Vomiting and diarrhea in pets: when to see a vet
The pet is sick and you do not know whether to wait or go? Vomiting and diarrhoea can come from something eaten outside, stress, infection, poisoning or chronic disease.
When you can observe
A single vomit in an otherwise active dog or cat that still drinks and behaves normally sometimes passes. Do not restrict water unless a vet says so.
When to go to the vet immediately
Repeated vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, strong lethargy, refusal to drink, bloated abdomen, suspected poisoning, puppies and kittens, senior animals — do not wait.
What not to do at home
Do not give human anti-vomit or anti-diarrhoea medicines. Do not force food. Do not use alcohol-based home remedies.
What to tell the vet
When it started, what was eaten, access to the street or plants, other symptoms, when the last stool and urination were.
Common questions
Can I skip one meal?
Sometimes a vet suggests a short food pause for dogs, but prolonged fasting is dangerous for cats. The vet decides.
Diarrhoea for a day — already run to the clinic?
If the animal is active, drinking, without blood or other red flags, you can call the clinic for advice. If it worsens — go at once.
Hairball vomiting in cats — is it the same?
Hairballs can be separate, but frequent vomiting still needs assessment.
You can find vets in the Petty catalogue.
Places and specialists in the Petty directory:
Veterinary