January 2009 Newsletter
Canine Vomiting and DiarrheaVomiting
Vomiting is usually caused by inflammation of the stomach (gastritis), and often happens when dogs eat grass or spoiled food. Uncomplicated gastritis, where the dog is alert and has no fever, is best treated without drugs.
If vomiting continues more than 24 hours, or if at any time your dog vomits and acts depressed and unresponsive, veterinary attention is needed.
Step 1
The digestive tract needs complete rest. Allow no food or water until your dog has gone at least six hours without vomiting.
Step 2
Begin with very small amounts of water at frequent intervals. If there is more vomiting, go back to stage 1 for another six hours. Do not be discouraged. The stomach often needs complete rest for twenty four hours or more. Offer water every 15 minutes or so. Give a Poodle sized dog one teaspoonful at a time, a German Shepherd about two tablespoonfuls. Over a period of a few hours gradually increase the amounts offered until your dog's thirst is satisfied. If you wish, give clear liquids such as chicken broth or a little Jell-O. After at least 12 hours, when your dog's thirst has been satisfied, you may begin giving small amounts of food.
Bland diet for vomiting dogs
Mix one and a half cups of cooked white rice with one half cup of cooked chicken or turkey meat (no grease, no skin). Boiled or baked potato may be substituted for the rice.
Step 3
Begin offering small amounts of bland, easy to digest food.
Give a Poodle sized dog about one half teaspoonful at a time. A large dog can have as much as a tablespoonful. Over a period of twenty four hours, gradually increase the amounts being fed until your dog's hunger is satisfied. Do not rush things. If vomiting occurs now, you must start over from the beginning.
Step 4
The following day, begin mixing the bland diet half and half with your dog's normal food. Instead of one or two big feedings, divide the normal amount into four or five small feedings.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is caused by inflammation of the intestine (enteritis). It may happen at the same time as vomiting, (gastroenteritis) or by itself. As long as your dog is eating and alert, there is no cause for alarm. Unless there is vomiting, feed a normal amount of food (see recipe) divided into four or five small servings given at intervals throughout the day.
Bland diet for dogs with diarrhea:
Mix one and a half cups of cooked white rice or potato with one half cup of cottage cheese. Remove the liquid from cottage cheese by squeezing it between several layers of paper towel.
