Health

Dogs and cats

Vomiting

Vomiting is one of the most common reasons owners call the vet. A single episode in an otherwise bright pet is often not serious, but repeated vomiting, blood, or a pet that seems unwell needs a vet. Cats often hide illness, so take vomiting in a cat seriously.

What you might notice

• Bringing up food, liquid or foam with effort and belly contractions.
• Drooling, lip licking or repeated swallowing beforehand.
• Eating less or refusing food.
• Low energy or hiding away.

Common causes

• Eating something unsuitable, rich or fatty.
• A sudden change of diet.
• Infections or parasites in the gut.
• Hairballs in cats.
• Swallowed objects causing a blockage.
• Illness elsewhere in the body, such as kidney or liver disease.

What you can do at home

• Keep fresh water available and offer it little and often.
• Let your pet rest quietly and watch closely.
• For a dog, offer small, frequent portions of a plain, low-fat meal once vomiting settles.
• For a cat that vomited once and is otherwise well, keep feeding normally; never fast a cat.
• Return gradually to normal food over two to three days.

Book a vet in the next day or two if

• Vomiting more than once, or not back to normal within 24 hours.
• Diarrhoea without blood lasting more than two to three days.
• Eating less or seeming quieter than usual.
• Drinking or urinating more than usual.
• Vomiting that keeps coming back over days or weeks.

Don't

• Do not give human anti-sickness or stomach medicines.
• Do not withhold food from a cat.
• Do not wait if your dog is retching unproductively with a swollen belly.

Prevention

• Change diets gradually over several days.
• Keep bins, bones, toys and medicines out of reach.
• Keep up regular worming as advised by your vet.
• Brush long-haired cats regularly to reduce hairballs.

This guide gives general information about common health problems in dogs and cats. It is not a diagnosis and it does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. Every animal is different, and signs that look mild can sometimes hide a serious problem, especially in cats, which often hide illness and pain. If you are worried about your pet, or if your pet shows any of the warning signs listed here, contact your vet or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic straight away. Never give your pet human medicines or any medicine not prescribed for that animal by a vet.