Vet tips for Diarrhoea and vomiting in puppies and kittens


Diarrhoea and vomiting are the most common reasons Everyday Pet Insurance customers choose to use VetAssist.*

Let’s start with some definitions. Diarrhoea basically means that the stools are watery and can no longer be easily picked up, and vomiting simply describes what happens when stomach contents e.g food or bile is forcefully coming back up the mouth.

Both are symptoms of an unhappy gastrointestinal tract and can be the result of many underlying causes. When these happen together, it’s referred to as gastroenteritis which is stomach and intestinal inflammation.

Some of the underlying causes of gastroenteritis in a puppy or kitten might be:

Infectious disease e.g bacteria, viruses, parasites

Parasites e.g intestinal worms

Poisoning

Gut problems e.g inflammatory bowel disease, intussusception, tumours, obstructions, food intolerance or food allergies

Metabolic disease

Dietary change – there’s a need for gradual transitioning to new foods

Stress induced

Dietary indiscretion – what many pet owners know all too well. Some will eat anything and everything!

 

The response needed will greatly change based on the severity and underlying cause.

 

What do you do if your pet has vomiting or diarrhoea?


Monitor closely

Vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance, even when they’ve only had it for a day. Puppies and kittens can become dehydrated easily, so it’s always better to lean to the side of caution. If your pet is not feeling well and has vomiting and/or diarrhoea, please speak to a Veterinarian immediately (see below).

Take away the food

We don’t want to feed a pet in the early stages of vomiting and diarrhoea for a minimum of 6 hours – sometimes up to 24 hours – it really depends on the age and health of your pet. Having a break allows their tummy to rest which will usually help slow down the vomiting and diarrhoea.

Speak to a Vet

If the diarrhoea and/or vomiting continues or your pet is ill e.g they are lethargic, not eating, unable to keep water down etc, then please seek immediate Veterinary attention. They need help!

Hydration and dietary management

If no vomiting has occurred for six or more hours, frequent small amounts of water or electrolyte solution are needed. You can also introduce small portions of digestible bland food if your pet is keeping liquid down. Speak to a Vet to have the best dietary plan for your pet. The bland food should be given for 3-5 days, followed by a very slow transition to their regular balanced diet. 

Isolate from other pets

In case there’s an infectious cause, we need to isolate the pet from other pets to help contain it. Also, this provides your pet with rest and quiet to aid recovery.

Is this serious? 

Keep an eye out for the symptoms below which would indicate your pet needs to see the local Vet for a hands on examination as soon as possible.

Your pet is unwell – seems tired or is not eating food

They are continually vomiting in a short period, or if they are not drinking or keeping water down

You see blood in the stool or large amounts of mucous and it is becoming more watery

Get to know Dr Claire Jenkins

Written by Dr Claire Jenkins. Claire is a QLD graduate with over 15 years experience as a neighbourhood Veterinarian in Australia and the UK. Animal lover and the founder of Vetchat, born from a passion to help pet carers everywhere access trusted advice earlier, for healthier, happier pets. Grateful to be carer to her beautiful Red-dog.

Dr Claire Image

 

Get a quote in minutes

 

Related articles

Benefits of VetAssist                                      

Cat Image

Using an online vet in Australia

Dr Claire Image

Separation anxiety in pets                                  

Dog Image

Desexing Cats                                                    

Cat Image

Please note: Not all conditions, vet visits and treatments are covered by Everyday Pet Insurance. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for details of coverage.

*According to data from February 2019 to September 2021. Coverage of these items are subject to exclusions and policy

text

† Offer available to new Everyday Pet Insurance policyholders, and is limited to 1 membership per eligible policy. The free membership offer (valued at $199p.a) is from the date of your policy commencement, provided your Everyday Pet Insurance policy remains active. You are not eligible to redeem the free membership subscription for cash or credit. VetAssist is a separate subscription based service to the Everyday Pet Insurance product, and is provided independently by Everyday Insurance third party service provider, VetChat Services Pty Ltd (VetChat). Click here for full VetAssist Service terms and conditions. Everyday Insurance reserves the right to vary or remove this offer at any time and will provide reasonable notice of any such changes.