When Poochy Eats Unscrupulously

A dog with diarrhea and vomiting at the same time is something to be alarmed about.  However, there are important steps to take to alleviate the discomfort your dog faces.  Generally, the causes of diarrhea and vomiting are spoiled food, parasites, or eating too fast. If the symptoms stop after less than one day, then your dog’s health will be fine.  If the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, then it is time to consult a veterinarian.

Dogs eat food too fast because it tastes good or the dog is starving.  This can be a problem when changing diets.  A new diet will cause your dog to scarf the food down, because of the novelty.  Dogs eat the same food day-in and day-out for years at a time.  When they get something new, they are surprised and enjoy it. To change a dog’s diet properly, one should start by offering small amounts of the new food, to allow the dog to adjust.  This keeps your dog from scarfing the food, causing the digestive system to expel it as fast as possible

To keep you dog from eating spoiled food, keep garbage out of reach.  Use bin covers or place the garbage can in a cupboard.  Train you dog to eat a regular hours by setting his food bowl out at certain times of the day.  Do not change the schedule, so your dog knows when to expect to eat.  This will keep him from hunting for food at random times when he has a hankering for chow.  Always keep your dog’s water dish with water when he is healthy.

If Poochy eats a parasite, his body will try to expel it as best it can.  This means your dog will vomit and have loose stools which is the bodies way to process food immediately. Parasites in dogs can last a few days, and require medical attention.  Generally, a prescription will be written with instructions on feeding your dog.

When your dog is vomiting and has diarrhea, there is a process to allow your dog’s stomach to rest.  Do not offer any food or water for at least 6 hours after vomiting.  Digestive systems are resilient, but when things go wrong it takes time to recover.  After six hours, give your dog small amounts of water.  Maybe 1-2 tablespoons in 15 minute intervals.  If you dog is able to keep this down, this means the digestive system is feeling better.  Do this until your dog does not want any more water, and his thirst is satiated.  Start the process over with solid food this time, offering small amounts, until your dog is satiated.  If at any time your dog vomits the water or food, wait six hours and start from the beginning.

Dogs with diarrhea and vomiting should be taken care of, because they cannot do it themselves.  The cycle can be vicious if left untreated, because they naturally do not allow their systems to rest.  With proper support and vigilance your dog will be healthy in no time.