We’ve all been there—your dog or cat has an upset stomach, and you’re left wondering whether it’s something that will pass or if a trip to the vet is necessary. Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms in pets, but when should these seemingly minor issues warrant a visit to the vet?

At Mission Veterinary Clinic in Granada Hills, CA, we frequently see pets with gastrointestinal problems, and our veterinary team is well-equipped to handle cases of vomiting and diarrhea. Let’s explore when you should seek urgent care for your pet and why acting quickly can make a difference.

Common Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea in Pets

Pets can experience vomiting and diarrhea for a wide variety of reasons. Some causes are minor and may resolve on their own, while others require immediate medical attention. Here are a few common reasons why pets may experience these symptoms:

  • Dietary Indiscretion: Pets love to eat things they shouldn’t, from table scraps to garbage. This is often referred to as dietary indiscretion and can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
  • Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause vomiting and diarrhea, particularly in younger or unvaccinated pets.
  • Toxins or Poisons: Ingesting household chemicals, poisonous plants, or human medications can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress and requires immediate veterinary attention.
  • Food Allergies: Some pets have food allergies or intolerances that may cause recurrent vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Underlying Conditions: Conditions such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even certain types of cancer can present as vomiting and diarrhea.

While some cases are mild, other times these symptoms can be a sign of something more serious.

When Vomiting and Diarrhea Are Emergencies

So, how do you know when vomiting or diarrhea has escalated from a minor issue to an emergency? Here are some signs that it’s time to bring your pet to Mission Veterinary Clinic for urgent care:

  1. Blood in Vomit or Stool
    If you notice blood in your pet’s vomit or stool, it’s time to seek veterinary care right away. Blood can be a sign of internal bleeding, ulcers, or other serious conditions.
  2. Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea
    Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours is a red flag. Chronic symptoms can lead to severe dehydration and signal an underlying condition that requires treatment.
  3. Lethargy or Weakness
    If your pet seems unusually tired, weak, or unresponsive in addition to vomiting or diarrhea, this is a sign that their body may be struggling to cope. Immediate veterinary intervention is needed to prevent complications.
  4. Inability to Keep Down Water
    When your pet can’t even hold down water, it’s time to visit the vet. This can quickly lead to dehydration, which is dangerous and can cause organ damage if not addressed promptly.
  5. Severe Dehydration
    Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, dry gums, and skin that doesn’t snap back into place when pinched. Dehydration can happen quickly in pets, especially with persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
  6. Ingestion of Toxins
    If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic (such as chocolate, household cleaners, or human medications), it’s critical to bring them in right away. Time is of the essence when treating toxin ingestion.

Why Prompt Care Is Important

Vomiting and diarrhea aren’t just uncomfortable for your pet—they can also lead to dangerous complications if left untreated. One of the most significant risks is dehydration, which can affect your pet’s organs and overall health. Pets, especially small dogs, puppies, and kittens, are more prone to rapid dehydration due to their smaller body size.

At Mission Veterinary Clinic, we’re prepared to handle cases of vomiting and diarrhea with fast, compassionate care. Whether your pet needs fluids, medications to calm their stomach, or diagnostic tests to identify an underlying cause, our team is here to help.

What to Expect at Your Vet Visit

When you bring your pet in for vomiting or diarrhea, our veterinary team will:

  1. Assess Symptoms: We’ll evaluate your pet’s condition, check for signs of dehydration, and perform a thorough physical exam.
  2. Run Diagnostic Tests: If necessary, we may perform blood work, stool analysis, or imaging (like X-rays or ultrasounds) to identify the underlying cause of the symptoms. If possible, bring some of your pet’s most recent stool with you.
  3. Provide Treatment: Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include fluid therapy to combat dehydration, medications to control vomiting or diarrhea, dewormers, probiotics, or antibiotics if an infection is present. Some more severe cases may be due to causes that need to be treated by surgery, like in the case of a foreign body.

How to Help Your Pet at Home

If your pet is showing mild symptoms, there are a few steps you can take before bringing them to Mission Veterinary Clinic:

  • Withhold Food for a Few Hours: Allow your pet’s stomach to rest by withholding food for 12-24 hours. However, make sure they have access to water to prevent dehydration.
  • Offer Bland Food: After the vomiting or diarrhea subsides, you can offer small amounts of bland food, like boiled chicken and rice.
  • Monitor for Changes: Keep a close eye on your pet. If the symptoms persist or worsen, seek veterinary care immediately.

Vomiting and diarrhea are common issues in pets, but they can sometimes indicate a more serious condition that requires urgent care. If your pet’s symptoms persist, become severe, or are accompanied by other warning signs like lethargy or blood, don’t wait—bring them to Mission Veterinary Clinic in Granada Hills for prompt care.

Our team is ready to help your pet feel better and get back to their happy, healthy self. For more information on urgent care for pets, visit our emergency services page.