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If your pet is currently experiencing GI upset, refer to our Fast Track Triage system for the best course of action:<\/p>\n
When seeking veterinary care, always call your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital ahead of your arrival. If your pet\u2019s condition worsens, call back to inform them of the status change.<\/p>\n
Most pets will experience at least <\/span>one<\/span> episode of <\/span>gastrointestinal (or <\/span>\u201cGI<\/span>\u201d)<\/span> upset <\/span>in their lifetime. Just like us humans, our companion dogs and cats can develop an upset tummy for a variety of reasons.<\/span> Our pets can\u2019<\/span>t communicate their discomfort or pain,<\/span> so when Fido or Fluffy is having gastrointestinal symptoms, it\u2019s important for pet parents to know what to monitor and when to seek emergency veterinary care.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n First off, let\u2019s back up and explain \u201cGI Upset\u201d. This is an umbrella term that refers to signs related to the digestive tract. This can include vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the vomit or stool, abdominal pain, lethargy, or unwillingness to eat.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n GI signs in pets can have a variety of causes, including:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When pets are displaying signs of GI upset, it can be difficult for pet owners to determine when to seek emergency veterinary care. In general, here\u2019s a quick guide to help you make an informed decision:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These pets should be monitored closely at home for persistent or worsening signs or can wait to be seen by your family veterinarian.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When you bring your pet to an emergency animal hospital for severe GI upset symptoms, the emergency veterinarian will discuss diagnostics such as bloodwork, fecal testing, and imaging of the abdomen via x-rays or ultrasound. The results of these diagnostics will help determine (or rule out) causes of the symptoms and guide treatment options.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If your pet has started to show signs of GI upset, DO NOT give any medications unless directed by your family veterinarian, a local animal emergency veterinarian, or an animal poison control center such as <\/span>ASPCA Animal Poison Control<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>Pet Poison Helpline<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, dogs can be given a bland diet of cooked white rice mixed with boiled skinless, boneless chicken breast or low-fat boiled hamburger can be started in small amounts to try to settle the stomach.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Unfortunately, there is no effective bland diet for cats. An abrupt diet change for cats during a GI upset episode can lead to worsening symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n Preventative measures to avoid GI upset include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n GI upset can be a disruptive and uncomfortable illness for both pets and their humans. The good news is that with some simple preventative steps as well as guidance from your family veterinarian, you can help keep your pets safe! In the event your pet does experience GI upset symptoms, we hope this information helps you determine when to seek emergency care and when it\u2019s acceptable to wait until morning to consult with your family veterinarian. When in doubt, contact your local animal emergency hospital (or a pet poison hotline) for their advice.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is GI Upset?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
Causes of GI Upset<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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![\"GI](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Untitled-design-2022-09-15T130801.078.png\")
<\/p>\nWhen to Seek Emergency Care<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
Signs to seek immediate veterinary care:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n
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Typically safe to wait if your pet\u2026<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n
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![\"GI](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Untitled-design-2022-09-15T131110.882.png\")
<\/p>\nTreatment<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
Dietary Advice<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
Prevention<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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