse or does not pass.

Which sign means calling the vet straight away?
  1. One soft stool after a new treat
  2. A good appetite
  3. Retching without bringing anything up and a swollen belly

Correct answer: Retching without bringing anything up and a swollen belly

Unproductive retching and a swollen belly can mean a twisted stomach, which is an emergency.

Which dogs should you call the vet earlier for?
  1. Puppies, old dogs and dogs with an illness
  2. Only large dogs
  3. Dogs that have been to the vet before

Correct answer: Puppies, old dogs and dogs with an illness

Puppies, seniors and sick dogs dehydrate quickly.

What helps the vet the most?
  1. Nothing, the vet will guess
  2. Notes on when it started, how often, what it looks like and what the dog ate
  3. Washing the dog first

Correct answer: Notes on when it started, how often, what it looks like and what the dog ate

Times, frequency, appearance and possible causes, and a photo, make the assessment easier.

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