# Dog Diarrhea: When to See a Vet and When to Wait


## Key Takeaways

- **Emergency Triage is Paramount:** Immediate veterinary attention is required for dogs exhibiting bright red, dark, or tarry stool, repeated vomiting, a hard/swollen/painful abdomen, weakness, collapse, unresponsiveness, or pale gums. Suspected ingestion of toxins (e.g., chocolate, grapes, xylitol, cleaners) also necessitates urgent care.
- **Critical Observation Parameters:** Monitor stool frequency, consistency, and color (black/tarry or red indicates bleeding). Track vomiting episodes, noting frequency and timing. Assess energy levels, gum color (should be pink and refill within 2 seconds), and hydration status via skin turgor.
- **At-Home Care Limitations:** Supportive home care (bland diet, water availability) is appropriate only for mild cases: adult dogs with one or two loose stools, normal energy, appetite, and no vomiting or blood. Never administer human anti-diarrheal medications (e.g., loperamide, bismuth subsalicylate) or NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen) without explicit veterinary direction due to toxicity risks and potential to mask serious conditions.
- **When to Seek Veterinary Consultation:** Diarrhea persisting beyond 48 hours, diarrhea with mild, infrequent vomiting, lethargy, fever, straining, or a history of dietary indiscretion (garbage, sudden food change) warrants a same-day veterinary appointment. Puppies, senior dogs, and those with chronic illnesses require prompt veterinary evaluation for any diarrhea.
- **Diagnostic Pathways:** Veterinary diagnostics may include fecal examinations for parasites (e.g., Giardia, coccidia, helminths), bloodwork to assess hydration and organ function, parvovirus testing in unvaccinated puppies, and imaging (X-rays, ultrasound) to rule out blockages or foreign bodies.
- **Preventative Measures:** Reduce diarrhea risk through secure trash containment, supervised walks to prevent scavenging, consistent feeding of high-quality diets with gradual transitions, avoidance of fatty table scraps, and maintaining current parasite prevention protocols.

---

If your dog has diarrhea, your first job is to check for emergency signs. Go to an emergency vet immediately if your dog is vomiting repeatedly, has blood in the diarrhea, is straining painfully, has a swollen or painful belly, is weak or collapsing, cannot stand, or has pale gums. Also go now if you suspect your dog ate something toxic, like chocolate, grapes, xylitol, or a household cleaner. The [American Veterinary Medical Association](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergencycare) lists these as situations where immediate professional care is required, not a wait-and-see approach.

For most other cases, you have time to observe carefully. A single loose stool in an otherwise playful, eating, drinking dog is rarely an emergency. Many short bouts of diarrhea resolve on their own within 24 to 48 hours. The key is knowing which signs mean watch, which mean call, and which mean drive to the hospital right now.

This guide walks you through that decision. You will learn what to count, what to look for, and when to stop waiting. If you are ever unsure, call your veterinarian. A phone call costs nothing and can save you hours of worry.

## Is This an Emergency?

Use this table as your first stop. Read every row, also the one that seems to fit.


<!-- figure:auto -->
```figure
{
 "type": "triage",
 "title": "Urgency triage by severity of signs",
 "tiers": [
  {
   "tier": "danger",
   "label": "Go to an emergency vet now",
   "signs": [
    "Blood in the stool that is bright red, dark, tarry, or looks like coffee grounds",
    "Repeated vomiting, especially with diarrhea",
    "A belly that is hard, swollen, or painful to touch",
    "Your dog is weak, collapses, cannot stand, or is unresponsive"
   ],
   "action": [
    "Do not wait",
    "Do not try home remedies",
    "Drive to the nearest open emergency clinic"
   ]
  },
  {
   "tier": "warn",
   "label": "Book a same-day appointment",
   "signs": [
    "Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours",
    "Diarrhea with mild vomiting that happens once or twice",
    "Your dog is still eating and drinking but seems tired or dull",
    "Diarrhea with a fever, which you can feel as warm ears or a warm nose, though a thermometer is more reliable"
   ],
   "action": [
    "Call your regular vet this morning",
    "Describe what you have seen",
    "They will tell you whether to come in or continue watching"
   ]
  },
  {
   "tier": "safe",
   "label": "Watch at home for 24 to 48 hours",
   "signs": [
    "One or two loose stools",
    "Your dog is acting completely normal: playful, hungry, drinking water, and energetic",
    "No blood, no vomiting, no belly pain",
    "Your dog is an adult with no underlying health conditions"
   ],
   "action": [
    "Keep offering fresh water",
    "Feed a bland diet if your vet approves",
    "Count every bowel movement"
   ]
  }
 ]
}
```

| Urgency Level | Signs You Can See or Count | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Go to an emergency vet now | Blood in the stool that is bright red, dark, tarry, or looks like coffee grounds. Repeated vomiting, especially with diarrhea. A belly that is hard, swollen, or painful to touch. Your dog is weak, collapses, cannot stand, or is unresponsive. Pale, white, or blue gums. Breathing fast at rest, more than 40 breaths per minute. Suspected poisoning from food, plants, or chemicals. Your dog is a puppy, a senior, or has a chronic illness like diabetes or kidney disease. | Do not wait. Do not try home remedies. Drive to the nearest open emergency clinic. Call ahead if you can so they can prepare. |
| Book a same-day appointment | Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours. Diarrhea with mild vomiting that happens once or twice. Your dog is still eating and drinking but seems tired or dull. Diarrhea with a fever, which you can feel as warm ears or a warm nose, though a thermometer is more reliable. Your dog is straining to poop and producing only small amounts of liquid or blood. Diarrhea after a known dietary change or after eating garbage. | Call your regular vet this morning. Describe what you have seen. They will tell you whether to come in or continue watching. |
| Watch at home for 24 to 48 hours | One or two loose stools. Your dog is acting completely normal: playful, hungry, drinking water, and energetic. No blood, no vomiting, no belly pain. Your dog is an adult with no underlying health conditions. | Keep offering fresh water. Feed a bland diet if your vet approves. Count every bowel movement. If the diarrhea stops within 48 hours, you are likely fine. If it continues, worsens, or new signs appear, move up a level. |

## What Is Most Likely Going On

The most common cause of sudden diarrhea in an otherwise healthy dog is dietary indiscretion. That is a vet's term for eating something the stomach disagrees with. Garbage, table scraps, a sudden switch in dog food, spoiled food from a walk, or too many treats can all trigger it. The body responds by speeding up the gut, pushing contents through before water can be absorbed. The result is loose, frequent stool.

This type of diarrhea is usually short-lived. The gut lining is irritated, not infected or damaged. With rest and a bland diet, most dogs recover in a day or two. The [MSD Veterinary Manual](https://www.msdvetmanual.com/pet-owners) describes acute diarrhea as a common, often self-limiting problem in dogs, meaning it resolves without treatment in many cases.

## What Else Could It Be

Diarrhea is a symptom, not a disease. Several conditions can cause it, and some are serious.

**Parasites** like roundworms, hookworms, or giardia can cause diarrhea, especially in puppies. These require a fecal test and prescription medication. You cannot see most parasites with the naked eye.

**Infections** from bacteria like salmonella or from viruses like parvovirus can cause severe, bloody diarrhea. Parvovirus is life-threatening and most common in unvaccinated puppies. If your puppy has diarrhea and is lethargic or vomiting, do not wait.

**Inflammatory bowel disease** is a chronic condition where the gut lining is inflamed over weeks or months. This causes recurring diarrhea, weight loss, and poor appetite.

**Pancreatitis** is inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that helps digest food. It causes severe belly pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is often triggered by eating fatty foods.

**Toxins** can cause diarrhea as one sign among many. If you suspect your dog ate something poisonous, call the [ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control) immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

**Blockages** occur when a dog swallows a toy, bone, rock, or other object that gets stuck in the intestine. This is a surgical emergency. Signs include vomiting, straining, belly pain, and no normal stool production.

## How To Count and Track What Matters

Write things down. You will forget details under stress, and your vet will need specifics.

Count how many times your dog poops in 24 hours. Note whether it is a full stool or just a few drops. Look at the color: brown is normal, black or red is not. Black, tarry stool means digested blood from higher in the gut. Bright red blood means bleeding in the lower intestine or rectum. Both need a vet.

Track vomiting separately. One vomit with diarrhea is different from vomiting every hour. Count how many times in an hour your dog vomits. More than two or three times in a few hours is a red flag.

Check your dog's energy level. Is she running to the door when you grab the leash? Or is she lying flat, not interested in anything? A dog with diarrhea who is acting normal is a much lower concern than one who is dull and withdrawn.

Feel your dog's gums. They should be pink and moist, like your own. Press a finger on the gum and release. The color should return within two seconds. Slow return or pale gums means poor circulation, which is an emergency.

## When Home Care Is Appropriate

Home care is only for the mildest cases: an adult dog, one or two loose stools, no blood, no vomiting, normal energy, and normal appetite. Even then, home care is supportive, not diagnostic. You are helping the gut rest, not treating an unknown disease.

Offer fresh water at all times. Dehydration is the main risk with diarrhea, because water leaves the body with the stool. You can also offer small amounts of plain boiled chicken and white rice, or plain canned pumpkin, if your vet approves. Do not give any human anti-diarrhea medication. Doses for dogs are different, and some human drugs are toxic to dogs. Any medication dose must come from your treating veterinarian.

If your dog worsens at any point, stop home care and call the vet. The [American Animal Hospital Association](https://www.aaha.org/for-pet-parents/) advises that pet owners work with their veterinarian to decide when a condition needs professional evaluation. You are not failing your dog by calling. You are being responsible.

## What You Can Safely Do at Home Right Now

If your dog has mild diarrhea, is acting normally, and does not show any red flags from the earlier sections, you can begin supportive care at home. The goal is to rest the digestive tract, prevent dehydration, and watch closely for change.

**Withhold food for 12 to 24 hours.** This gives the intestines time to settle. Do not withhold water. Fresh water must always be available. Puppies under six months and small breeds should not fast for a full 24 hours. For them, a 6 to 12 hour fast is safer. If you are unsure, call your veterinarian before starting a fast.

**After the fast, offer a bland diet.** Boiled white rice or plain pasta mixed with boiled, skinless chicken breast or low-fat cottage cheese works well. Feed small meals, about a quarter of the normal portion, every 4 to 6 hours. If diarrhea continues after 48 hours on a bland diet, stop and contact your vet.

**Add plain canned pumpkin.** Not pumpkin pie filling. One to two teaspoons for a small dog, one to two tablespoons for a large dog, mixed into food. The fiber can firm up stool. Do not use this if your dog is vomiting.

**Consider a probiotic made for dogs.** These are available at pet stores and through veterinarians. They help restore healthy gut bacteria. Follow the package directions for your dog's weight.

**Keep your dog calm and rested.** Exercise can stimulate the bowels. Short leash walks for bathroom breaks only. Do not let your dog drink from puddles, ponds, or streams while recovering.

**What you must never do at home:**

- Never give human anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). Some are toxic to dogs, and others can mask a serious problem. Dosing must come from a veterinarian.
- Never give aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. These can cause stomach ulcers, kidney failure, or liver damage in dogs.
- Never induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison control tells you to do so. If you suspect your dog ate something toxic, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately at (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.
- Never force your dog to drink water. Offer it freely, but do not pour it into the mouth. Forced fluids can go into the lungs.

## The Diarrhea Triage Table and Hydration Check

Use this table to decide your next step. Print it or save it on your phone. When in doubt, choose the more cautious option.

| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| One or two loose stools, dog acting normal, eating and drinking | Home care, monitor for 24 hours |
| Diarrhea for 24 to 48 hours, dog still bright and active | Home care, call vet if it continues past 48 hours |
| Diarrhea for 3 days or more, even if dog seems fine | Call your vet today. Prolonged diarrhea causes nutrient loss and dehydration |
| Blood in stool, bright red streaks or drops | Call your vet today. If large amounts of blood or if dog is weak, go to emergency care now |
| Black, tarry, or coffee-ground stool | Emergency. This indicates digested blood from the stomach or upper intestine |
| Diarrhea with vomiting | Call your vet today. If both continue for more than 12 hours, go to emergency care |
| Diarrhea with lethargy, weakness, or collapse | Emergency. Go to an emergency clinic now |
| Diarrhea in a puppy under 6 months | Call your vet today. Puppies dehydrate quickly and may have parasites or parvovirus |
| Diarrhea in a senior dog or a dog with kidney, liver, or heart disease | Call your vet today. These dogs have less reserve |
| Diarrhea after eating a known toxin, bone, or foreign object | Emergency. Go to an emergency clinic now |
| Diarrhea with a bloated, painful, or hard abdomen | Emergency. This can indicate a blockage or bloat |
| Diarrhea with fever, shaking, or obvious pain | Call your vet today. If pain is severe, go to emergency care |

**Hydration check guide.** Dehydration is the most common complication of diarrhea. You can check at home, but this is not a substitute for a veterinary exam.

**Skin turgor test.** Gently pinch the skin between your dog's shoulder blades and lift it about an inch. Release. In a well-hydrated dog, the skin snaps back instantly. If it returns slowly, within 1 to 2 seconds, your dog is mildly dehydrated. If it stays tented or returns very slowly, dehydration is significant. Seek care.

**Gum check.** Lift your dog's lip and press a finger against the gum above a tooth. Release. The white spot should refill with pink color within 2 seconds. Slower refill means poor circulation and dehydration. Pale, white, or gray gums are an emergency.

**Eyes and nose.** Sunken eyes and a dry nose suggest dehydration. A dry nose alone is not reliable, but sunken eyes combined with other signs are concerning.

**Energy and appetite.** A dog that refuses food and water and lies flat is in trouble. This is not a wait-and-see situation.

## What to Write Down Before You Call the Vet

Having clear information ready makes the call faster and more useful. Write these down before you dial.

- How many episodes of diarrhea in the last 24 hours. Count each one.
- When the diarrhea started. Give the date and approximate time.
- What the stool looks like. Color, consistency, presence of blood or mucus.
- Whether your dog vomited, and how many times.
- What your dog ate in the last 48 hours. Include treats, table scraps, chews, and anything found outside.
- Whether your dog has other signs like lethargy, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain.
- Your dog's age, breed, and weight.
- Any medications or supplements your dog takes.
- Any known medical conditions.
- Whether your dog is up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention.

## What a Veterinary Visit Usually Involves

Your veterinarian will start with a history. They will ask many of the questions above. Then they will perform a physical exam. This includes feeling the abdomen, listening to the heart and lungs, checking the gums, and taking a temperature. You cannot do these things at home, and a remote consultation cannot do them either.

**Common tests your vet may recommend:**

- Fecal examination to check for parasites like giardia, coccidia, or worms.
- Bloodwork to assess hydration, organ function, and electrolyte balance.
- A parvovirus test for puppies or unvaccinated dogs.
- X-rays or ultrasound if a blockage or foreign object is suspected.
- A fecal culture or PCR panel to identify bacterial or viral causes.

**What drives the cost up or down.** A simple exam with a fecal check might cost in the range of $100 to $250. Bloodwork adds roughly $100 to $300. Imaging like X-rays or ultrasound can add $200 to $600 or more. Hospitalization with IV fluids for severe dehydration or parvovirus can run into the thousands. These are general ranges only. Prices vary widely by region and clinic. Always ask for an estimate before agreeing to tests. Your veterinarian should explain why each test is recommended and what it will change about treatment.

## When an Online Vet Can Help, and When It Cannot

Every situation in this article that involves blood in stool, black stool, vomiting, lethargy, collapse, a painful abdomen, a known toxin, or a suspected blockage requires hands-on care. Do not use a remote consultation for these. Go to an emergency clinic. The same applies to puppies under six months with diarrhea and any dog that cannot keep water down. Remote care cannot save time in these cases. It only delays treatment.

A remote consultation is genuinely useful for an early or mild presentation. If your dog had one loose stool and is acting fine, an online vet can help you decide whether to watch at home. If your dog has been on a bland diet for two days and is improving, a video recheck can confirm you are on the right track. If you are unsure whether a sign warrants a visit, a remote vet can help you sort it out. If your dog started a new medication and developed loose stool, a remote consult can address a possible side effect. For a chronic condition like inflammatory bowel disease, a follow-up between in-person visits can work well.

A remote veterinarian can take a history, look at visible signs on video, advise on home care, and in many states prescribe medication. But they cannot palpate the abdomen, listen to the chest, take a temperature, run bloodwork, or image anything. Prescribing rules differ by state. A veterinarian may require an in-person examination before prescribing certain drugs. That is a legal and safety requirement, not an inconvenience. If a remote vet says you need to come in, believe them. The American Veterinary Medical Association provides guidance on recognizing emergencies and working with your veterinarian, and the American Animal Hospital Association offers resources on what to expect during veterinary visits. Use remote care for what it is good at, and use in-person care for what it is not.

## Common Mistakes Owners Make With Dog Diarrhea

Many well-meaning owners make the same errors. Knowing them can save you worry and help your dog recover faster.

**Mistake: Waiting too long when blood appears.** Bright red blood in diarrhea is alarming, but it does not always mean an emergency. However, blood combined with dark, tarry stool, vomiting, or weakness can signal internal bleeding. If you see blood with any other concerning sign, seek emergency care immediately. The American Veterinary Medical Association lists uncontrolled bleeding and sudden weakness as reasons for immediate professional care.

**Mistake: Giving human anti-diarrhea medication.** Never give your dog a human medication without a veterinarian's instruction. Some human drugs are toxic to dogs. Even safe classes of drugs require a precise dose based on your dog's weight and health. Dosing must come from the treating veterinarian. What helps one dog can harm another.

**Mistake: Withholding water to "dry things up."** Diarrhea causes fluid loss. Restricting water risks dehydration. Always keep fresh water available unless your veterinarian tells you otherwise.

**Mistake: Assuming a normal appetite means nothing is wrong.** A dog that eats eagerly but has diarrhea can still have parasites, a dietary sensitivity, or an infection. Appetite is one clue, not a clean bill of health.

**Mistake: Returning to regular food too quickly.** The gut needs time to heal. A sudden switch back to normal meals can restart the diarrhea.

| Common Mistake | Better Action |
| --- | --- |
| Giving human medication | Call your vet for guidance, never self-dose |
| Withholding water | Offer fresh water frequently |
| Waiting days with blood present | Call your vet the same day, or go to emergency care if other signs appear |
| Switching foods abruptly | Transition gradually over several days |
| Ignoring repeated episodes | Keep a log and share it with your vet |

## How To Reduce the Chance of It Happening Again

Prevention starts with what goes into your dog's mouth. Many diarrhea cases come from scavenging, sudden diet changes, or eating something spoiled. Keep trash secured and watch your dog on walks. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center notes that many household items, from certain plants to human foods, can cause gastrointestinal upset. Know what is toxic and keep those items out of reach.

Feed a consistent, high-quality diet. If you must change food, do it slowly over five to seven days, mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old. Avoid table scraps, especially fatty foods, which can trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas.

Keep parasite prevention current. Intestinal worms are a common cause of diarrhea, especially in puppies. Regular fecal checks and preventive medications reduce this risk. The American Animal Hospital Association emphasizes routine preventive care as the foundation of lifelong health.

Reduce stress where you can. Some dogs get diarrhea from anxiety, such as during travel or boarding. If your dog is prone to stress-related upset, talk to your vet about management strategies before the stressful event.

## What Recovery Usually Looks Like

Most uncomplicated diarrhea resolves within 24 to 48 hours with supportive care. If your dog is acting normal, eating well, and hydrated, improvement often comes quickly. You should see stool firmness increase gradually, not all at once.

For mild cases, a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken and plain white rice, fed in small portions, can help settle the gut. Your veterinarian may recommend this or a prescription gastrointestinal diet. Feed small meals several times a day instead of one large meal.

If diarrhea lasts beyond three days, or if it stops and then returns, a veterinary visit is needed. The MSD Veterinary Manual Pet Owner Version notes that persistent diarrhea can indicate underlying conditions that require diagnosis and treatment. Testing may include fecal exams, blood work, or imaging.

Recovery from a more serious cause, such as an infection or inflammatory bowel disease, takes longer. Your vet will give you a specific timeline. Expect follow-up visits to confirm the problem has resolved. Some dogs need a prescription diet for weeks or months.

Watch for relapse. If your dog improves and then worsens, call your vet. This pattern can signal a partial blockage or a condition that needs more aggressive treatment.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**My dog has diarrhea but is acting completely normal. Should I still worry?**
A single episode in an otherwise bright, playful, eating dog is usually not an emergency. Monitor the next few stools and keep water available. If diarrhea continues past two or three episodes, or if your dog's energy drops, call your vet. Acting normal is reassuring, but it does not rule out parasites or a dietary issue. If you see blood, vomiting, or signs of pain, do not wait.

**How many days of diarrhea is too many?**
Three days is the general cutoff. Diarrhea lasting longer than 72 hours warrants a veterinary visit, even if your dog seems fine. Chronic diarrhea can lead to dehydration and nutrient loss. Your vet can test for parasites, infections, or food sensitivities. If diarrhea is severe, frequent, or accompanied by vomiting, do not wait three days.

**What does bloody diarrhea mean in a dog?**
Bright red blood often means irritation in the lower intestine or colon. It can come from stress, dietary indiscretion, or infections. Dark, tarry stool suggests bleeding higher in the digestive tract and is more serious. Any blood combined with vomiting, weakness, or pale gums is an emergency. Call your vet the same day for any bloody diarrhea.

**Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol or Imodium?**
No. These human medications can be dangerous for dogs. Some contain ingredients toxic to pets, and dosing is difficult to determine without a veterinary exam. Your vet can prescribe a safe medication at the correct dose for your dog's weight and condition. Never guess with human drugs.

**Should I fast my dog when they have diarrhea?**
Fasting is no longer routinely recommended. Many veterinarians now advise small, frequent meals of a bland diet instead. Withholding food can slow healing and cause other issues. Always provide water. If your dog refuses food for more than 24 hours, contact your vet.

**When should I go to the emergency vet instead of waiting for my regular clinic?**
Go to emergency care if your dog has repeated vomiting, cannot keep water down, has dark or profuse bloody diarrhea, shows signs of severe pain, collapses, or has pale gums. Also seek emergency care if you suspect your dog ate something toxic or a foreign object. The AVMA provides guidance on recognizing these urgent situations. When in doubt, call an emergency clinic for advice.

## Related Clinical & Scientific Guides

* [Dog Coughing: When Is It an Emergency?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-coughing-when-emergency)
* [My Dog Ate a CBD Gummy: What Should I Do?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-ate-cbd-gummy)
* [Cat Vomiting After Eating Too Fast: When to Slow Down and When to Call](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/cat-vomiting-after-eating-too-fast)


## References and Further Reading

- [AVMA Emergency Care for Pets](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/emergencycare)
- [ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control)
- [AVMA Pet Owner Resources](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners)
- [MSD Veterinary Manual Pet Owner Version](https://www.msdvetmanual.com/pet-owners)
- [AAHA Pet Owner Resources](https://www.aaha.org/for-pet-parents/)

## Related Articles

- [Dog Limping: When to See a Vet and When to Wait](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-limping-when-to-see-vet)
- [Dog Constipation: When to See a Vet](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-constipation-when-to-see-vet)
- [Dog Skin Rash: When to See a Vet and When to Wait](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-skin-rash-when-to-see-vet)
- [Dog Urinating More Often: When to See a Vet and When to Wait](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-urinating-more-often)
- [Dog Coughing and Gagging: When to See a Vet](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-coughing-and-gagging)

> This article is general educational information for pet owners. It is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, examination, or treatment. If your pet is showing severe or rapidly worsening signs, contact an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.