Health guide
Dog Vomiting and Diarrhoea in Australia: What to Do and When to Call the Vet
How to tell a mild tummy upset from an emergency, what you can safely do at home, and the Australian causes that need fast action.
8 min read
The quick answer
- 1Most one-off tummy upsets in healthy adult dogs settle quickly, but puppies, seniors and small dogs can dehydrate fast and need earlier vet care.
- 2Blood, repeated vomiting, lethargy, a swollen belly or possible poisoning mean call a vet straight away.
- 3Never give human medication, and ring your vet before changing the diet if your dog has an existing health condition.
When to see a vet
It is 2am and your dog has just been sick on the bed. Again. Vomiting and diarrhoea are among the most common reasons dogs end up at the vet, and the cause can be anything from eating something off the footpath to a serious infection.
This guide helps you judge how urgent it is, what you can do while you wait, and which Australian-specific causes should make you pick up the phone.
Part 1
Common causes
Dogs eat first and think later, so dietary indiscretion is the usual culprit: scavenged food, bins, rotten items, or a sudden diet change. Other causes include food intolerance, stress, intestinal parasites, and infections.
Some causes are more serious. Parvovirus affects unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated puppies and can be life-threatening. Pancreatitis often follows a fatty meal. Swallowed objects can cause blockages. Toxins from baits, plants, chocolate, grapes and xylitol-containing products also cause vomiting and need immediate care. See our guides on foods dogs cannot eat and garden poisons.
Part 2
When to call the vet
Decide how urgent it is
- 1
Emergency: go now
Blood in vomit or stool, repeated vomiting, collapse, pale gums, a swollen belly, trouble breathing, known toxin or object eaten, or a puppy who is limp.
- 2
Same day: phone your vet
Puppies, seniors, small breeds, or dogs with existing conditions that vomit or have diarrhoea more than once, or refuse water.
- 3
Monitor closely at home
A healthy adult dog with a single episode who is bright, drinking and acting normally. Watch for any change.
- 4
Still unwell after about 24 hours
Book a vet visit even if your dog seems fairly well. Ongoing signs need a proper check.
Part 3
What you can do at home
Only for a bright, otherwise healthy adult dog with mild signs. Offer small amounts of water often so your dog does not gulp and vomit again. Many vets suggest a short rest from food followed by small, bland meals, but the right plan depends on your dog's age and health, so ring your vet for advice first, especially for puppies.
Keep your dog resting, keep them away from other animals, and clean up promptly. Wash your hands, since some causes can spread to people.
Part 4
Supporting gut health afterwards
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Once your vet is happy, a probiotic can help support gut health during recovery. It is a supplement, not a treatment, so check with your vet that it is suitable. Also keep a basic first aid kit at home so you are ready for minor problems.
Digesticare Probiotic Powder for Dogs and Cats (143g)
A probiotic powder designed to support gut health in dogs and cats. Ask your vet whether it suits your dog before use.
- Probiotic powder
- For dogs and cats
- 143g tub
Reliance Medical Pet First Aid Kit
A compact first aid kit for dogs and cats, with a rip-stop fabric bag, saline and bandages, suitable for home, travel or camping.
- Includes saline and bandages
- Durable rip-stop fabric bag
- Easy to carry
Part 5
Preventing the next episode
Keep vaccinations and worming up to date, secure bins and compost, avoid sudden diet changes (swap over gradually across about a week), and skip fatty table scraps. For help choosing a food, see our guide to dog food for sensitive stomachs.
Tummy upset checklist
- Check your dog's gum colour, energy and belly
- Note how many times and what colour
- Look for anything your dog may have eaten or chewed
- Offer small sips of water frequently
- Phone your vet if puppies, seniors or signs persist
- Keep the vet's after-hours number on the fridge
- Do not give human medication
Common questions
How long can a dog have diarrhoea before seeing a vet?
A healthy adult with mild diarrhoea who is bright and drinking can often be watched for a day or so. If it continues beyond about 24 hours, or if your dog is a puppy, senior, or has blood in the stool, see a vet.
Is yellow vomit serious?
Yellow or foamy vomit is often bile from an empty stomach, but repeated episodes still need a vet check, especially if your dog is lethargic or not eating.
Can I feed my dog chicken and rice?
Vets sometimes recommend a bland diet for mild upsets, but the right approach depends on your dog. Check with your vet first, particularly for puppies or dogs with other conditions.
Could it be parvovirus?
Parvovirus is a risk for puppies and unvaccinated dogs and usually involves severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and lethargy. Treat it as an emergency and call a vet immediately.