If your dog keeps vomiting or has continued diarrhoea there can be many causes. This can include viruses (such as parvo virus - especially in younger dogs), intestinal foreign bodies (such as getting socks or fruit pips stuck in the intestines), eating mouldy or off food, or due to other problems in the body (such as liver or kidney disease).

If the vomiting or diarrhoea is mild and your pet is still active and happy then sometimes stopping all food and water for 12 hours and then restarting on a very bland diet (such as dry food only or steamed/boiled/microwaved skinless chicken and rice) can be beneficial. 

However if the vomiting and diarrhoea is severe or ongoing for more than 12 hours then your pet can become dehydrated and need veterinary attention and treatment.

Sometimes it can be difficult to decide when to contact your regular veterinary clinic or a 24 hour emergency clinic such as ourselves if your pet has vomiting and diarrhoea. It is advised to seek veterinary attention for your pet:

• if they are very young (puppies or kittens) or very old as these animals can become dehydrated very quickly
  
• if they have another underlying medical problem that is currently being treated
  
• if they are not eating or drinking for more than 12 to 24 hours with ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea
  
• if they develop haemorrhagic (or bloody) diarrhoea and vomiting
• if they also appear depressed, painful and lethargic