Diarrhoea and vomiting in puppies and kittens

Vet tips for Diarrhoea and vomiting in puppies and kittens

Diarrhoea and vomiting are the most common reasons Everyday Pet Insurance customers choose to use VetAssist.^*

Let’s start with some definitions. Diarrhoea basically means that the stools are watery and can no longer be easily picked up, and vomiting simply describes what happens when stomach contents e.g food or bile is forcefully coming back up the mouth.

Both are symptoms of an unhappy gastrointestinal tract and can be the result of many underlying causes. When these happen together, it’s referred to as gastroenteritis which is stomach and intestinal inflammation.

Some of the underlying causes of gastroenteritis in a puppy or kitten might be:

The response needed will greatly change based on the severity and underlying cause.

What do you do if your pet has vomiting or diarrhoea?

Monitor closely

Vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance, even when they’ve only had it for a day. Puppies and kittens can become dehydrated easily, so it’s always better to lean to the side of caution. If your pet is not feeling well and has vomiting and/or diarrhoea, please speak to a Veterinarian immediately (see below).

Take away the food

We don’t want to feed a pet in the early stages of vomiting and diarrhoea for a minimum of 6 hours – sometimes up to 24 hours – it really depends on the age and health of your pet. Having a break allows their tummy to rest which will usually help slow down the vomiting and diarrhoea.

Speak to a Vet

If the diarrhoea and/or vomiting continues or your pet is ill e.g they are lethargic, not eating, unable to keep water down etc, then please seek immediate Veterinary attention. They need help!

Hydration and dietary management

If no vomiting has occurred for six or more hours, frequent small amounts of water or electrolyte solution are needed. You can also introduce small portions of digestible bland food if your pet is keeping liquid down. Speak to a Vet to have the best dietary plan for your pet. The bland food should be given for 3-5 days, followed by a very slow transition to their regular balanced diet. 

Isolate from other pets

In case there’s an infectious cause, we need to isolate the pet from other pets to help contain it. Also, this provides your pet with rest and quiet to aid recovery.

Is this serious? 

Keep an eye out for the symptoms below which would indicate your pet needs to see the local Vet for a hands on examination as soon as possible.

• Your pet is unwell – seems tired or is not eating food
• They are continually vomiting in a short period, or if they are not drinking or keeping water down
• You see blood in the stool or large amounts of mucous and it is becoming more watery

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Please note: Not all conditions, vet visits and treatments are covered by Everyday Pet Insurance. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for details of coverage.

^*According to data from February 2019 to September 2021. Coverage of these items are subject to exclusions and policy conditions.

^† Offer available to new Everyday Pet Insurance policyholders, and is limited to 1 membership per eligible policy. The free membership offer (valued at $199p.a) is from the date of your policy commencement, provided your Everyday Pet Insurance policy remains active. You are not eligible to redeem the free membership subscription for cash or credit. VetAssist is a separate subscription based service to the Everyday Pet Insurance product, and is provided independently by Woolworth’s third party service provider, VetChat Services Pty Ltd (VetChat). Click here for full VetAssist Service terms and conditions. Woolworths reserves the right to withdraw or extend this offer at anytime, without notice.