Pets can't tell us when they are not feeling well, so it can come as a bit of a shock when we suddenly find them vomiting or experiencing diarrhea. But when is it time to actually be concerned? Our caring team at Mauston Pet Hospital receives a lot of concerned calls from pet owners about these issues, and the good news is that the vast majority of animal gastrointestinal cases are not cause for worry. Here's what you need to know about vomit and diarrhea and how to know if your pet requires veterinary attention.
Vomiting and Diarrhea Often Have Innocent Causes
In the majority of cases, both vomit and diarrhea in pets are because they ate something they shouldn't have. If the incident is brief, does not reoccur, and your pet's appetite and thirst do not appear to be disrupted, then your pet should be alright. It's also worth mentioning that some pets, especially dogs, get so excited that they vomit. Motion sickness can also cause a quick bout of vomiting in pets.
In all of these cases, your pet should not be too hindered by vomiting or experiencing diarrhea, and as long as there are no other symptoms that cause concern. However, it is a good idea to not let your pet eat again or drink water right away, as its recently upset gastrointestinal tract needs to calm down first.
When it is Cause for Concern
One of the biggest indicators that you need to bring your pet to the veterinarian is that your pet’s vomit or diarrhea keeps happening. More than a few times in rapid succession or even within a day can be cause for concern. In addition, any of the following signs indicate you should bring your pet in for veterinary care:
- Other symptoms are present. Your pet is acting sluggish or behaving strangely, he keeps scratching at himself, etc.
- Your pet keeps whining or making other noises of distress.
- You can see blood. Blood does not automatically mean health problems in an animal, but it is a good idea to take caution.
- You see portions of an object or odd shapes. Your pet may need a veterinarian to intervene and remove the rest of a foreign object he has consumed.
- You are aware that he ate something dangerous.
Don't Wait to Contact Our Veterinarian Near Wisconsin Dells
Our team at Mauston Pet Hospital is here to help. We are located in Mauston but are known as a reliable, caring veterinarian near Wisconsin Dells, serving the entire region. Give us a call at (608) 847-6024 to schedule an appointment or for more information about gastrointestinal distress.