Do you think your dog or cat is suffering from an upset stomach? Is your pet vomiting or refusing to eat?
Stomach upsets in pets can be very worrying for a pet parent. It is unfortunate to see your once vibrant fur baby being dull and inactive. Sick pets usually avoid activity as much as they can, and sometimes they may try to hide in the case of cats.
You can know your pet has a stomach upset if they start refusing to eat. Also, if your pet is vomiting and suffering from diarrhea, it may have eaten something toxic. Moreover, stomach upsets can be caused by parasites in the gastrointestinal tract. Usually, infection in the gastrointestinal tract causes pets to suffer from diarrhea.
Cats
Symptoms of Stomach Upset
One of the first signs that your cat has a stomach upset is licking the lips. It is an early sign of nausea in cats that precedes vomiting and refusing to eat. According to experts, this may come from eating a plant leaf or a bug. If the cat has gastrointestinal issues, it will suffer from diarrhea. The cat may become less active when these symptoms show and start hiding in unusual places.
Causes of Stomach Upsets in Cats
If you switch cat food too frequently, your cat may be affected. New food may cause your cat to develop food intolerance or cause
food allergies that cause stomach upsets. Also, intestinal parasites may cause stomach upsets, especially in kittens and young cats.
Sometimes, cats may have more severe issues with the stomach, such as kidney disease, gastrointestinal cancers, or hyperthyroidism. All of these can lead to your cat vomiting.
Treating Stomach Upsets in Cats
It would be best if you or a vet can detect what is causing the symptoms of an upset stomach in your cat to treat them. If you have noticed any of the above symptoms for about 48 hours, you need to see the vet immediately. Vets can give anti-nausea medication through injections and other medicines to help with diarrhea. The vet may also advise you to switch to a bland diet until the symptoms subside.
Dogs
Symptoms of Stomach Upset
The most common symptoms of stomach upset in dogs are diarrhea and vomiting. You may also notice the dog trying to eat grass to induce vomiting. Other signs of stomach upsets in dogs are:
Fatigue
Loss of appetite or decreased appetite
Seeming depressed
Drinking water less and less
Gulping to try and stop reflux
Acting uncomfortable and stretching more than usual
Licking the air, their lips, or other objects
Causes of Stomach Upsets in Dogs
The most common cause of stomach upsets in dogs is eating something they should not have. It may cause them to vomit or have diarrhea to expel the foreign object or stuff. Other causes of an upset stomach may be if the digestive tract has bacterial imbalances. They may also suffer from chronic conditions like food sensitivity.
Treatment for Stomach Upsets in Dogs
You can try fasting your dog so their body can get rid of the substance causing the stomach upset. Another remedy is introducing ice chips to help increase water intake and increase it gradually. One favorite remedy of many vets is 100% canned pumpkin. It helps with stomach upsets because it absorbs slowly.
For more tips for your pet's upset stomach, contact Mokena Animal Clinic at our office in Mokena, Illinois. Call 708-479-2811 to book an appointment today.
