Vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and abdominal discomfort are common digestive problems in dogs and cats. Some cases may be caused by a temporary dietary issue, while others may be associated with an infection, parasites, ingestion of a foreign object or another health problem.
In addition to monitoring digestive symptoms, pet owners should also observe their pet’s energy level, water intake and bowel movements. This article explains the common signs and possible causes of digestive discomfort in pets, how to care for a pet at home, and when veterinary assistance should be sought promptly.
Common Signs of Digestive Discomfort in Pets
Digestive problems can affect pets in different ways. Owners should monitor how frequently the symptoms occur, how long they last, and whether there are noticeable changes in the pet’s energy level or appetite.
- Vomiting or retching
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal discomfort or bloating
- Increased gas or intestinal sounds
- Reduced energy or activity
Vomiting
A pet may vomit undigested food, foam, yellow fluid or a foreign object. Owners should record how often the vomiting occurs, when it happens and what the vomit looks like.
Diarrhoea or Loose Stools
Stools may become watery, bowel movements may become more frequent, or mucus may be present. Veterinary assistance should be sought promptly if the stool contains blood or appears black.
Loss of Appetite
A pet may eat noticeably less than usual or refuse food completely. The pet may also become reluctant to drink water.
Abdominal Discomfort
A pet may resist having the abdomen touched, curl up, arch the back, change position frequently or appear unable to settle.
Bloating or Gas
The abdomen may appear larger than usual. This may be accompanied by increased flatulence, burping or noticeable intestinal sounds.
Reduced Energy
A pet may become less active, sleep more than usual, appear weak or lose interest in activities the pet normally enjoys.
Please note: Symptoms alone may not reveal the underlying cause of a digestive problem. Arrange a veterinary examination if the symptoms persist, recur or gradually become worse.
Common Causes of Digestive Discomfort in Pets
Digestive discomfort is not always caused simply by a pet eating the wrong food. A sudden dietary change, bacterial or parasitic infection, food sensitivity, stress or ingestion of a foreign object can cause similar digestive symptoms.
Sudden Change of Food
Changing dry food, wet food or protein sources without a gradual transition may not give a pet’s digestive system sufficient time to adjust. This can result in loose stools, diarrhoea or vomiting.
Introduce new food gradually and monitor the pet’s appetite and bowel movements throughout the transition.
Eating Unsuitable Food
Foods that are high in fat, excessively salty, heavily seasoned, spoiled or unsuitable for pets may irritate a dog’s or cat’s digestive system.
Do not feed pets human food, leftovers or heavily flavoured snacks without appropriate professional advice.
Eating Too Quickly or Too Much
Eating too quickly, consuming too much food in one sitting, or eating a large meal immediately before or after exercise may contribute to vomiting, gas, bloating or other discomfort.
Bacterial or Parasitic Infection
Giardia, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli and Salmonella may affect a pet’s digestive health. The actual cause should be assessed by a veterinary professional based on the symptoms and examination results.
Food Sensitivity or Intolerance
Some pets may react adversely to particular ingredients and experience recurring loose stools, diarrhoea, vomiting or skin discomfort.
Stress or Environmental Changes
Moving home, boarding, the arrival of a new family member, changes to a daily routine or other sources of stress may affect a pet’s appetite and bowel movements.
Ingestion of a Foreign Object
Pieces of toys, bones, fabric, plastic bags and packaging materials may irritate or obstruct the digestive tract. Veterinary assessment may be required.
Other Health Problems
Problems involving the liver, kidneys, pancreas or other parts of the body may also cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite.
Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene: Some bacteria and parasites may be transmitted between animals and people. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling pet faeces or vomit, or after cleaning a litter tray. Food bowls, water bowls and living areas should also be cleaned regularly.
What Should You Do If Your Pet Has Digestive Discomfort?
If the symptoms are mild, occur only once, and the pet remains alert, willing to drink and free from other serious symptoms, the owner may initially monitor the pet closely.
Puppies, kittens, senior pets and animals with existing long-term health conditions may be more vulnerable to dehydration and other complications caused by vomiting or diarrhoea. These pets should be managed more cautiously, and veterinary advice should be sought promptly.
What Should You Monitor at Home?
Record the Symptoms
Record how often the vomiting or diarrhoea occurs, when it happens and how long it lasts. This information can help you explain the situation clearly to a veterinary professional.
Examine the Vomit and Stools
Note the colour, consistency and smell. Check for blood, mucus, parasites or foreign material.
Monitor Water Intake and Urination
Observe whether the pet is willing to drink and whether urine output has noticeably decreased. Both vomiting and diarrhoea can cause a pet to lose fluids.
Stop Feeding Unsuitable Food
Temporarily stop offering treats, oily food, heavily flavoured food and human food to avoid further irritation of the digestive system.
Provide a Quiet Environment
Allow the pet to rest in a quiet, comfortable area where the animal can be monitored easily. Avoid strenuous exercise.
Medication warning: Do not give your pet human stomach medicine, anti-diarrhoeal medication, painkillers, antibiotics or other medicines without veterinary instruction. Some human medicines are unsuitable for dogs or cats and may cause poisoning. Medication should be prescribed by a veterinary professional according to the pet’s condition and body weight.
When Should You Seek Immediate Veterinary Assistance?
Digestive symptoms may sometimes be associated with dehydration, poisoning, an intestinal obstruction or another serious problem. Contact a veterinary professional promptly if your pet displays any of the following signs:
- Repeated or persistent vomiting within a short period
- Unable to keep water down
- Blood in the vomit or stools
- Black or tar-like stools
- Noticeably reduced alertness or responsiveness
- Weakness, trembling or inability to stand normally
- A noticeably enlarged, firm or painful abdomen
Health information notice: This article provides general pet health information only and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your pet’s symptoms persist, recur or become severe, consult a veterinary professional promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Digestive Problems in Pets
Is it normal for a pet to develop loose stools after changing food?
A sudden change of food may cause temporary loose stools in some pets. Introduce new food gradually and monitor the pet’s appetite, energy level and bowel movements. Consult a veterinary professional if the loose stools persist, become worse, or are accompanied by vomiting, blood in the stools or reduced energy.
Can I give my pet human anti-diarrhoeal medicine?
Owners should not give dogs or cats human anti-diarrhoeal medication, stomach medicine, painkillers or antibiotics without veterinary instruction. Some medicines may be unsuitable or unsafe for pets. A veterinary professional should assess the pet before medication is given.
