Early Morning Vomiting & Soft Stools in Dogs

Dealing with a sick dog can be scary. Owners can panic when their dog starts vomiting or exhibiting signs of loose stools. Vomiting and loose stools may occur in the morning as a sign of a specific illness in some cases, while in other cases the timing may be incidental.

  1. Identification

    • Identify when your dog is vomiting and experiencing diarrhea in the morning. Determine if it is vomiting before eating or after, if it is defecating immediately upon waking up or after moving around. Note the color, texture and any abnormal objects or smells in the stool. Note whether your dog is vomiting food or a yellow liquid called bile. Observe any possible triggers for the behavior--food, family members waking up, people walking outside or loud noises.

    Potential Causes

    • Viral and bacterial infections can cause vomiting and loose stools, but usually aren't limited by the time of day. Dr. Mike Richards of Vetinfo.com suggests vomiting in the morning might be linked to inflammatory bowel disease or gastric reflux. Food allergies may also be responsible for these symptoms.

    Considerations

    • Only a licensed veterinarian can determine the cause of and treatment for loose stools and vomiting in the morning. Speak to your veterinary medical professional immediately. Dogs with vomiting and diarrhea can have problems staying hydrated and getting proper nutrients, conditions that can turn serious quickly.