Vomiting & Diarrhea Treatment for Pets in Traverse City, MI
Vomiting and diarrhea are some of the most common reasons pets need to see a veterinarian. While some cases pass quickly, others signal a serious problem like a blockage, infection, or poisoning. At Omnivet in Traverse City, MI, we find the cause, treat dehydration, and help your pet feel better as quickly as possible.
Common Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea
- Dietary indiscretion, such as eating garbage, table scraps, or spoiled food
- Sudden diet changes
- Swallowed foreign objects like toys, socks, or bones
- Toxin ingestion
- Intestinal parasites
- Viral or bacterial infections, including parvovirus in unvaccinated puppies
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney, liver, or endocrine disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease and food allergies
- Stress
When to Seek Care Right Away
Call Omnivet at (231) 244-4860 immediately if your pet:
- Vomits repeatedly or cannot keep water down
- Has blood in the vomit or stool, or black, tarry stool
- Retches without producing anything, especially with a swollen belly, which can signal bloat
- Seems painful, weak, or lethargic
- May have swallowed a toxin or object
- Is a puppy, kitten, senior, or has an existing medical condition
- Has diarrhea or vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours
How We Diagnose the Cause
Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam, assess hydration, and gently feel the abdomen for pain or abnormal masses. Depending on the findings, we may recommend in-house bloodwork, fecal testing, parvovirus testing, and digital X-rays to look for foreign bodies or obstruction. Chronic cases may benefit from a full medical workup, endoscopy, or our internal medicine service.
Treatment
Treatment is tailored to the cause and severity. It may include anti-nausea medication, fluid therapy to correct dehydration, a bland or prescription diet, probiotics, deworming, antibiotics when appropriate, and pain relief. If an obstruction is found, the object may be removed with endoscopy or emergency surgery.
Get Your Pet Seen Today
Please don’t give human anti-diarrheal or stomach medications without speaking to a veterinarian, as some are harmful to pets. Our urgent care, same-day, and walk-in appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 7pm and Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vomiting and Diarrhea in Pets
When is vomiting or diarrhea an emergency?
Repeated vomiting, blood in the vomit or stool, unproductive retching, a swollen belly, weakness, or suspected toxin or object ingestion need immediate care. Call (231) 244-4860.
Should I withhold food from my vomiting pet?
Call us for guidance first. Some pets benefit from a short rest and a bland diet, but puppies, kittens, and pets with medical conditions should not go without food.
Can I give my dog human anti-diarrheal medication?
No. Some human medications are unsafe for pets or can mask a serious problem. Speak with a veterinarian first.
How do you find the cause of vomiting and diarrhea?
We use a physical exam, bloodwork, fecal testing, and X-rays to look for infection, parasites, organ disease, or blockages.
What if my pet swallowed a toy or sock?
Call right away. Swallowed objects can cause dangerous blockages. We may be able to retrieve them with endoscopy or surgery.
Why does my pet have chronic diarrhea?
Ongoing diarrhea may be caused by food allergies, parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, or other conditions. Our internal medicine service can help.
How can I help my pet recover at home?
Follow your veterinarian’s feeding plan, provide fresh water, give medications as directed, and call if symptoms return or worsen.