Vomiting & Diarrhea in Pets That Won't Stop: Causes & What to Do

If your dog or cat is experiencing gastrointestinal upset, they may show physical signs of their condition. Our vets in Los Angeles share the causes of vomiting and diarrhea in pets, as well as what to do and when to seek veterinary care.

Cats or Dogs Experiencing Excessive Vomiting & Diarrhea

When an animal experiences internal conditions, vomiting or diarrhea is the body's attempt to treat the issue.

Vomiting or diarrhea can happen whether they've ingested a substance or indigestible material or are experiencing the symptoms of several other conditions.

Causes of Dog or Cat Diarrhea & Vomiting

There are many potential causes of vomiting and diarrhea, some of the most common being:

Treatment for Cats or Dogs Who Are Vomiting or Have Diarrhea

When it comes to dog or cat diarrhea or vomiting, treatment should address the underlying cause of your pet's condition.

Your vet may recommend that you withhold food from your pooch. In more complex or severe cases, surgery or chemotherapy may be required.

You should always consult your vet on best practices to help your pet first, and never give your dog human medications without first asking your vet. Many over-the-counter medications that work well for people can be toxic to dogs.

Here are some common at-home treatments for vomiting or diarrhea in your pet:

Occasional or Infrequent Vomiting or Diarrhea

If your pet has had one or two soft or runny stools, you may want to allow them some time to recover by withholding food for 12-24 hours.

Putting them on a bland diet for a day or two may help to resolve the issue. You might also consider giving them up to three tablespoons of water every 30 minutes or providing them with ice cubes. After 12 hours, reintroduce the water bowl.

Cooking plain white rice with a bit of chicken and some canned plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) may help to make your pup's tummy feel better. If they can keep it down, feed them a little every hour or two. Once your four-legged companion feels better, you can gradually reintroduce their regular food.

If the vomiting stops, you can begin feeding them, as usual, the next day.

Severe Vomiting or Diarrhea

Remove any food that your dog or cat can get into. Inspect your pet for signs of dehydration or shock, including pale skin, gums, and abnormal disposition.

When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care for Vomiting and Diarrhea

If your pet shows any of the following signs of a serious internal medicine condition, you should contact our veterinarians in Los Angeles right away for emergency care:

• Blood in stool
• Unusual drooling
• Lack of Appetite
• Weakness
• Signs of dehydration

Veterinary Internal Medicine at Mohawk Alley Animal Hospital

If your cat or dog is experiencing excessive vomiting, diarrhea or other concerning symptoms that cannot be diagnosed or treated by your family veterinarian, they can be referred to an internal medicine specialist for more advanced care.

At Mohawk Alley Animal Hospital, we emphasize a comprehensive, team approach to our cases and work with your primary care veterinarian and other specialists to ensure the best care for our patients.

Our veterinarians can conduct comprehensive diagnostic procedures using technology to support our high quality of care.

If your pet needs a procedure or expertise that our in-house team cannot accommodate, we will refer you to an experienced veterinary internal medicine specialist near Los Angeles.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Is your pet showing signs of an internal condition, such as vomiting or diarrhea? Contact our veterinary hospital in Los Angeles. We can diagnose and treat many complex conditions.