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Vomit and Diarrhea

It is not uncommon for pets to vomit or diarrhea occasionally. If your cat or dog ate something bad, vomiting and diarrhea are normal. Cats tend to vomit when they clean themselves too much and choke on a hairball. However, if your pet is sick for over 24 hours, it needs veterinary care. At Bluegrass Animal Hospital in Knoxville, TN, our veterinarian will determine if your pet is sick and provide the proper treatment.

Vomit and Diarrhea

Causes of Pet Vomit and Diarrhea

Your pet can be vomiting and not have diarrhea, and vice versa. There are several reasons why your pet might have these symptoms. These include:

  • Reaction to food: If your pet ate something that didn't agree with it, it can get an upset stomach, causing vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Stress and anxiety: Your pet's stomach can get upset when it is stressed out or has anxiety, causing it to have diarrhea or vomit.
  • Toxic substances: If your pet ingests something toxic, vomiting and diarrhea are the first symptoms. It is not uncommon for there to be blood in the vomit or the stool.
  • Viruses: An intestinal virus can result in vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Parasites: Parasites, such as roundworms and tapeworms, can cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Organ failure: The first symptoms of kidney and liver failure are vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Intestine issues: If your pet has an intestinal obstruction or twisted bowel, vomiting and diarrhea are common.

What to Do if Your Pet Is Vomiting or Has Diarrhea

If your pet is vomiting or has diarrhea, it is best to keep it away from food and water to give the stomach a chance to settle. When the symptoms have ceased, you can start giving your pet small amounts of food and water. It is best to start with bland foods, such as chicken and rice and a limited amount of water. If your pet is able to hold this food down, you can start giving it small amounts of regular food.

If your pet cannot hold bland food and water down, you should schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.

Why Are Vomiting and Diarrhea Dangerous?

If your pet is vomiting or has diarrhea for over 24 hours, it can become dehydrated and will need IV fluids to stay hydrated. If the problem persists, our vet will need to examine your pet to determine the cause of its gastrointestinal issues. If the issue is due to toxic substances, a virus, a parasite, organ failure, or intestinal issues, our vet will provide the proper treatment for the condition.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian in Knoxville, TN Today

If your pet is vomiting or has diarrhea for over 24 hours, contact our vet. These symptoms could indicate a serious health issue in your pet. At Bluegrass Animal Hospital in Knoxville, TN, our veterinarian will examine your pet and provide treatment. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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Monday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

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