How to Alleviate Diarrhea and Vomiting Symptoms in a 2-year old Papillon at Home?

Dear VetBabble: Understanding and Treating Diarrhea and Vomiting in Dogs

Question: I’m concerned about my female 2 year-old papillon. She’s been suffering from loose stools and minor vomiting. She also seems a bit more tired than usual. Is there anything I could safely give her at home, like a scrambled egg, to help alleviate her symptoms? Specifically, for her loose stools, would something simple such as cooked white rice and plain cooked chicken help? And if her vomiting persists, what can I do?

Understanding Diarrhea and Vomiting in Dogs

These symptoms, while distressing to witness, are not uncommon among dogs. Several factors, including dietary indiscretion, internal parasites, certain infectious diseases, or even stress, can cause them. For a thorough understanding of what causes diarrhea in dogs, do check out our article: Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea?. Similarly, for more information about what causes vomiting in dogs, read our detailed article: Vomiting in Dogs: Causes, Treatment & When to Worry.

Initial Steps to Address the Issue

Firstly, it’s crucial to monitor the duration and intensity of these symptoms. A single episode of diarrhea or vomiting might not be cause for alarm. However, frequent bouts of either, or both, could indicate a more serious problem. Our article Diarrhea in Dogs: When to Worry provides insights on when it might be time to seek professional help.

A good first step in treating diarrhea is to offer your dog bland food. A small serving of cooked white rice and plain cooked chicken (without skin or seasoning), as you mentioned, can indeed help firm up the stools. Scrambled eggs—cooked without butter or oil—can also be beneficial in getting your pet back to normal bowel behavior.

Vomiting: Prevention and When to Get Help

For occasional vomiting, it’s important to ensure your dog remains hydrated as they can lose significant amounts of fluid. However, there’s not much to be done at home for continuous vomiting. Instead, get immediately in touch with your vet. There’s a risk your pet might get dehydrated and require intravenous (IV) fluids.

Moreover, your concern about your dog appearing more tired than usual is noteworthy. Lethargy could simply be a response to a temporary upset stomach. However, if it’s combined with other symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, it’s advisable to consult your vet sooner rather than later. This comprehensive guide Is My Puppy Tired or Lethargic? offers more depth on the topic.

In conclusion, while it’s distressing to see your beloved pet with loose stools and vomiting, the solution often lies in simple dietary changes and monitoring. Nevertheless, remember that persistent symptoms warrant an immediate visit to the vet’s clinic. Your vet can perform necessary tests to determine the underlying cause and provide the appropriate treatment.