Anyone with a cat or dog has probably encountered vomiting or diarrhea in their pet. An upset stomach every once in a while isn’t usually an issue, but frequent sickness or severe symptoms could be a cause for concern. How can you tell if your pet needs to visit the veterinarian? Keep an eye out for the following signs of trouble.
If Your Pet is Vomiting
Vomiting in pets can have multiple causes. It could simply be that your pet ate something they weren’t supposed to out of the trash, and it didn’t agree with them. It could also be that your pet is dealing with a more serious problem, such as an infection or an ingested toxin. If your pet’s vomiting is an emergency, you’ll likely notice blood or parasites in their vomit, that the vomiting lasts for more than 12 hours, or that your pet refuses to eat for more than one meal.
If Your Pet Has Diarrhea
Pets can have diarrhea for a few mostly harmless reasons, such as changes to their diet or stress. However, more serious cases of diarrhea could point to a problem. If you notice that your pet’s diarrhea contains blood, lasts for more than a day, or that your pet is feeling too lethargic to walk or stand, you should get professional advice from your veterinarian as quickly as possible.
Contact Your Veterinarian Today
If your pet’s vomiting or diarrhea is in fact an emergency, your veterinarian should be your first call. They have the necessary training and tools to evaluate your pet’s symptoms, run diagnostic tests, and recommend the best course of treatment to get your pet feeling better. If you’re still not sure whether or not you have an emergency on your hands, don’t hesitate to seek care right away to play it safe.
