When you own pets, it’s important to know what is dangerous to your pet, how to keep them safe, and what to do in case of a medical emergency. In some cases, vomiting and diarrhea do indicate a veterinary emergency–here is how you can tell.
Is There Blood in Your Pet’s Stool or Vomit?
Blood in your pet’s stool or vomit can indicate a serious injury, illness, infection, or disease. You should also check for signs of parasites, worms, toys, or foreign objects in your pets vomit or stool. You should take your pet to a veterinary hospital right away if you notice these signs.
Is Your Pet Straining to Poop?
If your pet is having a hard time pooping and can only manage small amounts of watery diarrhea, that could indicate they have an intestinal blockage. You should take them to a veterinary hospital for an exam and imaging tests.
How Long Has Your Pet Been Ill?
If your pet has only vomited or had diarrhea once, they are likely fine. Keep an eye on them for 24 hours and make sure they have plenty of fresh, clean water. Don’t give them food until 24 hours have passed, and then give them bland food like boiled, skinless chicken. If your pet has been ill more than once in 24 hours, you should take them to the closest veterinary hospital for an examination and testing.
Is Your Pet Dehydrated or Lethargic?
If your pet has other symptoms along with diarrhea and/or vomiting, they may have a more serious illness. Watch out for symptoms of dehydration, lethargy, disinterest in food, loss of consciousness, trouble walking or standing, and excessive drooling.
Could Your Pet Have Gotten Into Anything Toxic?
If your pet could have gotten into prescription medications, poisons, household chemicals, or anything else toxic or poisonous, you should take them to a veterinary hospital right away. Remember that some human foods are toxic to pets as well, like chocolate, coffee, grapes, raisins, garlic, onions, xylitol, seeds and pits, nuts, and more.
Be sure to have the number of the closest veterinary hospital saved on your phone or written down somewhere in your home so you can call them in an emergency.
