Vomiting and diarrhea are common reasons pet owners bring their pets to 108 Avenue Animal Hospital. While sometimes these symptoms are caused by a minor stomach upset, they can also be signs of more serious underlying health issues. Understanding when to monitor at home and when to seek veterinary care is essential for keeping your pet safe and healthy.
Common Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea
Pets can experience gastrointestinal upset for many reasons, including:
- Dietary indiscretion: Eating garbage, spoiled food, or foreign objects
- Sudden diet changes: Switching foods too quickly can upset the stomach
- Food sensitivities or allergies: Certain ingredients may trigger chronic issues
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections
- Medications: Some drugs can irritate the digestive tract
- Underlying conditions: Pancreatitis, kidney or liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer
Even mild symptoms can indicate an underlying problem if they persist.
Signs That Warrant Attention
While occasional vomiting or soft stool may resolve on their own, you should watch for the following signs:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or unusual behavior
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Repeated episodes over several days
These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that requires veterinary intervention.
When Home Care Is Appropriate
If your pet has mild, one-time vomiting or diarrhea but is otherwise active and alert, you can try:
- Withholding food for 12–24 hours (shorter for cats) to allow the stomach to settle
- Providing small amounts of water frequently to prevent dehydration
- Reintroducing a bland diet gradually, such as boiled chicken and rice
However, if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours for dogs or 12 hours for cats, contact your veterinarian.
How Veterinarians Diagnose the Cause
At 108 Avenue Animal Hospital, we use a thorough approach to determine the cause:
- Physical examination: Checking hydration, pain, and overall health
- Bloodwork and urine tests: Detecting organ or metabolic issues
- Fecal testing: Identifying parasites or infections
- Imaging: X-rays or ultrasound to check for obstructions or structural problems
Accurate diagnosis allows us to create a treatment plan that addresses the root cause rather than just the symptoms.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Medications to control vomiting or diarrhea
- Fluid therapy for dehydration
- Dietary adjustments or prescription diets
- Surgery for obstructions or severe conditions
Early treatment prevents complications and helps your pet recover more quickly.
Preventing Future Gastrointestinal Upset
- Feed a consistent, high-quality diet
- Avoid giving table scraps or access to garbage
- Introduce dietary changes gradually
- Keep hazardous foods and chemicals out of reach
- Schedule regular veterinary check-ups for early detection
The Bottom Line
Vomiting or diarrhea is not always “just a stomach bug.” Persistent or severe symptoms can signal serious health issues. Timely veterinary care is the key to keeping your pet safe and healthy.
Call 108 Avenue Animal Hospital at +1 (604) 581-1108 if your pet shows ongoing vomiting, diarrhea, or any concerning digestive symptoms. Our team is here to provide diagnosis, treatment, and guidance for lasting digestive health.