Vomiting can be attributed to countless causes. Intense abdominal pain can cause vomiting. Kidney and hepatic problems, intestine and stomach cramps, for example, may cause vomiting. The intoxications triggered by insecticides, DDT, anti-flea or toxic products, virus or bacteria illnesses, cynomosis, parvovirus, uterus infection and severe cough may also cause dogs to throw up.

The vomit characterizes itself by a foamy substance constituted of gastric juice. It can sometimes have a yellowish color because of bile reflux. If vomiting excessively the animal may have dehydration, since he does not absorb enough water. Moreover, an electrolytic imbalance occurs, since the animal loses a lot of acid. The dog becomes weak and apathetic. If dehydration is not treated, it can lead the animal to death.

Diarrhea is the loss of liquid through stool, which become pasty or fluid. An intense diarrhea causes a quick dehydration. Even drinking fluids, it may not be sufficient for the necessary replacement, and a light, moderated or severe dehydration is installed. An electrolytic imbalance occurs because of an important ion loss through diarrhea.
The animal becomes very apathetic, weak, can have tremors because of the abdominal pain caused by cramps (strong intestinal contractions to expel the feces). Diarrhea can be caused by worms, viruses (parvovirus, coronavirus) intoxications, spoiled food, stress (changes of environment or daily routine) sudden meal changes or even psychological problems. If the dehydration is severe, the animal may be at risk. Take him to the Veterinarian immediately.

Dogs can suffer a sporadic seizure or have a history of epilepsy (frequent seizures). The convulsive seizures frighten a lot the non-experienced master. The animal usually has no coordination, falls to the ground and remains lying down on his side in movements that resemble pedaling, as if he was trying to stand up.
It is common to involuntarily pass or defecate. He may or may not lose consciousness. The dog becomes panting and gradually calms down. Many dogs come back to normal state in few minutes. Others stay depressed all day, showing signs of tiredness. Observe the animal and take care for him not to injure himself and contact the Veterinarian immediately.

In some cases the animal should have quick and specialized care, done by the Veterinarian you trust. Know some symptoms that indicate that your animal is at risk:

• Blood in the stools, bleeding through the mouth and rectum, bloody vomiting and diarrhea, can indicate several things, including internal hemorrhages from poisoning.

• Shock may occur if abundant diarrhea happens every half hour, or at every hour and the animal has not been eating or drinking water.

• Respiratory difficulty, especially in the presence of bluish gums, can be a sign of cardiac deficiency.

• Abdominal bloatness, with vomit attempt, especially in large breed, is a stomach sprain symptom: "a great emergency" that many times requires immediate surgery.

• Excess urination and a lot of water intake, accompanied by depression, vomit, diarrhea and reddish mucus expel six to eight weeks after rut, in female virgin dog or cat, are signs of pyometra, which is very common and lethal.

• Difficulty at delivering is an emergency. There is always some effort in a on term delivery, but there is a continuous labor with no results, it may bring some risk to the animal.

• Convulsive seizures should be immediately notified to the Veterinarian. Poisoning may be the cause. Not immobilize the animal during the convulsions.