Most upset tummies settle quickly with the right care — but some need urgent attention. We help you tell the difference and get your pet feeling well again, fast.
Vomiting and diarrhoea are among the most common reasons we see pets — and one of the trickiest areas to know when to wait it out and when to act. The good news: most cases are mild and resolve quickly. The important news: some are genuine emergencies, and recognising the difference matters.
Common causes of upset tummies
The gastrointestinal tract is long, complex and exposed to everything your pet eats, licks or scavenges. Causes range from minor to life-threatening — the symptoms can look similar at first, which is why a proper examination matters.
Dietary indiscretion
The most common cause by a wide margin. Bin-raiding, scavenging on walks, table scraps, sudden food changes, or just an unusually rich treat. Most pets recover within 24–48 hours with bland food and supportive care.
Infections
Viral infections (parvovirus in unvaccinated dogs, panleukopenia in cats), bacterial infections (Campylobacter, Salmonella), and giardia are all causes we see regularly — particularly in puppies, kittens and pets that visit kennels or daycare.
Parasites
Intestinal worms and giardia are still common causes of chronic diarrhoea, particularly in young pets and those without regular worming. A simple in-house faecal test gives us answers quickly.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by a fatty meal (Christmas, Sunday lunch leftovers, BBQ trimmings). Causes severe vomiting and abdominal pain, and needs prompt veterinary care — particularly in breeds like Miniature Schnauzers and Cocker Spaniels.
Foreign bodies & obstructions
Swallowed toys, socks, corn cobs, bones, rubber balls, peach stones — anything that gets stuck in the stomach or intestines. This is a surgical emergency and rapidly becomes life-threatening. Persistent vomiting, particularly in a young or notorious-chewer dog, always warrants urgent assessment.
Food allergies & intolerances
Chronic, intermittent diarrhoea or soft stools can indicate a food sensitivity. We’ll often work through structured dietary trials to identify the culprit.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
A more serious chronic condition causing recurring vomiting, diarrhoea or weight loss. Diagnosis usually requires bloods, imaging and sometimes endoscopic biopsies, but well-managed IBD pets do very well long-term.
Toxins & poisoning
Chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol (in sugar-free gum and many human foods), onions, garlic, lily plants (cats), antifreeze, slug pellets, and many more. If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, ring us immediately — don’t wait for symptoms.
Call us today — don’t wait
Some symptoms need urgent attention. Phone us straight away on 0113 868 6100 if your pet has:
- Repeated vomiting (more than 2–3 times in a few hours)
- Blood in vomit or stool, or black tarry stools
- A bloated, hard or painful abdomen (especially in deep-chested dogs — this could be GDV/bloat)
- Persistent retching with nothing coming up
- Severe lethargy, collapse or trembling
- Suspected ingestion of chocolate, grapes, xylitol, onions, lilies (cats), or any other toxin
- A young puppy or kitten with vomiting and diarrhoea (dehydration is rapid)
- Any unwell pet that hasn’t eaten in 24 hours
Out of hours? Contact Vets Now Bradford on 01274 722721 (515 Bradford Road, BD3 7BA).
How we diagnose tummy problems
For mild cases, a thorough history and physical examination is often all we need. For more serious or persistent symptoms, in-house diagnostics let us identify the cause quickly and start treatment without delay.
In-house bloods
Full biochemistry and haematology to assess hydration, organ function, infection markers, and pancreatic enzymes — results within 30 minutes.
Faecal testing
Microscopic examination and rapid antigen tests for common parasites, giardia and parvovirus.
Abdominal ultrasound
Non-invasive imaging to look for foreign bodies, masses, fluid, and inflammation in the gut, liver and pancreas.
X-rays
Particularly useful for suspected obstructions, bloat, or to check for radio-dense foreign material like bones or stones.
Treatment & recovery
Mild cases often respond to symptomatic treatment: anti-sickness medication, probiotic pastes, a bland easily-digestible diet for a few days, and plenty of fresh water. We’ll send you home with a clear plan and follow-up advice.
More serious cases may need fluid therapy (intravenous drips), hospitalisation, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or surgery in the case of obstructions. We’ll always discuss the options, give you a transparent estimate before treatment, and keep you updated throughout.
Transparent pricing
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Consultation (15 min) | £39 |
| Extended / Emergency Consultation | £60 |
| In-house bloods | POA |
| Abdominal ultrasound | £200 |
| X-rays (up to 5 views) | £400 |
Petplan direct claims supported. Companion Plan members receive consultations included plus 20% off medications.
Year-round parasite cover — included
Worms and giardia are still among the most common causes of chronic tummy upset, particularly in young pets. Companion Plan includes year-round flea and worming treatment plus 20% off everything else.
Frequently asked questions
My dog vomited once and seems fine — should I worry?
A single vomit in an otherwise bright, eating, drinking dog usually isn’t cause for alarm — just monitor for 24 hours. If they vomit again, become lethargic, or stop eating, book in. When in doubt, ring us — we’d much rather take a phone call than have a deteriorating pet.
What should I feed during a tummy upset?
For mild cases: small frequent meals of plain boiled chicken and rice (or white fish and rice) for 2–3 days, then a gradual reintroduction of normal food. Withhold food (not water) for 8–12 hours if vomiting, then start with very small bland meals.
Why is my pet eating grass?
Most pets eat grass occasionally for no clear medical reason. Excessive or sudden grass eating, particularly with retching, may indicate nausea or an upset stomach — if it’s a new behaviour, mention it at your next visit.
What is bloat (GDV) and why is it an emergency?
Gastric dilation-volvulus is a life-threatening twist of the stomach, most common in deep-chested large dogs (Great Danes, German Shepherds, Setters, Standard Poodles). Signs are unproductive retching, swollen abdomen, restlessness, drooling. This needs surgery within hours — ring us immediately if you suspect it.
Can I give my pet human anti-sickness or anti-diarrhoea medication?
Please don’t. Many human medications (Imodium, paracetamol, ibuprofen) are dangerous or toxic to pets. Ring us first — we’ll give you safe, specific advice.
How do I prevent recurrent tummy problems?
Consistent diet (avoid frequent food swaps), no table scraps or rich treats, regular worming, secure bins, supervision on walks, and prompt assessment of any prolonged or repeat episodes. Pets with chronic GI disease often do well on prescription diets — we’ll guide you.
If you’re worried, ring us
Same-day appointments for unwell pets. Independent, transparent care. Your pet seen by the same vet every time.