Gastrointestinal issues
Hey everyone! Can you believe it is already August? Time is flying by, and the Texas heat is just getting started! For this month’s blog, I want to chat about something we have probably all dealt with at some point: tummy issues in our furry kids.
Most of us get worried right away when we see our pets throw up or have diarrhea/soft stools. And rightfully so! But there is actually a lot behind these symptoms, and sometimes it is not as simple as them eating something they are not supposed to. For example, it is important to know that not all “vomiting” is vomiting, since it is usually paired with retching, while regurgitation is not. It sounds like a small detail, but it makes a difference for us when trying to understand what may be going on with your kiddo. Same goes for diarrhea versus just soft stools. Diarrhea really means watery or liquid stools, not just stools that aren’t perfectly formed. Sharing these details can help us figure out what is going on more accurately.
If your dog or cat vomits just once in a while or has an occasional soft stool, it might not be a huge deal. Still, it is a good idea to keep an eye on them and if concerned, go to your veterinarian, because sometimes it is the first sign that something bigger may be brewing. But if the vomiting and/or diarrhea become frequent, or you notice other changes in behavior or routine, do not wait to call our office.
There are many possible reasons our pets might experience these issues: changes in food or treats, stress, intestinal parasites, infections like parvo, eating things they shouldn’t, reactions to medications or vaccines, motion sickness, or even underlying conditions like liver disease, kidney disease, Addison’s disease, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, or unfortunately, cancer. Age, breed, and medical history can also play a role.
When you bring your pet in, we might recommend some tests to get to the bottom of it. Sometimes that means basic blood work or a fecal exam, and other times it could mean imaging like radiographs or a belly ultrasound, or even more advanced tests like endoscopy, or biopsies, among other different tests. Not every case needs all the fancy diagnostics, but it is good to know what might be on the table.
Treatment really depends on the cause. Some pets may just need a quick shot and some meds to go home with. Others might need hospitalization, surgery, or even long-term management with prescription diets or medications. Whatever the case, sharing as much information as you can with us helps. If your pet ate something suspicious, try to figure out how much they ate and bring the packaging to our office or take a picture of the label. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 for guidance.
Luckily, there is a lot we can do to help prevent these scary moments. Puppy- or kitty-proof your home by keeping cords out of reach and making sure they cannot get into things they should not chew or swallow. Keep your puppies away from dog parks or public places until your veterinarian confirms they are fully vaccinated. Try not to switch foods or treats suddenly unless we suggest it. And remember, while social media groups, breeders, or pet store staff might mean well, it is always best to follow your veterinarian’s advice first.
Hopefully this was not too gross to read! Thank you all so much for spending a bit of your day with me and as always, I am here in Addison at Isla Vet if you need anything. Sending you all big abrazos!!