Pet Vomiting & Diarrhea Care in Wake Forest, NC, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Wake Forest is a vet in Wake Forest, NC, that treats vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats the same day. Most upset stomachs are mild, but some need care fast. Walk in or book online, weekends included.

Call (919) 891-6444 if you're not sure whether your pet can wait.

When is vomiting a reason for a 24-hour hospital?

Go to a 24-hour hospital right away if your pet:

• Is trying to vomit but nothing comes up, with a swollen, tight belly (this is most common in large, deep-chested dogs)

• Vomits a lot of blood or something that looks like coffee grounds

• Collapses, has pale gums or is very weak

• Is vomiting and you think they ate a toxin and the clinic is closed

BluePearl Pet Hospital at 4640 Paragon Park Rd in Raleigh offers 24-hour care for these cases. For everything short of that, Petfolk Wake Forest can usually see your pet the same day.

When should my pet see a vet for vomiting or diarrhea?

Come in the same day if your pet has:

• Vomited more than two or three times, or can't keep water down

• Diarrhea with blood, or diarrhea that lasts more than a day

• Low energy, hiding, or no interest in food

• A puppy or kitten age, or a senior age, since young and old pets dry out faster

• A known health problem, like diabetes or kidney disease

• Possibly swallowed a toy, a sock or a bone

A single episode in a pet who is bright and eating can often be watched at home for a few hours. Call the team if you want help deciding.

What happens at the visit?

The vet asks about what your pet ate, how often they have been sick, and what the vomit or stool looks like. A photo on your phone helps. Then the vet checks hydration, belly pain and temperature.

Tests may include a stool check for parasites, blood work in the in-house lab, and x-rays if a blockage is possible. Treatment depends on the cause and can include anti-nausea medicine, a bland diet, a probiotic, or fluids given under the skin to help with dehydration.

Everyone was kind and caring and a comfort to my dog as he had to vomit and get fluids.

Katie B., Google review

Fear Free handling keeps exams calm for pets who already feel awful. That means a quiet room, a soft mat and no rushing.

How can I help my pet at home?

• Offer small sips of water often, rather than a full bowl.

• After a few hours without vomiting, try a small meal of a bland food the vet suggests.

• Don't give human stomach medicines unless the vet says it is safe.

• Watch the litter box or yard. Note any blood, worms or very dark stool.

What to tell the team

Before you come in, jot down the time of the last meal, any new food, treats or chews in the past week, and whether anyone else in the house, pet or person, has been sick. Note any medicine your pet takes. A recent switch in food is one of the most common causes of loose stool, and it is easy to forget when you're worried.

Summer heat and stomach upsets

North Carolina's summer heat and humidity are on the clinic's list of common problems, and a pet with diarrhea dries out faster on a hot day. Keep water close on walks along Smith Creek Greenway, and skip midday outings when the pavement is hot. Garbage, compost and cookout scraps are also common causes in the warm months.

Cost of care

An urgent exam starts at $135. Tests, medicine and fluids are added as needed. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment. The final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit. Most medicine comes from the on-site pharmacy, so treatment can start before you leave.

Bring your pet in

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Wake Forest is at 3600 Rogers Branch Rd, Suite 103, Wake Forest, NC 27587. If your pet may have eaten something toxic, see pet poisoning treatment. Worms can also cause diarrhea, so read about fecal exams and parasite screening.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Wake Forest, or see all veterinary services in Wake Forest.