Pets often show signs of gastrointestinal upset through vomiting and diarrhea. There can be multiple causes for these conditions. Our Monte Vista Small Animal Hospital veterinarians have shared important information about these symptoms and what to do if your pet is experiencing them.
Why Is My Cat Or Dog Vomiting Or Having Diarrhea?
If your pet experiences an inflamed or irritated stomach and intestines, vomiting and diarrhea may be common symptoms of gastrointestinal upset.
Although it may be unpleasant, vomiting helps your pet empty its stomach of indigestible material to prevent further complications.
On the other hand, diarrhea can occur when that indigestible material passes through your dog's digestive system along the intestinal tract.
What Is Causing My Pet's Vomiting And Diarrhea?
There are many possible causes for 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 can make a proper diagnosis.
What Should I Do If My Pet Won't Stop Vomiting Or Having Diarrhea?
The ideal approach for treatment is to target the root cause, which may involve withholding food temporarily or more complex measures such as surgery or chemotherapy.
For Occasional or Infrequent Vomiting
To help your pet recover from vomiting, it's best to avoid giving them any food for 12 hours. During this time, you can provide them with up to 3 tablespoons of water every 30 minutes, or offer them ice cubes to lick.
Once the 12 hours have passed, you can reintroduce their water bowl and start feeding them small amounts of bland food, such as a few teaspoons at a time.
f they can keep this down, you can gradually increase the amount of food you give them every hour or two. If the vomiting stops, you can resume their regular feeding schedule 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.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet for an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition.