Vomiting and diarrhea are two of the most common symptoms that show up at the animal hospital. Most often, they are indicative of nothing more serious than a case of parasites or a mild intestinal upset, but they can also be symptoms of major illnesses like an obstruction, infection or organ damage. It is wise to consult your vet, especially if blood is present in the vomit or stool, and bring samples of each with you for examination. Ready samples may help your vet determine the underlying cause and treat accordingly.
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Upset Stomach
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When your dog gets into the garbage and eats something he shouldn’t, it can cause an upset stomach. He will vomit as his body tries to expel the unappealing substance, and have diarrhea from the portion that has already been digested. As long as there is no obstruction, he can be treated symptomatically and kept hydrated until it subsides.
Allergies
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Occasionally, a food allergy can be severe enough to cause gastrointestinal distress. Even if Fido has been eating the same food for years, an allergy can develop seemingly overnight, with messy consequences. A gradual change to a food with a different protein source or a hypoallergenic food is the most effective treatment.
Parasites
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Intestinal parasite infestations can cause vomiting and diarrhea if they are allowed to progress untreated. Since the parasite cysts are invisible to the naked eye, it is unusual for dog owners to notice an infestation until symptoms arise. Fortunately, parasites are easily eradicated with a couple of doses of a dewormer, and monthly heartworm preventatives also keep parasites at bay.
Obstruction
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If Fido has swallowed a toy or anything too large to pass through his intestinal tract, he may vomit food soon after eating because it is unable to pass the obstruction, and may have diarrhea as the portion of his intestine below the blockage become inflamed. Large breeds are prone to gastric torsion, in which the obstruction is caused by a twist in the intestine itself. These are both serious conditions that require emergency surgery to correct.
Infection
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A severe viral or bacterial infection can cause vomiting and diarrhea by wreaking havoc on the dog’s gastrointestinal system, causing inflammation and irritation. He may vomit soon after eating, as the digestive system rejects anything that attempts to pass through it. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, but viral infections must be allowed to run their course while the dog is kept hydrated and his immune system is boosted by various means.
Poisoning
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Ingestion of toxins like cleaning fluids, antifreeze, or pest control products cause vomiting as the toxin attacks the nervous system, and diarrhea as the intestine is severely irritated as it tries to pass the toxin from the body. This is an emergency condition that requires immediate medical attention to remove or at least neutralize the toxin.
Liver/Kidney Damage
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The liver and kidneys are responsible for removing toxins and waste from the bloodstream. When they cease to function properly, the dog’s body basically poisons itself as the toxins are allowed to remain in the bloodstream. Symptoms are similar to a poisoning, with vomiting and diarrhea being quite common. Treatment depends upon the particular case, its severity, and its underlying cause, and the prognosis can range from good to grave accordingly.
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