Vomiting and diarrhoea and when to see us

Vomiting and diarrhoea are two words most people don't want to talk about, let alone have to deal with when it comes to their pet. Thankfully, we have a summary of what you need to know so you don't have to dwell on these words for too long!

Most dogs and cats suffer from either (or both) of these at some point in their life. A common cause is 'dietary indiscretion' which is just our way of saying your pet ate something he shouldn't.

If your pet has a vomit or a bout of diarrhoea you should withhold food for a few hours (gastric rest), offer fluids for rehydration and feed a bland diet for a few days. After this, your pet will most likely recover without a problem.

Unfortunately there are times when vomiting and diarrhoea become a little more serious and that's when you need to call on us.

 

You should seek advice if your pet:

• Vomits more than once

• Has multiple bouts of diarrhoea

• Seems lethargic or is off his food

• Might have ingested something he shouldn't

• Has been losing weight recently

If you have a puppy or a kitten with diarrhoea or vomiting we recommend you get them checked with us no matter what as their little bodies don't have much reserve and they can go downhill very quickly.

It's best to ask us for advice if you are concerned about your pet. We might not be able to clean your carpet but we can help put your mind to rest!

 
Can my dog eat that?

Are you aware of some of the potential doggy dangers out there? We've compiled a quick list for you below.

This list is not complete and these are just a few of the hazards we find people forget about or are not aware of.

Grapes, sultanas and raisins: induce kidney failure in some dogs

Macadamia nuts: cause weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea

Avocados: lead to a stomach upset and the pip can also cause an obstruction if ingested

Onions, leeks, garlic and chives: ingestion leads to destruction of red blood cells

Chewing gum: contains Xylitol and this can cause weakness and seizures

Apricot, cherry and peach pips and apple seeds: contain cyanide and may cause poisoning

Corn on the cob: the corn might be digested, but the cob may lodge in the small intestine causing a blockage

Chocolate: you've probably heard this before, but remember chocolate is toxic to dogs and ingestion of just a small amount can be fatal – cooking chocolate and dark chocolate are the most dangerous

Rodent bait: can lead to blood clotting problems 3-14 days after ingestion

Snail bait: can cause seizures and even death

Stockings, undies, socks: are all attractive to dogs and can cause a nasty intestinal obstruction

 

Can my cat eat that?

Cats can be a bit fussier when it comes to what they will and won't eat but they can of course get themselves into trouble too. Again, this list is also not complete and if you are worried about your cat you should always ask us for advice.

 

Watch out for:

Household products: chicken bones, dental floss, yarn, string, lights and tinsel can lead to intestinal blockages

Certain chemicals: taste especially good to cats. Keep these locked away: antifreeze, bleach, detergents, fertilisers, herbicides, insect spray (e.g.ant rid) and rodent bait

Common houseplants: can be hazardous to your cat's health: lilies can cause kidney failure, and poinsettias and tulips can also cause problems

Human medicines: medicines such as paracetamol and antidepressants pose a serious threat to your cat, so keep them in a place they can’t get into

Dog flea and tick medication: a cat that shares a house with a dog that has had supermarket pyrethrin flea treatment is at risk. These can KILL your cat. Ask us for the safest flea prevention for ALL of your pets

If you think your pet might have ingested something toxic you should phone us for advice.