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Vomiting And Diarrhea

If vomiting and or diarrhea occurs in your dog or cat, there are some simple things you may try to help your pet recover. In general the situations that will respond well to home therapy, are the cases that are without complications.If your pet shows symptoms with complications, home aid is more likely to fail, and resorting to veterinary care first is advised.

The following are complicating factors you should evaluate before attempting treatment of your pet at home:

  • Fever: 101-102 F is the normal rectal temperature in cats and dogs
  • Very young , very old, diabetic, or chronically debilitated animals; nursing or pregnant pets
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dehydration ( dry mouth and gums, poor skin tone)
  • Pale mucus membranes ( gums and surrounding eye tissues should be pink)
  • Difficulty exchanging air when breathing
  • Prolonged vomiting or diarrhea ( not just one or two bouts)
  • Suspected toxin ingestion like antifreeze, rat bait, medications, toxic plants etc.
  • Severe bleeding
  • A rapid decline in the pets attitude
  • Central nervous system signs like staggering, seizure, weakness

    • If these complications are not present, then try these simple techniques:

    • Withhold water if vomiting for a half day and resume with small amounts or ice chips once vomiting has subsided. Don't let patients initially guzzle large amounts. With diarrhea only, drinking water is fine.
    • Fast the animal; skip at least one or two meals. A chance to feed the problem is just the opposite of our goal and is counterproductive for a resolution. They won't starve to death!
    • You may try human anti-diarrhea medications that are over the counter like kaopectate or Imodium A/D. Just scale them appropriately to the animal's size.
    • When vomiting has stopped and diarrhea has diminished, you may start the animal back on water. If there is no vomiting, you may try small bland meals. Don't force the animal to eat or drink! A little plain starch; cooked rice, potato, or noodles generally are a good test feed. Don't add hamburger to make them eat with more vigor! This may cause diarrhea! If you have to, flavor the starches with a little soup broth, low fat cottage cheese, or turkey baby food. If your animal isn't interested in eating they're telling you something, DON'T EAT YET IT'S TO SOON!
    • If all this fails, and reoccurrences are evident, you now have a prolonged complicated condition and your pet needs to see the doctor.