Vomiting and Diarrhea ( in dogs!).. Do this

One of the more common reasons dogs visit a veterinary clinic is for vomiting and diarrhea.

One of the most common causes is 'garbage gut' or gastritis

They eat something they shouldn't.. not such a big surprise being a Labrador..

.... and vomiting/diarrhea 

SO what should you do?

1. Assess your dog

Are they still alert, or very lethargic

Are they continuing to vomit every hour/ or a few times

Assess hydration- are they extremely dehydrated...or just moderately. This can be done by checking their gums ( they should have some moisture when you touch the gums with your finger)

 2. Assuming they are still alert, only vomiting a few times, and not extremely dehydrated, consider trying a few home remedies.

3. NO FOOD for 24 hours..as in no food..treats..etc.. offer plenty of fresh water

 4. Add an electrolyte solution to the water as they will be low in electrolytes. IF they are not drinking at all you can syringe in fluid at the rate of 100ml/10lbs daily ( approx 1/2 a cup per 10lbs)..more serious cases can require subcutaneous fluids which can be done at home. If in doubt please see your veterinarian.

5. Something for the vomiting..

Here are a few options

TEA Antacid: 

Peppermint tea

Peppermint is more than a breath freshener. It also has an antispasmodic effect on the body, making it a great choice for relieving stomach problems like nausea and indigestion

Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is known to help induce sleep and calm anxiety. This herb can also ease gut discomfort and relieve indigestion by reducing stomach acid in the gastrointestinal tract. Chamomile also acts as an anti-inflammatory to stop pain.

OTC Antacid- Famotidine (PEPCID). A typical dog dose is 10mg/40lbs 2-3 times/day. I find it quite effective, and most dogs respond quite rapidly.

6. Something for the diarrhea

PEPTO-BISMAL is an old standby that can be effective for dogs. The dog dose is 1 ml/10 lbs of body weight given three times daily for no more than 7 days.

KAOPECTATE has a newer version that is safe for dogs and cats. It contains attapulgite clay as the active ingredient which binds toxins, decreases the fluid in the intestinal tract and subsequent diarrhea. Dose for pets: 0.5-1.0 ml per pound by mouth every 4-6 hours. Treatment should only be needed for 1-2 days. WARNING: the OLD version includes bismuth salicylate as an ingredient which is TOXIC to cats. (Never use this with cats.)

IMODIUM (Loperamide) can be used with care, avoid giving it to Collie’s or Collie crosses. The dose for dogs is 0.5 mg/10 lbs three times daily (give your 40 lb dog one 2 mg tablet three times daily).

7. ' New' HERBAL Remedy for BOTH Vomiting and Diarrhea

Slippery ELM powder for dogs, cats GI, IBD: Safe, effective, even with CRF cats…

The natural remedy most commonly used  is slippery elm bark powder (ulmus rubra or ulmus fulva). Slippery elm bark is a herbal remedy used for most kinds of digestive or intestinal problems - it can be used for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.

 As a side effect it can also improve coat dryness and dandruff.

Slippery Elm Bark Dosage

The usual dosage is:
• 1/8 to 1/4 (0.125 - 0.25) of a teaspoon of  slippery elm bark powder per 10lbs  once or twice a day
• one 350-400mg capsule per 10lbs a day. You can give these whole or open them and sprinkle on your pet's food.