Dear VetBabble: How Do I Address My Dog’s Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Fever?
I’m concerned about my pet dog who has had a fever for almost three days. She hasn’t been eating much and is now vomiting and pooping blood. What should I do and is there anything I can try at home to provide relief? I’m so worried!
Why Does Your Dog Have Vomiting and Diarrhea?
First, it is crucial to recognize that these symptoms are severe and warrant immediate attention from a veterinarian. Several possible causes for your dog’s illness include toxin ingestion, severe gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, parasites, or an intestinal foreign body. If you want to learn more about these conditions and their relation to diarrhea and vomiting, check out these resources: Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea? and Vomiting in Dogs: Causes, Treatment & When to Worry.
When Should You Be Worried About Diarrhea and Fever in Your Dog?
It’s essential to worry about diarrhea and fever in your dog when symptoms are severe and prolonged, like in the case of your pet. Vomiting and pooping blood are alarming symptoms, especially if your dog is not eating and has a fever. There can be many reasons behind these symptoms and accurately diagnosing the issue will help your veterinarian recommend the best treatment. Diarrhea in Dogs: When to Worry and Pancreatitis in Dogs: Symptoms and How to Treat are excellent resources for understanding when to be concerned about your dog’s health.
What Can You Do for Your Dog Now?
Given the seriousness of your dog’s symptoms, it is critical to bring her to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian will perform a full physical examination and may recommend blood work or x-rays to pinpoint the cause of her illness. They can also offer supportive treatments such as fluid therapy to help rehydrate your dog, stomach protection medications, and anti-diarrhea medications, which can alleviate her current discomfort.
In the meantime, you can try providing your dog small, frequent meals of a bland diet like boiled chicken and plain white rice. This type of diet can help alleviate her gastrointestinal symptoms. You should also offer her water in small, frequent amounts to prevent dehydration.
Remember that consulting a veterinarian is vital in such cases, and home treatment should only be done under professional guidance. The sooner you seek help for your pet, the better her chances are for a full recovery.
We hope this information helps, and we wish your dog a speedy recovery.
