What this guide can help with
Vomiting and diarrhoea can have many causes, from mild dietary upset to obstruction, infection, pancreatitis, toxins or systemic disease. The pattern and the pet’s overall condition matter.
Every pet is different. A veterinary examination remains the best way to understand symptoms and decide whether waiting is appropriate.
Key points
- Record frequency, appearance, appetite, water intake and possible access to unusual food, medication or rubbish.
- Young, elderly and medically fragile pets can deteriorate more quickly.
- Repeated vomiting, inability to retain water or abdominal pain should be assessed promptly.
- Human anti-diarrhoeal and pain medicines can be unsafe for pets, so please use them only when a veterinarian specifically recommends them.
Helpful things to do at home
- Keep the pet away from rubbish, plants, medications and other possible exposures.
- Bring a fresh stool sample if the clinic requests one.
- Take photos of vomit or stool when safe and useful.
- Ask the clinic whether food should be offered or withheld; advice differs by patient.
When to book an appointment
- Vomiting or diarrhoea that persists or recurs
- Reduced appetite, weight loss or lethargy
- Blood, black stool or abdominal discomfort
Seek urgent veterinary advice for
- Repeated retching with a swollen abdomen
- Collapse, severe weakness or breathing difficulty
- Inability to keep water down
- Known or possible poison exposure
References
This guide is general information only. Your veterinarian will tailor advice to your pet after an examination.