Hands up if you saw your pet sneak some human food over the festive season. And did you notice your pet off their food, or even had to clean up their vomit or diarrhoea? Below we cover common causes of upset tummies in pets, signs you might see, when to call us at the vets and what you can do to help your pet at home. 

Pet’s having an upset tummy is a common occurrence. There are many different reasons why your pet may experience tummy troubles, ranging from eating something slightly different to their normal diet, ingesting something they really shouldn’t have, through to serious health changes and systemic disease.

Learn more about these and other potential causes and signs of tummy upset in pets 

Many of these symptoms can be associated with a lot of other health problems too, so getting your pet checked out by a veterinarian is important for prompt and appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

While some of the symptoms of an upset tummy are fairly obvious, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, others can be vague. 

As with any veterinary appointment, your vet will gather a medical history of your pet and perform a complete physical examination. They may also recommend some diagnostic tests be run to help determine a diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment options. 

The most appropriate treatment for your pet will depend on how long your pet has been unwell, how unwell they are and the possible cause of the illness. Sometimes you can manage your pet at home or will be given some medications to take home. Other times your pet may need intensive care and be cared for by our team in our veterinary hospital.H 

Learn more about how your vet can help your pet tame the tummy.

If your pet has vomited once or has mild diarrhoea (without blood), but is otherwise eating and drinking, are active and playful and generally happy in themselves, then there are a few things you can do to help them recover at home. If they worsen or develop other symptoms, contact your vet for an appointment.