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FR Diarrhea: When is a Vet Visit Necessary?
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By
Dr. med. vet. Sabina Büttner - Sep 5, 2018
Acute diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms in dogs and cats and can have various causes. Fortunately, most cases of diarrhea resolve after one to two days, and the animals are well again. However, there are also cases of diarrhea that are signs of a serious underlying illness or quickly lead to a life-threatening condition. But how do you know if home treatment can be attempted or if a vet needs to be consulted immediately? In this guide, we provide you with some decision-making aids:
You must go to the vet if…
- …the diarrhea is very watery and lasts for more than 48 hours. Puppies and young cats with watery diarrhea must go to the vet immediately.
- …the animal also vomits, has no appetite, and is lethargic.
- …there are signs of severe abdominal pain, such as restlessness or groaning when the abdomen is touched.
- …the abdomen is hard, tense, or bloated.
- …the stool is black or there are large amounts of fresh blood in the stool.
For now, you don't need to worry if…
- …none of the above symptoms occur.
- …your dog or cat remains cheerful and lively.
- …the diarrhea does not last longer than 48 hours.
What can you do at home?
- Make sure your animal always has enough drinking water available.
- Let healthy, adult dogs fast for 24 hours. Afterwards, feed bland food in several small portions per day.
- For cats, as well as young, older, or pre-diseased dogs, offer several small portions of bland food per day.
- Well-cooked chicken and boiled rice in a 1:1 ratio, or a commercially available gastrointestinal diet, are suitable as bland food. This bland food should be fed for another two to three days after the diarrhea symptoms subside. Afterwards, mix in the normal food in increasing amounts for a few days to ensure a slow transition.
- Additionally, a small, room-temperature portion of Moro's carrot soup can be fed to the animal approx. 30 minutes before each meal. It consists of carrots, water, and salt and can either be prepared yourself or bought ready-made.
- Mix probiotics into the food to support the normalization of the intestinal flora.
- Never give human diarrhea medication without consulting your vet!
You can find various gastrointestinal diets and food types for dogs and cats with sensitive digestion with our food selection!
If, despite these decision-making aids, you are unsure and worried about your animal's condition, then do not hesitate to contact your vet!
Useful information at a glance
When should I take my pet to the vet for diarrhea?
You should take your pet to the vet if the diarrhea is very watery and lasts for more than 48 hours. Immediate veterinary help is especially necessary for puppies and young cats. Also, if your pet is additionally vomiting, has no appetite, is lethargic, shows severe abdominal pain, or if the stool is black or contains large amounts of fresh blood, a visit to the vet is strongly advised.
What can I do at home if my pet has diarrhea?
Ensure your pet has access to plenty of drinking water at all times. Allow healthy, adult dogs to fast for 24 hours, then offer a bland diet in several small portions. For cats, as well as young, elderly, or pre-existing condition dogs, offer several small portions of a bland diet per day. Suitable bland food consists of well-cooked chicken and cooked rice in a 1:1 ratio or a commercially available gastrointestinal diet. Mix probiotics into the food to support the normalization of the intestinal flora.
What symptoms indicate that my pet's diarrhea is harmless?
If none of the serious symptoms such as persistent watery diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, or severe abdominal pain occur, and your dog or cat remains cheerful and lively, there is no immediate cause for concern. Also, if the diarrhea does not last longer than 48 hours, it is generally harmless.
Should I give my pet human diarrhea medication?
Never give your pet human diarrhea medication without consulting your veterinarian first. These medications can be unsuitable or even dangerous for animals.
Where can I find more information or support for feeding my pet with sensitive digestion?
For more information and support on feeding your pet with sensitive digestion, you can contact ipet.ch. There you will find various gastrointestinal diets and food types specifically developed for dogs and cats with sensitive digestion.
