Vomiting and diarrhea are two of the most common reasons for a trip to the vet. Most of the time, it's nothing to be too concerned about. But sometimes it can be a symptom of a serious problem. Whatever the cause, our team at Silicon Valley Pet Clinic & Urgent Care in Santa Clara is here to help get your furry friend on the mend. In addition to our regular hours, we offer urgent care and emergency services. There is always a team on call at our facility to see your pet.
Additional Symptoms
If your pet is experiencing any of the following symptoms along with vomiting or diarrhea, take it to see our veterinarian immediately.
- drooling
- lip licking
- excessive swallowing
- lethargy
- blood in the vomit or stool
- straining to poop
- refusing to eat or drink
- sticky, dry gums
Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea
Intestinal distress in animals can be caused by many different things. Some will pass in a day or two with no treatment. Others need medical intervention from a veterinarian. Some causes are:
- virus
- their food disagreed with them
- they swallowed something that is causing an obstruction (ribbon, string, plastic, etc)
- ingestion of poison (bleach, soaps, chocolate)
- side effects of medication
- disease (such as inflammatory bowel disease)
- stress
- parasites
Preventing Vomiting and Diarrhea in Pets
There are some simple steps you as a pet owner can take to avoid common causes of vomiting and diarrhea in your pet.
- avoid giving them spicy, salty, or greasy foods
- introduce new food slowly
- make sure to keep toxic items out of reach
- do not leave small objects lying around on the floor
- watch dogs carefully when outside (eating sticks, leaves, etc)
- try to keep stress to a minimum
- make sure to regularly vaccinate and deworm when necessary
- give your pet a probiotic to promote gut health
Treating Vomit and Diarrhea At Home
If the diarrhea or vomiting is mild and your pet seems otherwise fine, you may choose to treat it by:
- withholding food for 12 to 24 hours
- keep plenty of fresh water on hand
- offer a bland diet in small portions (rice, potato, boiled chicken)
- allow them to rest in a quiet space
- keep them away from other pets
- watch for worsening symptoms
Visit Silicon Valley Pet Clinic & Urgent Care in Santa Clara, CA
Our staff is here to answer all of your questions and put you at ease. Rest assured that by choosing Silicon Valley Pet Clinic & Urgent Care, your pet is in the very best of hands. Call our team today at (408) 248-3844 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form for non-emergencies.