Vomiting and diarrhoea aren’t a comfortable topic for humans so it can be difficult dealing with these issues with our beloved pets. Luckily we have some information on how to deal with these uncomfortable situations so your pet (and you) can start feeling better soon.

Tummy troubles
 
 

Vomiting

Pet+vomiting+and+when+to+see+the+vet

Why do pets vomit?

Pets may vomit because they have eaten too fast, snacked on something disagreeable or munched on too much grass. Vomiting is a natural way for pets to purge items they feel cannot be digested. In these instances your pet normally vomits once and then continues on with normal bowel movements and eating habits.

However chronic, acute or sudden vomiting can also be a sign of something more serious such as swallowing foreign objects, eating something toxic, internal parasites, food allergies, heat stroke and disease conditions.

Most of these conditions are treatable, especially if they are addressed early. The majority of these issues causing chronic, acute or sudden vomiting will not go away so its important to seek veterinary attention to treat the cause.

Pet vomiting and when to see the vet

When is it time to see the vet?

“If your pet is vomiting multiple times in a day or more than one day in a row, it is important to get in touch with your vet“.

You should also seek veterinary attention if your notice any of the following symptoms with your pets vomiting:

  • Blood in vomit or stools

  • Loss of appetite

  • Diarrhoea

  • If your pet is a puppy or kitten      

  • Vomiting with other symptoms such as fever, panting, lethargy

  • Abdominal pain

  • Suspected foreign body or poison ingestion

  • Pale or white gums

If your pet displays any of these symptoms or if you are unsure if your pet’s vomiting requires further attention, please get in touch with us on 03 8784 4444.

Pet vomiting and when to see the vet

Useful information to tell your vet

Its important to inform your vet of anything that you are aware of that could have contributed to your pet’s condition. Some useful information to provide your vet can include:

  • How often your pet is vomiting

  • What & when was their last meal

  • What their vomit looks like

  • If your pet also has diarrhoea or any other symptoms

  • Suspected foreign body or poison ingestion


 

Diarrhoea

Pet with diarrhoea and when to see the vet

Why do pets get diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is loose, watery bowel movements that may occur frequently or with a sense of urgency. Diarrhoea is a common pet problem, but can also be caused by more serious health issues. Some of the common causes of diarrhoea in pets include:

  • Dietary indiscretions (snacking on something disagreeable)

  • Sudden change in diet without transition period

  • Dietary allergies or intolerances

  • Parasites

  • Foreign body or poison ingestion

  • Bacterial or viral infection

  • Illness or disease

  • Antibiotics or medications

  • Anxiety or stress

Pet with diarrhoea and when to see the vet

When is it time to see the vet?

“If your pet has diarrhoea and is a puppy, kitten, senior or if they have a pre-existing health condition its important to get in touch with your vet“.

These pets can become severely debilitated from fluid and nutrient losses even with mild diarrhoea. You should also seek veterinary attention if your notice any of the following symptoms with your pets diarrhoea:

  • Diarrhoea that lasts for over 48 hours

  • Black tarry stool or bloody diarrhoea

  • Won’t drink

  • Loss of appetite

  • Lethargy

  • Vomiting

  • Fever

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort

If your pet displays any of these symptoms or if you are unsure if your pet’s diarrhoea requires further attention, please get in touch with us on 03 8784 4444.

Many mild cases of diarrhoea can be resolved quickly with simple treatments. Others may be the result of a more serious illness and a series of tests may be required to make a specific diagnosis and develop treatment plan.

Pet with diarrhoea and when to see the vet

Ways to prevent diarrhoea

There are a number of ways to try and prevent your pet from getting diarrhoea:

  • No sudden changes in your pets diet

  • Don’t give your dog bones as toys (firm, rubber chew toys are a better alternative)

  • Don’t let your pet play with small objects that could be accidentally swallowed

  • Don’t feed your pet table scraps

  • Try to prevent your dog from scavenging

  • Keep your pet up to date with vaccinations and parasite control

 
 

It can be difficult to see your pet with an upset stomach or feeling unwell. If you have any concerns about your pets health, please call us on 03 8784 4444.