If your dog or cat has diarrhoea, it is advisable to observe its general condition and seek veterinary assessment when the problem lasts for more than 24-48 hoursThe disease, which appears bloody, is accompanied by vomiting, weakness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, fever or signs of dehydration.
Occasional diarrhoea may be caused by a change in diet, stress, ingestion of something inappropriate or a mild digestive disturbance. However, when diarrhoea occurs repeatedly, is very watery, contains blood, or affects a puppy, kitten, senior animal or pet with previous illness, it should not be considered "normal" without checking the cause.
At Benivet Benissa we recommend making an appointment if your dog or cat has persistent diarrhoea, if the episodes increase, if it also vomits, if it is listless or if you notice changes in its appetite, weight, thirst, urine or behaviour.
Why does my dog or cat have diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea can have many causes. Some are mild and transient, but others require veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Common causes include sudden changes in diet, food leftovers, food intolerances, intestinal parasites, infections, stress, intestinal inflammation or diseases affecting other organs.
If the diarrhoea occurs after a change of food or recurs frequently, an assessment of veterinary nutrition can help tailor the diet to your dog's or cat's age, digestive sensitivity and state of health.
When diarrhoea is persistent, returns from time to time, or occurs with vomiting, weight loss or listlessness, an assessment of the patient may be advisable. veterinary internal medicine to investigate whether there is a digestive, hepatic, pancreatic, renal, metabolic or inflammatory cause.
Warning signs if your dog or cat has diarrhoea
You should consult your veterinarian if you observe:
- Diarrhoea with red blood.
- Black or very dark stools.
- Repeated vomiting.
- Very watery or very frequent diarrhoea.
- Decay, weakness or apathy.
- Lack of appetite.
- Abdominal pain or bloating.
- Fever.
- Weight loss.
- Dry gums, sunken eyes or poor urination.
- Diarrhoea in puppies, kittens or older animals.
- Diarrhoea in pets with previous illnesses.
- Episodes that recur frequently.
Diarrhoea is not always an isolated digestive problem. Sometimes it can be the sign of a broader disease or a disorder that requires additional tests. It is therefore important to assess the symptoms as a whole and not to administer medication without veterinary indication.
What can the vet do?
In a veterinary practice in BenissaThe clinical team will assess your dog or cat's general condition, hydration, temperature, abdomen, mucous membranes, weight, stool frequency and any recent changes in diet or environment.
If intestinal parasites, infections or digestive disturbances are suspected, the following may be recommended coprological tests and stool analysis. Bringing a recent stool sample can help guide the diagnosis.
In cases of severe malaise, fever, vomiting, weight loss, or persistent diarrhoea, the following may also be helpful veterinary blood tests to assess the general condition of the animal and to detect possible internal alterations.
Depending on the evolution and clinical signs, the veterinarian may recommend veterinary ultrasound in Benissa to study the abdomen, especially if there is pain, weight loss, suspected foreign body or recurrent diarrhoea.
If the diarrhoea is severe, there is continued vomiting, dehydration or marked weakness, it may be necessary to veterinary hospitalisation to administer fluid therapy, monitor progress and adjust treatment safely.
What you can do at home
If your dog or cat is active, eats well and has only had an occasional episode of diarrhoea, observe its evolution over the next few hours. Check if he or she has eaten something different, if there have been changes in feed, new treats, leftover food or stressful situations.
Keep fresh water available and avoid sudden changes in feeding. Do not offer human medication, antibiotics, antidiarrhoeals or supplements without veterinary advice, as some products can be dangerous or make diagnosis difficult.
If diarrhoea continues, worsens or occurs with other symptoms, it is prudent to seek veterinary assessment. It is also advisable to bring a recent stool sample in a clean container if possible.
When to make an appointment in Benivet Benissa
Make an appointment if your dog or cat has diarrhoea for more than 24-48 hours, if there is blood in the stool, if it also vomits, if it is listless, if it does not want to eat or if you notice signs of pain, dehydration or weight loss.
At Benivet Benissa we can assess whether it is a mild digestive episode or whether it is necessary to investigate parasitic, nutritional, infectious, inflammatory or internal causes.
If your pet has diarrhoea and you live in Benissa, Calpe or the Marina Alta area, you can contact with Benivet Benissa to make an appointment and receive veterinary advice tailored to your case.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa
Tel. +34 622 325 271
Email: info@benivetbenissa.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-18:30 - Sat 10:00-13:00
