Is it Time for an Emergency Vet Visit Due to My Dog’s Appetite, Diarrhea, and Vomiting?

Dear VetBabble,

My dog has been acting a little strange over the past two weeks with her appetite. She normally does this, though for no apparent reason, but now she has diarrhea, blood in her stool, and has vomited a few times in the past 2 weeks. I don’t know if I need to take her to an emergency vet right now or if it is safe to wait. Can you help?

Possible Cause: Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis

From the symptoms you described, it is possible that your dog may be suffering from a serious gastrointestinal issue called hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). HGE can cause bloody diarrhea, and sometimes bloody vomit, as you mentioned. It is important to recognize these signs and symptoms in order to address the issue promptly, since a dog with HGE can become dehydrated very quickly. For more information about what may cause diarrhea in your dog, you can visit this article.

When to See a Vet and What to Expect:

Given the seriousness of the symptoms your dog is exhibiting and the potential risk of dehydration, it is strongly recommended that you take her to see a veterinarian as soon as possible, ideally tonight if possible. Emergency care may be necessary if her condition worsens or if she continues to suffer from diarrhea and vomiting. To learn more about potential causes and when to worry about diarrhea in dogs, you can check out this helpful article.

During your visit to the vet, they may perform an exam, provide fluids and antibiotics to help your dog recover. They might also suggest running blood work to check for any involvement of the kidney or liver in the underlying condition. For more information on vomiting in dogs and when to be concerned, you can check out our guide on the subject.

Other Possible Causes:

While HGE seems a likely cause based on the symptoms you provided, it’s important to remember that there are other potential reasons for the blood in her stool, appetite changes, and vomiting. For example, if there’s blood in your dog’s urine, it could be an indication of cystitis, which requires a different type of treatment. Your veterinarian will be able to determine the most likely cause and recommend the appropriate steps to help your dog recover.

In conclusion, don’t wait to take your dog to the vet due to the seriousness of the symptoms and the potential risk of dehydration. It’s best to err on the side of caution and get your dog checked out to ensure they receive the care and treatment they need. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your pet’s health.