What to do if your cat or dog has diarrhoea

💩 What should you do if your dog or cat has diarrhoea?

 

At the AAPS Vet Clinic, diarrhoea is one of the most common reasons pets are brought in for a check-up.

 

While it’s always okay to see your veterinarian if you’re concerned, not every episode of diarrhoea requires an immediate appointment.

 

Here are some tips that may help at home:

 

🐾 1. Monitor your pet
If your pet is bright, alert, eating well, drinking normally, and not vomiting, it is often reasonable to monitor them for a short period.

 

🐾 2. Consider your pet’s age and health
Home monitoring is generally only appropriate for pets that are:
✔️ Older than 6 months of age
✔️ Up to date with their vaccinations
✔️ Up to date with parasite prevention
✔️ Otherwise healthy

 

🐾 3. Keep them hydrated
Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, so encourage plenty of fresh, clean water. You can also:
💧 Offer electrolyte solutions recommended by your veterinarian.
🥣 Increase the proportion of wet food if your pet is eating normally, as this can help boost water intake.

 

🐾 4. Feed a gentle diet
A bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice, may help for a short period. However, an even better option is a veterinary gastrointestinal diet, which is specially formulated to support recovery. These diets are highly digestible and often contain added probiotics, prebiotics, and electrolytes to help settle the gut. They are available over the counter from your veterinary clinic—no consultation is required to purchase them.

 

🚨 When should you see a veterinarian?

 

Book an appointment if:
🔸 Your pet is younger than 6 months.
🔸 They are vomiting.
🔸 They are lethargic or not acting like themselves.
🔸 There is blood in the diarrhoea.
🔸 They stop eating or drinking.
🔸 The diarrhoea is severe or frequent.
🔸 There is no improvement after 2–3 days, or the signs are getting worse.

 

Remember, diarrhoea is a symptom—not a diagnosis. It can be caused by dietary indiscretion, stress, parasites, infections, food sensitivities, or underlying disease. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to give your veterinary team a call for advice.

 

🐶🐱 Not sure if your pet needs to be seen? Contact the AAPS Vet Clinic—we’re happy to help guide you.