At Ascot Vet, we believe that informed pet owners make happy and healthy companions. Whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or a first-time owner, our comprehensive resources and expert advice will provide you with the information you need to ensure your pet receives the best care.
Vomiting can have a wide variety of causes, ranging from dietary indiscretion or viral illnesses. It may even be a sign of more serious problems such as intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, or cancer. The list of possible diagnoses is extensive.
While many cases of vomiting can be self-limiting, within a few days some may require medical intervention to prevent serious consequences. The seriousness of the vomiting will determine whether your dog can be managed at home, or needs to be hospitalised for treatment and diagnosis.
Answers to the following questions will help us determine the cause of your dog’s vomiting and how it should be managed:
- How long has the vomiting been going on?
- Is your dog still holding down water?
- Is your dog still bright and full of energy or lethargic?
- Does your dog have diarrhea? Is it passing stools at all?
- Does your dog have a history of chewing up toys or other objects?
- Does your dog seem to be in pain?
- Is your dog vomiting blood or coffee ground-type material?
If the answers to the above raise concerns we will likely advise you to bring your dog in for a medical assessment. If your dog is dehydrated and unwell, hospitalization and investigations may be required. Some dogs may just need treatments with anti-vomiting medications in the consulting room.
If your dog is still bright, happy, and keen on drinking, home management may be appropriate. This may involve withholding food for 24-48 hours, followed by bland food and strict monitoring of water intake and vomiting.
Cats’ vomiting is relatively common, and the occasional occurrence of vomiting in a healthy adult cat may not be anything to be too concerned about.
Cats vomit hair semi-regularly as a normal part of managing hairballs. Obviously, if the vomiting changes suddenly in frequency or appearance, or your cat is also unwell, then the vomiting can be of significant concern.
Many things can cause vomiting in cats, viral illness, food intolerances, obstructions, and endocrine disturbances just to name a few. If your cat is becoming unwell, losing weight, drinking excessively, or vomiting more than usual it is best to come in for a consultation and check-up. More testing may be required to fully get to the bottom of things, such as blood testing or abdominal ultrasounds.
You have probably heard that chocolate is toxic to dogs, so it’s scary to find that your dog has just wolfed down the family’s dessert. There’s no need to panic yet, it may not be a life-threatening emergency.
It all comes down to how much chocolate your dog has eaten, and what type of chocolate it was. There are many different types of chocolate, milk, dark, white, baking chocolate and drinking chocolate are a few to look out for. Each type of chocolate has a different potential for toxicity. Generally speaking, baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the most dangerous.
The compounds in chocolate that are harmful to dogs are theobromine and caffeine. These compounds have similar effects, but theobromine toxicity issues last much longer. These compounds can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity, heart arrhythmia issues, seizures, and even death, depending on the dose ingested.
The first thing to do if your dog eats chocolate is to try and work out roughly how many grams have been eaten, and what type. If you have the packet that’s even better, you can give us a call with this information and the rough weight of your dog so we can plug it into a calculator that will let us know if your dog has eaten enough theobromine to cause poisoning. If this is the case, you will be asked to come down to see us immediately. We will make your dog vomit if possible, and commence emergency treatment. If the level of theobromine is low and in the non-toxic category, we may advise that you monitor your dog at home.
Even if theobromine toxicity isn’t a concern, the high-fat content of some chocolate treats can trigger pancreatitis and other gastrointestinal upsets.
There are certainly risks involved with feeding your dog bones. Getting a bone stuck in its stomach, or further down the gastrointestinal tract, is a possibility. Signs of gastrointestinal blockage are inappetence, vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy. If your dog regularly eats bones and is displaying any of these clinical signs, please get in touch with us as soon as possible.
Other potential issues that can arise with bone feeding are:
- Choking or getting bones stuck around the throat area
- Cuts or wounds to the mouth and throat
- Breaking or cracking of teeth
- Gastrointestinal upsets such as vomiting or diarrhea
- Constipation
Please take care if you choose to feed your dog bones and be aware of the risks, there are no bone types that we can recommend that are risk-free. There are many safer chew toys and dental treats on the market so please come and see us for some other options.
Dogs unfortunately have the tendency to eat and chew up things that they shouldn’t – their own toys, or even your kids’ toys are often high on the list. Dogs love to play and chew, and accidental swallowing often occurs
Younger dogs seem to be the most at risk, but dogs of any age can find themselves in this predicament. The most common items we see that are eaten are toys, balls, socks and underwear, shoes, corn cobs, and bones, but the list is endless. Every vet probably has an interesting tale about an item they have removed from a dog’s intestine, but that’s a story for another day.
Depending on the size of what was swallowed, these items will either pass through in a day or two or unfortunately become stuck. Pieces can even hang around in the stomach for weeks before moving on and becoming stuck, so it’s hard to give an exact time frame of when you will be in the clear.
If the eaten toy or foreign item becomes stuck and causes a full or partial obstruction, surgery will be required to remove it, and the sooner the better. These patients will become lethargic and unwell fairly quickly, along with a refusal to eat and vomiting, so be on high alert for these symptoms.
An ultrasound or x-ray will be used to diagnose a foreign body in the intestinal tract. If we move quickly, the item can be removed from the intestine before damage occurs. Unfortunately, some foreign bodies can lead to problems such as necrosis or rupture of the intestine, followed by life-threatening peritonitis.
Be sure to supervise your chewing pups where possible. We recommend searching your yard and house for any sign of half-eaten toys or household items. If you see the item being swallowed, we may be able to induce vomiting, but only if it is safe to do so. Try and keep your dog toys high quality and safe – we have lots of these on offer so come and see us for some good options.
Cats seem to be less likely than dogs to chew up and eat things they shouldn’t, but it is still a risk. Some cats seem to be repeat offenders when it comes to chewing up and swallowing things.
Toys, decorations, ribbons, and strings seem to be especially attractive to cats. As with dogs, these items will either pass through or unfortunately become stuck. Pieces can even hang around in the stomach for weeks before moving on and becoming stuck, so it’s hard to give an exact time frame of when you will be in the clear.
If the item becomes stuck and causes a full or partial obstruction, surgery will be required to remove it, the sooner the better. These patients will become lethargic and unwell fairly quickly, along with the refusal to eat and vomiting, so be on high alert for these symptoms. An ultrasound or x-ray will be used to diagnose a foreign body in the intestinal tract. If we move quickly, the item can be removed from the intestine before damage occurs. Unfortunately, some foreign bodies can lead to problems such as necrosis or rupture of the intestine, followed by life-threatening peritonitis.
The fact that cats and kittens are highly attracted to string, ribbons, and yarn makes them more at risk of linear foreign bodies – this is where a long piece of string or fabric becomes stuck in the intestine. As the intestine attempts to move it through, it bunches up along the length, like pulling on a drawstring. This can occur when a cat swallows a piece of string and a loop gets stuck around the tongue, while the rest reaches out along their intestine. We can sometimes see a piece of string under the tongue in this scenario.
Ensure you supervise your cats around toys if they tend to be chewers, and remove long pieces of fabric or string when they are unattended.
We know it’s common for cats to ask for milk, but did you know it’s not actually safe for them once they reach adulthood?
Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, which means they lack the necessary enzyme, lactase, that helps them properly digest lactose.
Consuming milk can lead to gastrointestinal upset in cats, including diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
It’s better to make sure they have a few bowls of fresh water around your home to keep them healthy and hydrated.
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for your cat’s health. We recommend bringing your cat for a check-up at least once a year. For senior cats or those with ongoing health issues, more frequent visits may be necessary. Call us on 9277 7488 to schedule your cat’s next appointment and ensure they stay in top health.
Cats require several vaccinations to protect them from common diseases. Core vaccines include those for Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Panleukopenia. Depending on your cat’s lifestyle, other vaccines like Feline Leukemia Virus or Feline Aids might also be recommended. Contact us on 9277 7488 to discuss the best vaccination schedule for your cat.
Preventing fleas is essential for your cat’s comfort and health. Regular use of flea preventatives, most are simple topical treatments, can keep fleas at bay. Ensure you also treat your home environment by vacuuming regularly and washing your cat’s bedding. For personalised advice on the best flea prevention for your cat, call us on 9277 7488.
Excessive scratching in cats can stem from various causes, including fleas, allergies, or skin infections. It’s important to identify the underlying cause to provide appropriate treatment. If your cat is scratching more than usual, please call us on 9277 7488 for a thorough examination and tailored treatment plan.
A balanced diet is vital for your cat’s health and well-being. Cats are obligate carnivores, so their diet should be high in protein from animal sources. Quality premium cat food typically provides the necessary nutrients, but you can also consult us about specific dietary needs or preferences. To ensure your cat’s diet meets their nutritional requirements, contact us on 9277 7488.
Regular check-ups are essential for maintaining your dog’s health. We recommend annual visits for a comprehensive health assessment. Puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with chronic conditions may require more frequent visits. Call us on 9277 7488 to book your dog’s next check-up and ensure they stay healthy and happy.
Vaccinations are crucial for protecting your dog from serious diseases. Core vaccines include those for Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis, and Canine Cough.. Depending on your dog’s lifestyle, additional vaccines like Leptospirosis might be recommended. Contact us on 9277 7488 to discuss a vaccination schedule tailored to your dog’s needs.
Preventing fleas and ticks is vital for your dog’s health and comfort. Use regular preventative treatments such as topical solutions, oral medications, or collars designed to repel these pests. Additionally, keep your home and yard clean and regularly check your dog for signs of fleas and ticks. For personalised prevention advice, call us on 9277 7488.
Excessive itching and scratching in dogs can stem from various issues, including fleas, allergies, or skin infections. Identifying the root cause is essential for proper treatment. If your dog is scratching more than usual, please call us on 9277 7488 to schedule an examination and receive a tailored treatment plan
A balanced diet is key to your dog’s overall health and well-being. Dogs require a mix of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. High-quality commercial dog foods typically provide these nutrients, but we can also advise on any specific dietary needs or preferences your dog may have. Contact us on 9277 7488 to ensure your dog’s diet is nutritious and balanced.
A loss of appetite in cats can be caused by various factors, including stress, dental issues, or underlying health conditions. If your cat hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours, it’s important to seek veterinary advice. Call us on 9277 7488 to schedule an appointment and ensure your cat receives the care they need.
Frequent sneezing in cats can be due to upper respiratory infections, allergies, or foreign objects in the nasal passages. If your cat’s sneezing is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms like discharge or lethargy, please contact us on 9277 7488 to book an examination and determine the cause.
Diarrhoea in cats can result from dietary changes, infections, parasites, or other health issues. If your cat has persistent diarrhoea, it’s important to get them checked by a vet to prevent dehydration and address the underlying cause. Call us on 9277 7488 to schedule a visit and keep your cat healthy.
Limping in dogs can be caused by injuries, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal issues. It’s important to identify the cause to provide appropriate treatment. If your dog is limping, please contact us on 9277 7488 to schedule an examination and ensure they receive the necessary care.
Increased water intake in dogs can be a sign of various health issues, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or infections. If you notice your dog drinking excessively, it’s crucial to have them evaluated by a vet. Call us on 9277 7488 to book an appointment and determine the cause of their increased thirst.
Bad breath in dogs can be caused by dental disease, gastrointestinal issues, or other health problems. Regular dental care and check-ups are essential for maintaining your dog’s oral health. If your dog’s bad breath persists, please contact us on 9277 7488 to schedule a dental examination and address any underlying issues.