When your beloved dog or cat experiences an upset stomach, it can be a worrying time for any pet owner. Understanding the best course of action for vomiting and diarrhea is crucial for their recovery and well-being. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take, from initial care to recognizing when professional veterinary attention is necessary, drawing on established pet care practices.
Initial Steps for Vomiting
If your pet is vomiting, the first and most critical step is to withhold water for at least 12 hours. This allows their digestive system a chance to rest and recover. Crucially, do not feed your pet anything until they can keep water down without further vomiting. After the 12-hour fasting period, begin offering small amounts of water, about 1/4 to 1/2 cup, every hour. Continue this until your pet appears adequately hydrated. Should vomiting recur, reinstate the water restriction for another 6 hours before attempting rehydration.
Managing Diarrhea (Without Vomiting)
If your pet is experiencing diarrhea but is not vomiting, it’s important not to withhold water. Dehydration can become a concern, so ensuring a steady intake of fluids is paramount.
Reintroducing Food After Gastrointestinal Upset
Food should generally be withheld for 12 to 24 hours, with a shorter period for puppies, kittens, and toy breeds. Only introduce “mild” food once you are confident your pet can keep water down without vomiting. If vomiting persists after 24 hours, it’s a clear sign that veterinary examination is needed.
Dietary Recommendations for Cats
For cats experiencing digestive issues, begin by feeding only 1-2 tablespoons of strained meat baby food every 4 to 6 hours. This should continue until normal stools are produced. Afterward, gradually transition back to their regular diet over a period of three days. It’s important to note that baby food is not a balanced diet and should not be fed for more than five days. If the problem doesn’t resolve, consult your veterinarian.
Dietary Recommendations for Dogs
Dogs can be fed a “mild” diet tailored to their size. Offer 2 tablespoons to 1 cup of bland food every 4 to 6 hours until normal stools are observed. The transition back to their regular diet should also be gradual. A recommended approach is to feed a mixture of 3/4 bland food and 1/4 regular diet for three days, followed by a 1/2 and 1/2 mix for another three days, and finally, 1/4 bland food with 3/4 regular diet for three days.
What Constitutes “Mild” Food?
A suitable bland diet can be prepared at home using a mixture of equal parts boiled white rice, white potato, or pasta noodles combined with one of the following protein sources:
- Strained meat baby food
- Boiled ground beef or ground turkey
- Boiled chicken
- Plain low-fat yogurt
- Cooked scrambled eggs
- Low-fat cottage cheese
Alternatively, you can purchase specialized veterinary diets such as Hill’s I/D or Royal Canin GI Low Fat from your veterinarian. These diets are specifically formulated for pets with sensitive digestive systems.
The Importance of Resting the Gastrointestinal System
The core principle behind managing simple gastrointestinal upsets is to allow the pet’s irritated digestive tract to rest and heal before challenging it with regular food again. Withholding food for up to 24 hours and then gradually introducing a mild diet is often effective in resolving most common issues.
When to Seek Veterinary Care Immediately
It is imperative to contact your veterinarian without delay if any of the following conditions apply to your pet:
- Vomiting and diarrhea persist for longer than 24 hours, or your pet is not acting normally.
- Your pet is very young, specifically less than 6 months old.
- Your pet is elderly, over 10 years old.
- Your pet has a pre-existing health condition, particularly kidney disease.
Prompt veterinary attention can be crucial for a swift and complete recovery.
