Vomiting & Diarrhea Guidelines | Rochester MN Veterinarians

For vomiting with or without diarrhea

1. No water or food until 12 hours after the last episode of vomiting.
2. Start with very small amounts of water (3 - 4 laps or 1 - 2 ice cubes at a time - do NOT fill up the water bowl) offered every 2-3 hours.
3. As long as vomiting does not return, gradually increase the amount of water given at a time - slowly working up to offering water free choice.
4. Go on to the next section.

For diarrhea alone, or once vomiting has resolved:

1. If diarrhea is profuse, withhold food, treats, or chewies until at least 12 hours after the last episode of diarrhea. With mild diarrhea, proceed to step 2. Water should be given free choice as long as there is no vomiting.
2. Give a few spoonfuls of bland diet every few hours. The goal is to provide 5-6 smaller meals a day instead of 2 big ones.
   Bland diet options: (when using rice, aim for at least 1/2 and 1/2 protein and carbs)
   • cooked WHITE rice
   • cooked hamburger, drained of grease
   • plain, cooked scrambled eggs
   • skinless, boneless chicken breast, cooked without any spices or fats
   • plain chicken or turkey baby food (no vegetables, no garlic, no onions)
   • LOW salt chicken broth (no onion)
   • PLAIN mashed potatoes from mix (no flavorings) for those dogs that don’t like rice
   • i/d canned diet from the vet hospital
3. For the next 4 days, gradually increase the amount of BLAND food given each time and decrease the frequency of feedings.
4. After 4 days on the bland diet with no vomiting or diarrhea, start to SLOWLY mix in the regular dog food. Take at least 4 days to transition back to the normal diet.

In summary:

** Be patient- this whole process can take several days. Do not progress to the next step if the diarrhea or vomiting continues. Call the clinic for any of the following reasons: blood appears in the vomit or diarrhea, the vomiting or diarrhea do not resolve, or if your pet becomes weak, lethargic or in some other way appears to get worse.