Pet Vomiting and Pet Diarrhea

Vomiting is the body’s way of forcefully expelling stomach contents, while diarrhea involves loose or watery stools. Both are signs that your pet’s digestive system is upset, but they can also indicate underlying issues that need veterinary attention.

Vomiting: May happen once from eating too fast, or repeatedly if there’s infection, toxin ingestion, or organ disease.

Diarrhea: Can occur due to dietary changes, parasites, or stress—but persistent diarrhea can signal something more serious.

Vomiting: About 13.6% of dogs with gastrointestinal issues present with vomiting in veterinary visits (NCBI study).

Diarrhea: In one large analysis, 8.18% of dogs were diagnosed with acute diarrhea (PLOS One study).

Even occasional vomiting or diarrhea is worth monitoring—especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

The causes often overlap, but here are the most frequent culprits:

Dietary indiscretion: Eating garbage, spoiled food, or table scraps

Food allergies or sensitivities

Parasites: Roundworms, hookworms, Giardia, Tritrichomonas

Infections: Bacterial or viral illness (e.g., parvo, salmonella)

Toxins: Chocolate, certain plants, medications, household chemicals

Chronic illness: Kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Stress or anxiety: Travel, boarding, or household changes can upset the GI tract

Example scenario:

Your dog raids the trash can → vomiting within hours.

Your cat suddenly has diarrhea after switching to a new food brand.

A puppy with parasites shows both vomiting and diarrhea, along with weight loss.

Understanding the “why” is the first step toward effective treatment.

A single mild episode of vomiting or diarrhea isn’t usually an emergency. But there are red flags to watch for:

Take Your Pet to the Vet If You Notice:

Repeated vomiting or diarrhea (more than once or twice in a day)

Symptoms lasting longer than 24 hours

Blood in vomit or stool (bright red or coffee-ground appearance)

Vomiting or diarrhea paired with lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite

Signs of dehydration: sunken eyes, dry gums, weakness, collapse

Your pet can’t keep down water

Puppies, kittens, or senior pets with GI symptoms

Why it matters:
Pets, especially young or elderly ones, can become dangerously dehydrated within hours.

When these red flags appear, searching for “emergency vet near me” is the right move—and UrgentPaws is ready to help.

Diagnosis starts with a detailed history and physical exam. From there, your vet may recommend:

Bloodwork: Checks organ function, hydration, and infection

Fecal testing: Detects parasites, bacteria, or protozoa

Urinalysis: Assesses kidney health and hydration

Imaging (X-rays or ultrasound): Finds foreign objects, blockages, tumors

Specialized tests: Used for chronic issues (e.g., pancreatitis, IBD, food allergies)

Example:

A dog with chronic vomiting might need an ultrasound to rule out a foreign body.

A cat with diarrhea and weight loss may need fecal PCR testing for Tritrichomonas.

Accurate diagnosis ensures your pet gets targeted treatment instead of just symptom relief.

Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Your vet may recommend:

Fluids: IV or subcutaneous fluids to correct dehydration

Anti-nausea or anti-diarrheal medication: Controls symptoms and discomfort

Antibiotics or antiparasitics: If bacterial infection or parasites are identified

Dietary therapy: Prescription diets or bland diets to rest the GI tract

Probiotics: Restore healthy gut bacteria

Surgery: For obstructions, tumors, or swallowed foreign bodies

The goal is always to stabilize your pet, ease discomfort, and fix the root problem.

Home care is only safe if your pet is bright, alert, and had one mild episode.

Safe Home Care (for Mild Cases):

Withhold food for 6–12 hours (dogs only; cats should not be fasted).

Offer small amounts of water or ice cubes.

Slowly reintroduce a bland diet:

Dogs: boiled chicken and rice

Cats: sensitive stomach wet food or plain boiled chicken

Monitor closely for worsening signs.

Do not: Give over-the-counter human medications unless prescribed by a vet.

Special caution: Puppies, kittens, seniors, and pets with pre-existing conditions should skip home care and see a vet immediately.

Because you deserve peace of mind without the stress or expense of a full emergency hospital.

After-hours availability – We’re open when your regular vet is closed.

Affordable urgent care – Lower cost than emergency hospitals.

Compassionate team – Experienced vets who treat your pet like family.

Convenient location – Centrally located in Duarte for fast access.

We are open after-hours to provide compassionate, comprehensive care for non-life-threatening pet emergencies in Duarte, CA. With our “Save Your Spot” feature, securing your place is simple online—or just walk in, no appointment needed!

When your pet is sick and you find yourself frantically Googling emergency vet near me, UrgentPaws bridges the gap with reliable, affordable, after-hours care.