My pet vomits or has diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms in dogs and cats. They are not an illness in themselves, but a sign that something is disturbing your pet's digestive system. In most cases, it's a benign, transient condition, but there are situations that require prompt veterinary consultation.

What is vomiting? What about diarrhea?

Vomiting: the active expulsion of stomach contents, often preceded by nausea, salivation and even visible abdominal movements.
Diarrhea: diarrhea occurs when there is an increase in the frequency, quantity or consistency of stools.

It's important to distinguish vomiting from regurgitat, which occurs effortlessly and corresponds to a disorder of the oesophagus.

What are the possible causes?

There are many causes, ranging from benign disorders to more serious conditions:

Common and benign causes:

Sudden dietary change
Ingestion of unsuitable food (table scraps, grass, etc.)
Stress or unusual excitement
Intestinal parasites (especially in young animals)

Causes requiring special attention :

Viral or bacterial infection
Poisoning (plants, drugs, household products, etc.)
Ingested foreign body (toy, bone, string, etc.)
Pancreatitis, liver or kidney failure or other organ failure
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Digestive tumors, especially digestive lymphomas
Regurgitation secondary to brachycephalic syndrome
Anatomical anomalies: hiatal hernia, megaesophagus, pyloric stenosis

When should I consult?

Some situations warrant immediate veterinary consultation:

Persistent vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
Blood in stools or vomit
Refusal to eat or drink
Marked depression, fever, abdominal pain
Rapid weight loss
In very young, elderly or chronically ill animals

What can I do at home if I have mild symptoms?

If there are no signs of seriousness, you can take the following first steps:

Eat small, frequent meals and keep well hydrated. Limit agitation after meals, especially when vomiting.
Deworm your pet regularly according to your vet's recommendations.
Monitor progress: if symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Care adapted to each case

At the Agoravet clinic, our vets have all the tools they need to make a precise diagnosis: blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, and specific examinations in cases of suspected intoxication or chronic disease.

Certain conditions may require staged intestinal biopsies or biopsies of abdominal organs. These samples are usually taken surgically.

Depending on the cause, a suitable treatment is put in place to provide rapid relief for your companion.

In a nutshell

Vomiting and diarrhea are frequent complaints, but not to be neglected. Careful monitoring and prompt treatment usually lead to recovery without sequelae.

Don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian if your pet develops digestive symptoms.