Vomiting and Diarrhea Treatment for Pets in Tulsa, OK
Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common reasons pet owners call our hospital. Sometimes an upset stomach is a short-lived reaction to something your pet ate; other times it signals infection, toxin exposure, an intestinal blockage, or a more serious illness. At Woodland West Animal Hospital, our dedicated urgent care veterinarian can evaluate your pet the same day — 7 days a week, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Common Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea
- Dietary indiscretion: Eating garbage, table scraps, or spoiled food
- Sudden diet changes or new treats
- Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, giardia, and coccidia
- Viral and bacterial infections, including parvovirus in unvaccinated puppies
- Foreign objects like toys, socks, bones, or string that can cause a blockage
- Toxins such as chocolate, xylitol, grapes, certain plants, and household chemicals
- Food sensitivities and food allergies
- Pancreatitis, often triggered by fatty foods
- Chronic illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes
- Stress from travel, boarding, or changes at home
When Vomiting or Diarrhea Is an Emergency
A single episode in an otherwise bright, eating pet may not be cause for alarm. But call us or come in right away if your pet:
- Vomits repeatedly or can’t keep water down
- Has blood in the vomit or stool, or black, tarry stool
- Is lethargic, weak, or collapsing
- Has a swollen, painful, or bloated abdomen
- Is retching without producing anything (a possible sign of bloat in dogs)
- Might have swallowed a toy, bone, or toxic substance
- Is a puppy, kitten, senior, or has a chronic medical condition
- Has symptoms lasting more than 24 hours
Our urgent care service and walk-in visits make it easy to get your pet seen promptly.
How We Diagnose the Cause
Your veterinarian will ask about your pet’s diet, recent activities, and symptoms, then perform a thorough physical exam. Depending on your pet’s condition, we may recommend a fecal test for parasites, bloodwork to evaluate organ function and hydration, a parvovirus test for young dogs, and imaging. Digital X-rays and ultrasound help us identify foreign objects, blockages, and organ changes, while CT imaging is available for complex cases.
Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to the cause and severity of your pet’s symptoms and may include:
- Anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medications
- Fluid therapy to correct dehydration
- A bland or prescription gastrointestinal diet
- Deworming or antiparasitic medication
- Probiotics to restore healthy gut bacteria
- Hospitalization for pets that need intensive care
- Surgery to remove a foreign object or relieve a blockage
Medications and GI diets are available from our pharmacy.
Preventing Stomach Upset
Keep trash and toxic foods out of reach, transition to new foods gradually, and choose toys your pet can’t swallow. Routine parasite prevention and vaccinations — especially against parvovirus — prevent many serious causes of vomiting and diarrhea. If your pet has a sensitive stomach, our nutritional counseling team can recommend a better diet.
Learn about other pet health conditions or explore our veterinary services.
Vomiting and Diarrhea FAQs
When should I take my dog to the vet for vomiting?
Seek care if vomiting happens more than once or twice, includes blood, comes with lethargy or abdominal pain, or if your dog may have eaten something harmful. Puppies and seniors should be seen sooner.
Is it normal for cats to vomit hairballs?
An occasional hairball can be normal, but frequent vomiting is not. Cats that vomit regularly should be examined for conditions such as food sensitivities, inflammatory bowel disease, or hyperthyroidism.
Should I withhold food if my pet is vomiting?
Please call our team before withholding food, especially for puppies, kittens, small pets, and diabetic pets, which can develop low blood sugar. We’ll advise you based on your pet’s situation.
What can I feed my pet with diarrhea?
A bland diet or a prescription gastrointestinal food is often recommended. Avoid giving human medications without veterinary guidance.
Can stress cause diarrhea in pets?
Yes. Travel, boarding, new pets, or changes at home can cause stress-related diarrhea, which usually resolves within a few days with supportive care.
How do I know if my pet swallowed something?
Repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and straining are common signs. If you suspect your pet swallowed an object, call us right away; X-rays or ultrasound can help confirm a blockage.
Can my pet be seen the same day for vomiting or diarrhea?
Yes. Our dedicated urgent care veterinarian and walk-in service allow us to see sick pets the same day whenever possible, 7 days a week.
Same-Day Care for Sick Pets
If your pet is vomiting or has diarrhea, don’t wait and worry. Call Woodland West Animal Hospital at (918) 299-1208 — we’re open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 365 days a year.