Vomit and diarrhea are common in pets and are not always cause for concern. However, consistent vomiting and diarrhea may be signs of a serious health condition. The causes of these symptoms vary greatly, so it can be hard to determine if your pet is sick or not.
At Pershing Animal Hospital in Hyde Park, IL, we can help. Our veterinary team will determine if your pet is suffering from a serious health condition. We will provide the proper treatment if necessary. Our veterinarian will also guide you on how to determine if your pet’s vomiting or diarrhea is serious.
Causes of Vomit and Diarrhea in Pets
There are many factors that can cause your pet to get sick or have occasional diarrhea. A common cause is food. When pets eat something that they are not used to, it can upset the stomach. Eating human food may also upset your pet’s stomach. Eating too quickly often causes vomiting or diarrhea as well.
However, other causes are more serious. Pets can suffer from infectious or inflammatory diseases that cause vomiting and diarrhea.
What to Do if Your Pet Vomits or Has Diarrhea
It's inevitable that your animal will experience a bout of vomit or diarrhea every now and then. In most cases it will be an isolated incident. However, you should still monitor your pet while eating, keep a close eye on its behavior, and makes sure it drinks water to avoid dehydration.
When to Call Our Veterinarian
There are certain situations that warrant a pet exam, such as when your pet:
- Vomits several times a day
- Has multiple bouts of diarrhea
- Has bloody vomit or diarrhea, or even tinges of blood
- Refuses to eat or shows a decreased interest in food
- Is lethargic
- Is losing weight
- Is a puppy or kitten
How We Can Help
In order to determine the cause of your pet's vomit and diarrhea, our veterinarian may ask you to bring in a bit of the vomit or feces so we can run tests on it. We can either rule out or provide treatment for intestinal parasites that might be at the root of the gastrointestinal disorder.
Our vet will perform a pet exam to see if your animal is in pain. We may run blood tests to see if there are other causes, like kidney disease. Depending on what we observe, we may take X-rays to look for masses, foreign bodies, or obstructions, and take an ultrasound of the abdominal area to take a closer look at the intestines.
If your pet is sick, we will first ensure that it stays hydrated by giving it an IV. We will provide treatment and medication for any illness your pet is suffering from. Depending on your pet’s condition, we may recommend a change in diet or give you medications for your pet.
Visit Our Veterinarian in Hyde Park, IL
There are many different reasons for pet vomit and diarrhea. If you cannot tell if your pet is sick, we can help. At Pershing Animal Hospital in Hyde Park, IL, our veterinarian will perform a pet exam to determine your pet’s condition. If you have questions about your pet’s vomiting or diarrhea, call us. We are happy to address any concerns you have. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your pet or to learn more.
