Dog & Cat Vomiting & Diarrhea: What You Should Know & Do

Gastrointestinal upset in pets is one of the most common conditions seen by our vets at Animal Emergency Clinic of San Diego. Here, our Poway emergency vets discuss vomiting and diarrhea in cats and dogs.

Why is my cat or dog vomiting or having diarrhea?

Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of inflamed, irritated stomach and intestines, or gastrointestinal upset.

As unpleasant as it is, vomiting is your pet's way of emptying their stomach of indigestible material to prevent it from getting further into their system. 

Diarrhea often occurs when that indigestible material makes its way fully through your dog’s digestive system, anywhere along the intestinal tract.

What is causing my pet's vomiting and diarrhea?

There are many possible causes for these conditions, including viruses and parasites, a reaction to eating something bad, or something more serious like cancer or organ problems (such as kidney failure).

Depending on the severity of your pet's symptoms, your vet can make a proper diagnosis. 

What should I do if my pet won't stop vomiting or having diarrhea?

Ideally, treatment is aimed at the underlying problem and can be as simple as temporarily withholding food or as complex as surgery or chemotherapy.

For occasional or infrequent vomiting

Avoid giving your pet food for 12 hours. You can give them up to 3 tablespoons of water every 30 minutes or provide them with ice cubes in the meantime.

After 12 hours, reintroduce the water bowl. Start feeding with a few teaspoons of bland food. If they can keep it down, feed them a little every hour or two.

If the vomiting stops, you can begin feeding them, as usual, the next day.

For severe vomiting in cats and dogs

Remove any food that your dog or cat can get into. Inspect your pet for signs of dehydration or shock, including pale skin and gums and abnormal disposition.

If your dog or cat can't stop vomiting or having diarrhea, contact our Poway emergecny veterinary hospital right away.