Has your pet recently experienced vomiting or diarrhea? While this can be concerning, most pets recover from mild vomiting or diarrhea without any problems. However, for some pets, this may indicate a more serious problem.

There are many reasons why our pets may become sick. We've put together guidance to help you monitor and manage any minor vomiting or diarrhea at home.

Puppies and kittens, older pets, and pets with underlying medical conditions may be more susceptible; we recommend consulting your veterinarian if you have any questions about your pet's health.

Write down and photograph what you see

When your pet becomes ill, it is important to gather as much information as possible as this will help your veterinarian advise you on the best course of action to help manage your pet's condition. Keep some paper or notepad handy to record the frequency and consistency of your pet's vomiting and/or diarrhea. If possible, take a photo of the vomiting and/or diarrhea as your veterinarian may ask you to send them these photos or describe what you saw. If you see any blood or foreign objects, you need to seek veterinary help immediately .

Also monitor your pet for other symptoms, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and any other changes in normal behavior. Record the amount and type of food given and the amount consumed so that information can be passed on to the veterinarian if needed.

Feed your cat or dog a stomach-friendly, bland diet

When your pet has an upset tummy, there are some things you can do to help them, including changing their usual food to a bland diet until they get better.

A bland diet can include specific gastrointestinal foods, or, if none are available, you can eat plain boiled chicken and rice. Eat small amounts frequently throughout the day. Keep your pet on this bland diet for two to three days. If your pet can handle food without vomiting or diarrhea during this period, you can slowly start returning them to a normal diet over a few days.

An example of a reintroduction routine would be to combine 25% normal with 75% light, then increase it the next day to 50% normal with 50% light, and so on until they are completely Wean back to normal diet. If your pet continues to vomit and/or have diarrhea during the weaning process, contact your veterinarian.

Keep your pet hydrated

Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration within a short period of time. Make sure your pet always has easy access to fresh drinking water. You can also mix food with a small amount of water to encourage extra fluid intake.

Provide your poor pet with opportunities for exercise and access to parks

If your cat is vomiting and/or has diarrhea, they should be kept indoors to help you monitor them. If your cats are outside, they may scavenge or hunt, eat food that you cannot monitor, and they may have vomiting and/or diarrhea that you cannot see.

If your dog is vomiting and/or has diarrhea, exercise should be limited until it gets better as their energy levels will be lower than normal. When your dog is unwell, you should avoid socializing with other dogs outside of your home to prevent the spread of disease.

cleanliness

Clean your cat's litter box and provide fresh litter after each episode of diarrhea.

For dogs and cats, any soiled areas around the mouth and anus can be washed with warm water to ensure they remain as comfortable as possible (disinfectants or soaps should not be used around the anus or oral area).

Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling your pet and cleaning up any vomit or feces. Vomiting or diarrhea can sometimes be caused by diseases that can be transmitted to humans, so good hygiene is extremely important.

If you have any questions about your pet's health and welfare, please contact your local veterinarian.