Vomiting & Diarrhea Treatment for Pets in Tyler, TX
An occasional upset stomach can be minor, but persistent or severe vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration and may signal a serious problem. At Premier Veterinary Hospital, our veterinarians find the cause quickly with in-house diagnostics and provide treatment to get your pet back to feeling like themselves.
Request an AppointmentWhy Pets Develop Vomiting and Diarrhea
Nearly every dog and cat will have an upset stomach at some point. Occasional, mild episodes often resolve on their own, but vomiting and diarrhea can also signal serious illness. Knowing the possible causes and when to seek care helps protect your pet’s health.
Common Causes
- Dietary indiscretion: Getting into the trash, eating table scraps, or sudden diet changes.
- Intestinal parasites: Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and Giardia are common in East Texas. A routine fecal test is part of our parasite prevention program.
- Viral and bacterial infections: Including the life-threatening canine parvovirus.
- Swallowed objects: Toys, socks, and bones can cause a dangerous intestinal blockage.
- Food allergies and sensitivities: Often accompanied by itchy skin. Learn more about pet allergies.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
- Pancreatitis: Often triggered by fatty foods.
- Organ disease: Kidney disease, liver disease, and hormonal disorders can all cause vomiting.
- Toxins: Chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, medications, and household chemicals.
When to Call the Veterinarian
Call us right away at (903) 617-6072 if your pet vomits more than a few times in a day, cannot keep water down, has blood in the vomit or stool, has a swollen or painful belly, is lethargic, has not eaten in 24 hours, or may have swallowed a toxin or object. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets become dehydrated quickly and should be seen sooner. Unproductive retching with a bloated belly in a large-breed dog can indicate bloat, which is a true emergency.
How We Find the Cause
Our veterinarians begin with a physical exam and history. Depending on your pet’s signs, our in-house diagnostics may include fecal testing, parvo testing, bloodwork, urinalysis, digital radiographs, and abdominal ultrasound. For chronic vomiting or diarrhea, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and endoscopic biopsies allow us to examine and sample the lining of the stomach and intestines without open surgery.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and may include anti-nausea medication, dewormers, probiotics, antibiotics when appropriate, and fluid therapy to correct dehydration. A bland or prescription gastrointestinal diet from our nutrition selection helps the digestive tract heal. Pets who are severely dehydrated or unable to keep food down may need hospitalization for IV fluids and monitoring. Pets with chronic conditions like IBD often benefit from long-term dietary management and medication.
Prevention Tips
Transition diets gradually over 7 to 10 days, avoid feeding table scraps, keep trash and toxins secured, supervise chewing, and keep your pet current on deworming and parasite prevention.
Vomiting & Diarrhea FAQs
When is vomiting or diarrhea an emergency?
Seek care right away if your pet vomits repeatedly, has blood in vomit or stool, has a swollen belly, is lethargic, cannot keep water down, or may have eaten something toxic or a foreign object.
Can I give my pet human anti-diarrhea medicine?
Do not give human medications without talking to a veterinarian first. Some are unsafe for pets or can mask a serious problem.
Should I withhold food if my dog is vomiting?
Call us for guidance. Depending on your pet’s age and health, we may recommend a short rest for the stomach followed by a bland diet, but puppies, kittens, and small pets can quickly develop low blood sugar.
What causes chronic diarrhea in pets?
Chronic diarrhea can be caused by parasites, food sensitivities, inflammatory bowel disease, infections, and other conditions. Diagnostic testing helps identify the cause.
Why does my cat vomit hairballs?
Occasional hairballs can be normal, but frequent vomiting in cats is not and can signal inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or other conditions.
Can parasites cause vomiting and diarrhea?
Yes. Intestinal parasites are a common cause, especially in puppies and kittens. Routine fecal testing and deworming help prevent them.
How do you diagnose the cause of vomiting?
We use a physical exam and tests such as bloodwork, fecal analysis, X-rays, ultrasound, and sometimes endoscopy to find the cause.
Is Your Pet Sick to Their Stomach?
Don’t wait if your pet’s vomiting or diarrhea continues. Call (903) 617-6072 to schedule a same-day visit whenever possible.