Upset tummies are one of the most frequent reasons pets are presented to me in the clinic. Vomiting and diarrhoea are extremely common problems in our pets but are often a challenge for owners to know if or when it warrants a visit to the vet.

Unfortunately, vomiting and diarrhoea are incredibly unspecific clinical signs and can be caused by a whole raft of problems ranging from those of little concern all the way to life-threatening. As such, it is important for pet owners to be able to recognise the warning signs for when they should be calling the vet.

Most instances of mild vomiting and diarrhoea are self-limiting and not too much to worry about.

Just like us humans, pets can experience an upset tummy due to reasons such as dietary indiscretion (shout out to my dog Albus), minor infections, or even stress. In such cases, a temporary change in their diet to very bland food, a bit of rest, and monitoring may be all that is needed to get them back on track.

However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, it could indicate a more significant underlying issue that requires veterinary attention.

Not only could the cause of the diarrhoea or vomiting be more serious, but the longer it persists, the more likely your pet is to suffer from dehydration which, if left untreated can have dire consequences. If you notice any of these red flags in your pet, it’s time to call your vet:

In addition, for all the feline fans out there, it is important to know that a cat that chronically vomits is not normal. Yes, cats get furballs that they then vomit up, but if your cat regularly vomits more than once a week without a furball in sight it is certainly worth a consultation with your vet. Inflammatory bowel disease and food intolerances are frequently diagnosed in cats and need to be treated for your pet's well-being and longevity.

• Increasing frequency, severity, or duration of vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Blood in the vomit or stool.
• Prolonged inappetence or disinterest in food for more than 24 hours.
• Lethargy or weakness.
• A change in behaviour, such as hiding in a cat.
• Foreign ingestion – if you suspect your pet has vomiting or diarrhoea related to ingesting something they shouldn’t such as a foreign object or toxic substance.
• Kittens, puppies, and senior pets are more vulnerable to dehydration so need to be monitored closely for deterioration.
• Concurrent symptoms such as abdominal pain or difficulty breathing.

In addition, for all the feline fans out there, it is important to know that a cat that chronically vomits is not normal. Yes, cats get furballs that they then vomit up, but if your cat regularly vomits more than once a week without a furball in sight it is certainly worth a consultation with your vet. Inflammatory bowel disease and food intolerances are frequently diagnosed in cats and need to be treated for your pet's well-being and longevity.

So, whilst most cases of acute vomiting and diarrhoea just need a temporary diet change and some TLC, it is good to know when medical assistance might be required.

Remember, if at any stage you are not sure, it is best just to call your vet clinic, so they can guide you as to whether an appointment should be made. Further, the sooner an animal that needs treatment gets medical attention, the sooner it will be back to feeling better and living its best life.

Written by Dr. Josie Gollan