Help, my Pet has an Upset Stomach!
Lots of pets suffer from upset tummies from time to time. While the specific details sometimes don’t make pleasant reading, it’s important that you know what to expect.
Check Out the Signs
If you hear a pet making sounds as if it is about to be sick, act quickly to avoid a carpet emergency by giving the pet immediate access to somewhere that is easier to clean up. Similarly a dog whining at the door or a cat scratching at the door to be let out may be suffering from loose motions and may not have the same control over their bowels that they normally do. Some pets can seem restless, pacing around and may even start digging holes if they have pain in their abdomen, or they may just curl up and look miserable. Other signs to be on the lookout for include weight loss, changes in appetite, flatulence, a gurgling stomach or straining while passing a motion.
What’s the Trigger?
Most of the time stomach upsets are caused by pets over eating, eating the wrong kind of food (such as spoiled food), eating something that they have a reaction to, or bolting their food. With a little help, most pets get over these kinds of upsets relatively quickly, so do ask your vet for advice at an early stage. Some pets though have more long lasting disorders that never seem to fully resolve, or that flare up at various times. A vet will usually need to perform various tests to establish the cause of tummy troubles that are more long lasting. Keep a diary of when the pet has problems, the signs they show and what they ate in the days leading up to an episode to help establish a diagnosis.
Tasty Tips
Top Tips
- If your pet is suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea, remove access to food and give only small sips of water for 24 hours.
- If the pet seems unwell, continues to vomit or has blood in the vomit or diarrhoea, contact your vet.
- If the vomiting and diarrhoea settles after 24 hours, ask your vet about offering small amounts of highly digestible pet food. Hill’sTM Prescription DietTM i/dTM pet food, available from veterinary practices, is often recommended for pets.
- Continue feeding the recommended pet food for around 5 days, or as directed by your vet.
- Slowly add some of the pet’s normal food, gradually increase the amount and reduce the amount of the Prescription DietTM over the next 7 days, until the pet is being fed normally.
Always seek the advice of your vet if you are concerned about the health of your pet
Related products
Oral Care Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Oral Care Adult Cat Food with Chicken contains clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build up.
Kitten Food
Hill's Science Plan Kitten Wet Cat Food Premium Chunks in Sauce with Turkey is a complete pet food for kittens and for pregnant or nursing cats
Sterilised Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Sterilised Adult Cat Premium Chunks in Sauce with Turkey is a complete pet food for sterilised cats 1–6 years old
Sterilised Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Sterilised Adult Cat Premium Chunks in Sauce with Chicken is a complete pet food for sterilised cats 1–6 years old
Related articles
Is your cat putting on weight?
Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of cat obesity and weight management in cats and the conditions that affect on your cat.
Cat Poo: A Comprehensive Guide
Learn how your cat's poo can be a good indicator of her overall health, including how to spot unhealthy or abnormal cat poop and what it might mean.
Helping a Cat with Sensitive Skin
Cats with sensitive skin have special needs and even healthy cats can sometimes develop poor skin health. Learn more about sensitive skin symptoms in your cat, what you can do to help your pet feel more comfortable and get recommendations on sensitive skin cat food.
Cat Eye Care: Recognizing and Preventing 6 Cat Eye Problems
Learn about common eye problems in cats, such as conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers, as well as their causes, symptoms and treatment options
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.