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 your pet making sounds as if they are about to be sick, act quickly to avoid a carpet emergency by giving them 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 overeating, eating the wrong kind of food (such as spoiled food), eating something that they have a reaction to, or eating their food to quickly. 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.
Tasty Tips
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.
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 their 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’s Prescription Diet i/d pet food is often recommended.
- Continue feeding the recommended pet food for around 5 days, or as directed by your vet.
- Slowly add some of your pet’s normal food, gradually increase the amount and reduce the amount of the Prescription Diet over the next 7 days, until back to being fed normally.
Always seek the advice of your vet if you are concerned about the health of your pet.
Related products
Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Wet Dog Food with Turkey is a complete premium pet food for adult dogs from 1 year. This deliciously smooth minced turkey loaf is formulated to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support the needs of adult dogs.
Adult Light Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Light Adult Wet Dog Food is a complete premium pet food for adult dogs that tend to gain weight easily. This deliciously smooth loaf is formulated to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support weight maintenance in adult dogs.
Hypoallergenic Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Hypoallergenic Adult Wet Dog Food with Salmon is a complete premium pet food for all adult dogs from 1 year. This savoury tinned loaf is specially formulated for dogs with delicate skin and stomachs. It features a single novel animal protein source and is grain-free.
Puppy Food
Hill's Science Plan Puppy Wet Dog Food with Chicken is a complete premium pet food for growing puppies from weaning until 1 year old and for pregnant and nursing dogs. This deliciously smooth minced chicken loaf is precisely balanced to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support the needs of growing puppies.
Related articles
What should I do about my overweight dog?
Dog obesity is a significant problem - learn more about helping your dog become trimmer and healthier through improved nutrition.
Kidney Disease in Dogs: Causes, Signs & Treatments
Discover the causes, signs, and treatments of kidney disease in dogs and find methods of supporting your dog's kidney health. Learn more at Hill's Pet UK.
Vet's Advice About A Dog Diet
Just like every other pet owner, vets are responsible for giving their pets the best possible nutrition, exercise and care needed to keep them healthy and happy.
Dog Itching a Lot? Here's What It Might Mean
Wondering why your dog is constantly itching? Read on to discover common causes, such as allergies or parasites, and find out how you can help your dog.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.