How long should I wait before taking my dog or cat to the vet for vomiting?

If vomiting has lasted more than 24 hours, your pet cannot keep water down, or vomiting is accompanied by bloody stools or lethargy, seek veterinary care immediately. For brief, isolated vomiting, observe your pet and consult your vet.

What information can I record at home to help my vet?

We recommend recording the number of vomiting episodes, vomit contents, stool consistency and frequency, and taking photos or videos. Also prepare a list of recent food and any medications for your vet's reference.

What tests does the vet typically run to find the cause?

Common diagnostics include a physical examination, blood count, biochemistry panel, urinalysis, and X-rays or ultrasound. Advanced imaging may be arranged if needed.

How long does it take for mild gastrointestinal issues to improve?

Mild indigestion or brief episodes of vomiting and diarrhoea usually resolve within a few days. If there is no improvement or symptoms worsen, return to your vet or arrange further tests as advised.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Gastrointestinal Disease in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Home Care [2025]

Coccidiosis is an intestinal parasitic infection commonly seen in young pets. It causes diarrhoea and responds well to antiprotozoal medication.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/05

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: AVMA, WSAVA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek immediate veterinary care (emergency)

•Persistent vomiting for more than 24 hours and unable to drink water
•Vomiting or stool contains obvious blood or appears black
•Lethargy, confusion, or difficulty breathing occurs

Schedule a clinic visit as soon as possible (within 24-72 hours)

•Vomiting for more than 12 hours but still able to drink water
•Appetite is clearly reduced for more than two meals
•Stool is watery and bowel movements continue to increase noticeably

01What symptoms indicate something is wrong?

Gastrointestinal issues in dogs and cats most commonly present as vomiting and diarrhoea, often accompanied by changes in appetite and energy levels.

Repeated vomiting or changes in vomit appearance (colour, contents)
Diarrhoea or loose stools, abnormal colour, or presence of mucus
Significant decrease in appetite or complete refusal to eat
Reduced energy and activity, lethargy, or unwillingness to play
Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth or reduced skin elasticity

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Vomiting lasting more than 24 hours or inability to keep water down
⚠️ Fresh blood in vomit or stool, or black/tarry stools
⚠️ Extreme lethargy, disorientation, or difficulty breathing

02How can I assess the situation at home? Key observations and emergency indicators

Before visiting the vet, observe and record key information at home — these details help the vet assess and manage the situation quickly.

Record the number of vomiting episodes, timing, contents, and colour
Record stool frequency, consistency, colour, and whether blood is present
Monitor changes in energy levels, appetite, water intake, and activity
Use your phone to film vomiting or diarrhoea episodes to show your vet
Organise all observations into a summary to share with your vet at the appointment

03How will the vet make a diagnosis? Common examination steps

At the clinic, the vet will assess your pet from the outside in and arrange blood tests, imaging, and other diagnostics to identify the cause and guide treatment.

Physical examination

including abdominal palpation, hydration assessment, and temperature

Blood count

checking white blood cells, electrolytes, and infection markers

Biochemistry panel

evaluating liver, kidney, and metabolic function

Urinalysis

to rule out urinary or metabolic conditions

Imaging

X-rays to assess the GI tract or detect foreign bodies; ultrasound or advanced imaging (CT/MRI) if needed

04How is treatment managed after diagnosis? Medications, diet adjustments, and home care

Treatment includes supportive care, medication, and dietary adjustments, along with follow-up visits and monitoring to confirm improvement.

Administer medications or IV/subcutaneous fluids as directed by your vet
Dietary management: withhold food briefly, then reintroduce with a bland, easily digestible, or prescription diet
If antibiotics or other medications are prescribed, attend follow-up appointments to monitor effectiveness
Schedule blood or imaging follow-ups to confirm the condition is improving
Home care focuses on hydration and monitoring elimination habits and energy levels
For persistent or recurring symptoms, a specialist referral or further diagnostics are recommended

05What should I prepare before the vet visit? Key information to help the vet diagnose quickly

Note the onset time, how symptoms started, and how they have progressed

List recent food types, amounts fed, and any potential exposure to foreign objects

Record vomiting and bowel movement frequency and appearance, and save photos or videos

Bring any current medications, supplements, and vaccination records

If prior test results or images are available, bring them for the vet's reference

Organising your observations into a checklist helps the vet assess the situation faster

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.