If your pet is vomiting or has diarrhea, it’s only natural to wonder if they’re experiencing a medical emergency. While it’s completely understandable to assume the worst, your pet may only be dealing with a minor stomach bug. However, there are times when vomiting or diarrhea points to a more serious condition. We’re here to explain the difference and show you how to tell if your pet needs to visit the veterinarian.
Review Your Pet’s Symptoms
If your pet’s not feeling well, it’s important to review their symptoms before jumping to conclusions. Your pet could be vomiting because of something they ate, or it could be an underlying condition. More serious cases of vomiting or diarrhea will usually be accompanied by other signs of illness, or they’ll be more intense than usual. Some signs that your pet’s vomiting or diarrhea is an emergency include:
- Vomiting continues for over 12 hours or diarrhea continues for over a full day.
- You can see blood, worms, or other parasites in your pet’s stool or vomit.
- Your pet is displaying extreme lethargy.
- Your pet has trouble standing or walking.
- Your pet continues to vomit or have diarrhea multiple times in a short time period.
- Your pet refuses more than one meal at regular mealtimes.
These are all signs that your pet could be fighting a more serious battle. Health issues that could cause vomiting or diarrhea include infections, ulcers, ingested toxins, or even metabolic illnesses like kidney disease. Your veterinarian can review your pet’s symptoms and conduct some medical tests to determine the exact cause of your pet’s vomiting or diarrhea, as well as provide the necessary treatment.
Contact Your Veterinarian Today
Whether or not your pet’s vomiting or diarrhea is an emergency, your veterinarian is always your best resource for advice and guidance. They can provide emergency treatment in the event of a serious problem, as well as recommend the best diet for your pet to avoid stomach troubles in the future.
