Few things worry a pet owner faster than a dog or cat who cannot keep food down, or who has repeated episodes of diarrhea. These are two of the most common reasons pets come to us, and gathering a few details before you call makes the visit more productive.
When does vomiting or diarrhea in a dog or cat need emergency care?
Vomiting and diarrhea can be minor and self-limiting, but they can also be signs of a more serious underlying problem, and only a professional veterinary assessment allows us to tell the difference. If you believe your pet’s vomiting is caused by an allergic reaction or toxin ingestion, or if you are concerned about your pet’s diarrhea, we encourage you to seek emergency care. Diarrhea is common in pets, but it is never considered normal.
What to be ready to tell us about your pet’s vomiting
We will ask a number of questions to help determine the cause. Before you arrive, take a moment to note:
- How often the vomiting is happening
- What the vomited material looks like
- How severe the episodes are
- Whether other clinical signs are present, such as diarrhea, lethargy, or inappetance
If you suspect that your dog or cat at something toxic or ingested a foreign object, please do not attempt to make them vomit, or give any type of home remedy without a veterinarian’s advice which should be pursued immediately if you have this suspicion.
What to be ready to tell us about your pet’s diarrhea
The questions we ask about diarrhea follow a similar pattern. The details that help us most are frequency, severity, color, and consistency.
What can cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs and cats
Vomiting can be caused by a variety of problems, including bacterial or viral infection, parasites, cancer, gastrointestinal ulcers, or an allergic reaction. Diarrhea has its own range of causes: bacterial infection such as Salmonella, viral infection such as canine distemper or parvovirus, parasitic infection, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, ingestion of a foreign body such as a small toy or piece of clothing, and toxin ingestion.
That range runs from routine to urgent, which is why we do not try to sort it out over the phone. We perform a thorough evaluation to diagnose the cause, then begin appropriate treatment.
What happens when you arrive at our hospital
Your dog or cat is evaluated immediately, and patients in critical condition are prioritized and treated first. Once your pet is stable, a member of our patient care crew takes a thorough history.
The emergency doctor then meets with you, performs a more thorough examination, and walks you through the options for diagnostic testing and treatment. If your pet stays with us, you will receive regular updates on their condition.
When our internal medicine service becomes involved
For more serious medical causes of diarrhea, our internal medicine service is available to provide consultation and treatment. That service covers the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal conditions, among other disorders, and works closely with our emergency, oncology, and surgery services.
Frequently asked questions
Should I call before bringing my pet in?
Please do. Calling 909-303-1700 to let us know you are on the way allows us to be prepared as soon as you arrive. Tell us as well if you need help getting your pet from the car into the hospital.
What are your hours for emergency care?
We provide emergency care for dogs and cats every day from 8 a.m. to midnight, with 24-hour care for hospitalized patients. An emergency veterinarian is on staff round-the-clock for emergencies that arise in-hospital.
What happens after my pet is treated?
We recommend one of three next steps: going home with discharge instructions, remaining with us for 24-hour care, or transferring to your family veterinarian for further treatment and follow-up.
Will you work with my family veterinarian?
Yes. The final recommendation is a collaborative decision between you, your emergency veterinarian, and your family veterinarian.
If you are worried about your pet right now
If your dog or cat is vomiting or has diarrhea and you are unsure whether it warrants a visit, call MarQueen Veterinary Emergency & Specialty at 909-303-1700. We are located at 1582 N Benson Ave in Upland, CA.
Disclaimer
This article provides general educational information only. It is not a substitute for an examination, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation from a veterinarian. If you are concerned about your pet, please contact us or your family veterinarian.
