What should you do if your pet is showing signs of an upset tummy? Do they need an immediate vet visit?

Read on for practical tips on what to do when all is not well with your pet’s tummy.

What are the signs of gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats?
Pets with upset tummies may display:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea, which may or may not contain clear mucus or blood
• Reduced appetite or pickiness with food types (e.g. only eating treats)
• Subtle signs of nausea, such as lip licking/smacking
• Audible gurgling tummy noises
• Smelly flatulence (more than usual!)
• Tummy pain, which may be seen as frequent abdominal pain-relieving stretches, similar to a “downward dog” yoga pose

What should I feed my pet if they have developed an upset tummy?
It’s recommended to offer your pet only small, frequent drinks of water for several hours if they are vomiting.

Once any vomiting appears to have settled, it’s best to start your pet on a bland diet. If your pet is on a prescription hypoallergenic diet, offer small frequent meals. For most other pets, you may try a home-cooked bland diet, fed in three-to-four small daily portions. This should involve:

A bland, low-fat protein, such as plain cooked, skinless chicken breast, tinned tuna in springwater, or low-fat cottage cheese
A bland carbohydrate, such as boiled rice, plain-cooked sweet potato, or pumpkin

When should your pet see a vet?
We’d recommend a prompt vet visit if:

• Your pet is very lethargic
• Your pet is a young puppy or kitten, or an older pet with other health problems
• Your pet can’t keep down water, has vomited multiple times, is passing copious diarrhoea or has been unwell for more than 24 hours
• Your pet is passing black or bloody diarrhoea or vomit
• You suspect your pet may have eaten a toxin or foreign body (non-food item)

For more food for thought on your pet’s gastrointestinal health, contact our friendly team!