Although it can be common in many pets, vomiting and diarrhea should never be ignored. Just as with humans, diarrhea and vomiting can be symptoms of a serious condition. At Valley Veterinary Hospital in Helena, MT, we can help determine if you pet’s issue is coming from an underlying condition. We also offer emergency vet care if case your cat or dog ever needs urgent care. There are several important things to know about vomiting and diarrhea in pets.
When to Be Concerned About Pet Vomit
At times, it's hard to judge whether your dog or cat's vomiting is routine regurgitation or if it's something that needs to be seen by our veterinarian. We can help you determine when it’s time to bring your pet to our animal hospital.
Cats
Cats vomit for a variety of reasons, from hairballs to having gulped down their food or ingested grass. If none of these are the case, your kitty may have nibbled on a poisonous flower or some type of toxic substance. It may also be exhibiting signs of diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease. Either of these warrants a veterinary evaluation.
Dogs
Dogs are often guilty of eating first and thinking later. Vomiting could be a sign of having eaten human food or something else that upsets your dog’s stomach. However, if you did not see your pet eat anything, it may be vomiting because it has parvovirus, bloat, or has ingested a poisonous or toxic substance, all of which call for emergency veterinary care.
When to Be Concerned About Pet Diarrhea
Whether it's a dog or cat, there are times you should be concerned about pet diarrhea. Occasional loose stool is sometimes normal. It could be a result of your introducing a new brand of food all at once rather than gradually; or your pet having eaten something strange. However, continuous diarrhea is definitely something to keep your eye on. If it continues for more than a day or two, or if it's bloody, it's your pet’s body's way of telling you something is wrong. It could be that your pet ate a toxic or poisonous substance. Diarrhea can also be caused by:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- A food allergy
- An intestinal parasite
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatitis
Prolonged diarrhea can be dangerous for your pet and can cause dehydration. Bring your pet to our animal hospital if it has continuous loose stool.
Schedule Your Pet’s Appointment
While pet diarrhea and vomiting are not fun to deal with, they are often signs of a serious condition. It’s best to catch any health problems early so they do not worsen. At Valley Veterinary Hospital in Helena, MT, our veterinarians can determine what is causing vomiting or diarrhea in your pet. We offer many treatment services and can give your pet urgent care. It’s best not to wait to get veterinary care for your pet, especially because things like poisonous or toxic substances can cause severe damage and even be fatal. Our team of experts is happy to answer any questions you have about caring for your pet. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call us today.