Understanding Vomiting and Diarrhea in Pets

Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea in Pets

Vomiting and diarrhea are common in pets but can signal an underlying health issue. At VetCheck Urgent Pet Care Center in Georgetown, we treat gastrointestinal emergencies quickly to prevent further complications. Some common causes include:

1. Dietary Indiscretion: Eating spoiled food, garbage, or foreign objects can upset your pet's stomach.
2. Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause gastrointestinal distress.
3. Toxins: Ingesting toxic substances, including household chemicals or poisonous plants, can trigger vomiting and diarrhea.
4. Food Allergies or Intolerance: Some pets may react poorly to certain ingredients, leading to digestive problems.
5. Underlying Illnesses: Conditions like pancreatitis, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal blockages can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Signs Your Pet Needs Urgent Care

While occasional digestive issues may resolve on their own, persistent or severe symptoms require veterinary attention. Seek urgent care if your pet exhibits:

• Continuous vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Lethargy, weakness, or collapse
• Dehydration (e.g., dry gums, sunken eyes)
• Abdominal pain or bloating

What to Do If Your Pet Has Vomiting or Diarrhea

If your pet shows signs of gastrointestinal distress, follow these steps:

1. Withhold Food Temporarily: Remove food for 12 hours (for adult pets) to allow their stomach to settle.
2. Provide Fresh Water: Ensure your pet stays hydrated but avoid overdrinking.
3. Contact VetCheck Urgent Pet Care Center: Seek professional help if symptoms persist or worsen.

How VetCheck Urgent Pet Care Center Treats Vomiting and Diarrhea

Our urgent care team quickly assesses and treats gastrointestinal issues to ease your pet’s discomfort. Our treatments may include:

• Fluid Therapy: To rehydrate and restore electrolyte balance.
• Diagnostic Testing: Bloodwork and imaging to identify underlying causes.
• Medications: Anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medications to relieve symptoms.
• Supportive Care: Nutritional support and monitoring for continued recovery.

Preventing Vomiting and Diarrhea in Pets

You can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal emergencies with these preventive measures:

• Avoid feeding table scraps or unfamiliar foods.
• Keep toxic substances and small objects out of reach.
• Maintain regular veterinary checkups for early detection of health issues.

When to Seek Urgent Care for Vomiting and Diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea can quickly escalate to life-threatening conditions. If your pet shows signs of severe gastrointestinal distress, don’t delay—contact VetCheck Georgetown at (512) 369-5515 or visit us at 5731 Williams Drive Suite B105,Georgetown, TX 78633 immediately. Our team is here to provide compassionate, expert care to help your pet recover safely.