If your dog or cat is experiencing gastrointestinal upset they may show physical signs of their condition. Our internal medicine veterinarian in Nashua shares the causes of vomiting and diarrhea in pets, what to do and when to seek veterinary care.
Internal Medicine Conditions: Vomiting & Diarrhea
When an animal experiences internal conditions, vomiting or diarrhea is the body's attempt to treat the issue.
Vomiting or diarrhea can happen whether they've ingested a substance or indigestible material, or are experiencing the symptoms of a number of other conditions.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Upset
There are a number of potential causes of vomiting and diarrhea, some of the most common being:
- Reaction to medication
- Ingestion of poisons or toxins
- Pancreatitis
- Heat stroke
- Parasites
- Bacterial or viral infection
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Change in diet
- Bloat
- Serious diseases or illnesses such as cancer
What To Do if Your Cat or Dog is Vomiting
Occasional or Infrequent Vomiting
If your pet occasionally vomits, you should keep them from eating for 12 hours and only give them small amounts of water.
If it's been 12 hours and they are no longer vomiting, you can return the water dish and slowly begin to feed them again, returning to normal portions the next day.
Severe Vomiting
If your dog or cat begins to vomit excessively, you need to remove their food immediately, look for signs of dehydration or shock, and contact our emergency vets.
When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care for Vomiting and Diarrhea
If your pet shows any of the following signs of a serious internal medicine condition, you should contact our veterinarians in Nashua right away for emergency care:
- Blood in stool
- Unusual drooling
- Lack of Appetite
- Weakness
- Signs of dehydration
Veterinary Internal Medicine Services at Animal Medical Center of New England
If your cat or dog is experiencing excessive vomiting, diarrhea or other concerning symptoms that cannot be diagnosed or treated by your family veterinarian, they can be referred to an internal medicine specialist for more advanced care.
At Animal Medical Center of New England, we emphasize a comprehensive, team approach to our cases and work not only with your primary care veterinarian but also with other specialists to ensure the best care for our patients.
Our board-certified animal internal medicine veterinarian in Nashua can conduct comprehensive diagnostic procedures using technology to support our high quality of care.
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.