When Your Pet Experiences Digestive Upset

Most frequently, digestive upsets occur because a pet has eaten something that the digestive system cannot tolerate. Most of these digestive upsets are not severe and will be manifested by diarrhea and occasional vomiting.

The following simple approach is a home treatment for milder forms of digestive upset.

Rule #1:  Rest the digestive system

·         No food for 24 hours

·         No liquids for 6-8 hours

o   Liquids can be given in the form of water or Gatorade.

o   When giving liquids, only give small amounts at a time. Large amounts may encourage further vomiting. One to two ounces given at frequent intervals (every 1-2 hours) is adequate. Sometimes it helps to freeze the liquids and allow the pet to lick them.

Rule #2:  Provide for healing of the digestive system

·         Feed easily digested foods for at least 3-5 days. Give 1-2 tablespoons per 30 pounds every 3-4 hours initially. Select any combination of foods from the following list:

o   One part of boiled ground beef to 2-3 parts cooked long-grain rice

o   Cottage cheese

o   Boiled or baked potatoes

o   Yogurt

o   Strained baby foods

o   Toast

More severe digestive upsets often need to be treated medically. Pets having watery diarrhea with or without blood should be examined. Also, pets with persistent vomiting need to be treated medically.

If you have any problems with the above home management of digestive disorders, please call the hospital.