Vomiting and Diarrhea in Dogs and Cats
An occasional upset stomach can happen to any pet, but repeated vomiting or diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration and may signal a more serious problem. At The Pet Clinic, our veterinarians use in-house diagnostics to find the cause of gastrointestinal upset and get pets in Omaha, NE feeling better fast.
Common Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal signs can have many causes, ranging from mild to life-threatening:
- Dietary indiscretion, such as eating garbage, table scraps or spoiled food
- Sudden diet changes
- Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, giardia and coccidia
- Viral or bacterial infections, including parvovirus in unvaccinated puppies
- Swallowed toys, socks or bones (foreign body ingestion)
- Food allergies and inflammatory bowel disease
- Pancreatitis, often after a fatty meal
- Kidney disease, liver disease and other internal illness
- Stress, which commonly causes diarrhea in dogs and cats
When to Call Your Veterinarian
Contact us right away if your pet:
- Vomits more than once or twice in a day
- Has blood in the vomit or stool, or black, tarry stool
- Is lethargic, weak or refuses food
- Has a painful or bloated belly
- Is a puppy, kitten, senior or has other health problems
- May have swallowed an object, medication or toxin
How We Diagnose GI Problems
A sick visit begins with a full physical exam and a detailed history of what your pet may have eaten. Fecal testing, bloodwork and parvovirus testing in our in-house laboratory provide answers within minutes. When we need to look deeper, digital X-rays and ultrasound help us identify obstructions, pancreatitis and organ disease. For chronic cases, endoscopy allows us to collect intestinal biopsies without open surgery.
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment depends on the cause and may include fluids to correct dehydration, anti-nausea medication, deworming, probiotics and a bland or prescription diet. Pets with severe illness may be hospitalized for IV fluids and monitoring in our calm, enriched hospital environment. Long-term diet plans are available through nutritional counseling, and staying current on vaccines and parasite control prevents many of the most dangerous causes. See all conditions we treat.
Pet Vomiting and Diarrhea FAQs
When is vomiting in a pet an emergency?
Seek care right away if your pet vomits repeatedly, has blood in the vomit, seems weak or painful, has a bloated belly, or may have swallowed an object or toxin.
What should I feed my pet after an upset stomach?
Your veterinarian may recommend a bland or prescription gastrointestinal diet in small, frequent meals. Do not change diets without guidance if signs continue.
Can stress cause diarrhea in pets?
Yes. Boarding, travel, new pets and other changes commonly cause stress colitis, which often appears as soft stool with mucus.
Why is my cat vomiting hairballs so often?
Frequent hairballs or vomiting can be a sign of underlying gastrointestinal disease rather than normal grooming, so persistent vomiting should be evaluated.
Do intestinal parasites cause diarrhea?
Yes. Roundworms, hookworms, giardia and coccidia are common causes, especially in puppies and kittens. A fecal test identifies them.
How do you diagnose chronic vomiting or diarrhea?
We use bloodwork, fecal testing, X-rays, ultrasound and, when needed, endoscopic biopsies to identify conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
Can I give my pet over-the-counter stomach medication?
Some human medications are unsafe or require specific doses for pets. Call us before giving any medication.
Help for Your Pet’s Upset Stomach
If your pet has ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, call The Pet Clinic at (402) 330-3096 or request an appointment in Omaha, NE .