Both vomiting and diarrhea are common issues that our Manchester vets see in dogs and cats. We are here to tell you about the numerous causes and how to help your pet feel better.
Why Your Cat Or Dog Might Be Vomiting Or Have Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of inflamed, irritated stomach and intestines, or gastrointestinal upset.
As unpleasant as it can be to see and hear, vomiting is your pet's way of emptying their stomach of indigestible material to prevent it from getting further into their system.
Diarrhea often occurs when that indigestible material makes its way fully through your dog’s digestive system, anywhere along the intestinal tract.
What Can Cause Pets To Vomit or Have Diarrhea?
There are many possible causes for both of these conditions, including viruses and parasites, a reaction to eating something bad, or something more serious like cancer or organ problems (such as kidney failure).
Depending on the severity of your pet's symptoms, your vet is the only one who can make a proper diagnosis after examining your pet.
What To Do If Your Pet Won't Stop Vomiting Or Having Diarrhea
The goal of treatment is aimed at identifying and providing remedies for the underlying cause. This can be as simple as withholding food, or ar complex as surgery.
For Occasional or Infrequent Vomiting
Avoid giving your pet food for at least 12 hours. You can give them up to 3 tablespoons of water every 30 minutes or provide them with ice cubes in the meantime.
After 12 hours, reintroduce the water bowl. Start feeding with a few teaspoons of bland food. If they can keep it down, feed them a little every hour or two.
If the vomiting episodes cease, you can begin feeding them like normal the next day.
For Severe Vomiting
Remove any food that your dog or cat can get into. Inspect your pet for signs of dehydration or shock, including pale skin and gums and abnormal disposition.
For Diarrhea
Never give your dog human medications without consulting your veterinarian. Many over-the-counter medications that work well for people can be toxic to dogs.
If your dog has had one or two runny or soft stools, you may want to give your dog some time to recover by simply fasting for 12 - 24 hours.
A bland diet for a day or two may help to resolve your dog's issue. Plain-cooked white rice with a little chicken and some canned plain pumpkin (not pie filling) may help to make your dog's tummy feel better. Once your dog feels better gradually reintroduce their regular food.
Other things that might help to soothe your dog's upset tummy include natural yogurt, probiotics, peeled boiled potatoes, cottage cheese, egg with no oil added, specially formulated dog foods, and medications prescribed by your vet.
When it comes to your dog's health it is usually best to err on the side of caution. By taking your dog in for an examination you give your vet the opportunity to determine the underlying cause of your dog's diarrhea and recommend the most effective treatment.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.