Pet Vomiting & Diarrhea Treatment
Most upset stomachs pass in a day. Some don't, and a few are emergencies. Our Midlothian clinic, on Steam Avenue off Midlothian Turnpike, sees dogs and cats with vomiting and diarrhea the same day when we can, with in-clinic lab work and X-rays to find the cause.
Call (804) 603-9509. We hold same-day spots every day; calling first is fastest.
When it's an emergency: Go to a 24-hour emergency hospital if your dog is retching without bringing anything up and the belly is swollen (possible bloat), there's a lot of blood in the vomit or stool, your pet can't keep water down, is weak or collapsing, or is a puppy with vomiting and bloody diarrhea (possible parvovirus). Our Midlothian clinic is open 8 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week, and we don't provide overnight care.
Come In Today If
Vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, or keeps coming back.
Your pet won't eat, or is lethargic.
You see blood, or black, tarry stool.
Your pet may have swallowed a toy, sock, bone, or corn cob.
Your pet is a puppy, kitten, or senior, or has a chronic illness.
Your pet ate something toxic.
When a Mild Episode Can Be Watched
An adult dog or cat who vomits once or has one soft stool, but is bright, drinking, and interested in food, can usually be watched for a day. Offer small amounts of water, skip treats and table food, and call if it happens again or anything changes. Don't give human anti-diarrhea medications without asking.
What Happens at the Visit
The doctor asks when it started, how often it's happening, what your pet may have eaten, and what the vomit or stool looks like. Then comes the exam, focused on hydration and the belly. Depending on what's found, the doctor may recommend a fecal test, blood work, or X-rays, all done here.
Treatment might be anti-nausea medication, fluids under the skin, a bland diet, or medication for parasites. You get an estimate first. The Merck Veterinary Manual's owner guide explains common causes of digestive upset in dogs.
"Thank you so much for taking care of my sick cat. I was so worried about him and they were so sweet."
— Daphne J., Petfolk client.
Bring This Information
When it started and how many times it's happened.
A photo of the vomit or stool, or a fresh sample.
Anything new: food, treats, garbage, plants, medications.
Your pet's age, weight, and any ongoing conditions.
Acorn Season in Midlothian's Oak-Shaded Yards
Oaks are everywhere in Midlothian; they're half of the region's spring pollen season. In fall, those same trees drop acorns across yards, sidewalks, and trails. Acorns contain tannins that upset dogs' stomachs, and their caps and shells can block the intestines, especially in small dogs who swallow them whole.
Rake or sweep acorns from the yard during the fall drop.
Watch puppies and determined chewers on walks under oaks.
Book a visit for vomiting, diarrhea, or belly pain after a dog has been eating acorns, and tell us how many.
What a Vomiting or Diarrhea Visit Costs
A sick or urgent exam is $135, or $36 with a PetfolkCare membership ($199 a year). Tests and treatment are priced separately, and you get an estimate before anything is done. Members save 10% on lab work and X-rays.
Not Sure? Call Us
Describe what you're seeing to our clinic on Steam Avenue, and we'll help you decide whether to watch, come in today, or go to an emergency hospital. (804) 603-9509.