Diarrhea in Pets: When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care
If your pet is experiencing diarrhea, it can be messy, stressful, and sometimes dangerous. At Five Rivers Pet Emergency Hospital in New Market, TN, we’re here 24/7 to help you determine whether your pet’s diarrhea is minor or a sign of something more serious. Whether it’s a sudden bout or ongoing for several days, our experienced emergency team can quickly find the cause and provide the treatment your pet needs.
Understanding Diarrhea in Pets
Diarrhea is not a disease itself, but a symptom of many possible issues in dogs and cats. Causes range from simple stomach upset to life-threatening conditions. Common causes include:
- Dietary indiscretion (eating garbage, spoiled food, or new treats)
- Sudden changes in diet
- Parasites such as Giardia or worms
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Toxic ingestion (plants, medications, chemicals)
- Organ dysfunction (liver, kidneys, pancreas)
- Stress or anxiety
Because diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other complications, it’s important to monitor your pet closely and know when it’s time for urgent care.
Diarrhea in Pets: When to Worry
Pet owners often ask, “When should I worry about my dog’s diarrhea?” While mild, short-term diarrhea can sometimes resolve on its own, the following red flags mean your pet needs veterinary attention right away:
- Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
- Blood in stool (bright red or dark, tarry)
- Frequent, watery diarrhea with no signs of improvement
- Vomiting combined with diarrhea
- Severe lethargy or collapse
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, weakness)
- Abdominal bloating or pain
If you’re uncertain, call us. Our veterinary team can help you decide whether to bring your pet in immediately.
Our Diagnostic Approach
When you bring your pet to Five Rivers Pet Emergency Hospital for diarrhea, our team moves quickly to identify the cause. Diagnostics may include:
- Full physical exam and medical history review
- Fecal testing for parasites and bacteria
- Bloodwork to check for infection, organ issues, or electrolyte imbalance
- X-rays or ultrasound to look for blockages or inflammation
- Testing for viral infections (such as parvovirus in dogs)
Pinpointing the underlying problem helps us provide the best treatment for your pet.
Treatment Options for Diarrhea in Pets
Treatment depends on the cause and severity, but may include:
- IV fluids and electrolytes to combat dehydration
- Anti-diarrheal or anti-nausea medications
- Deworming or antiparasitic treatments
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Special diets to ease digestion
- Surgery in cases of foreign body blockage or other critical conditions
Our goal is to relieve your pet’s discomfort, correct dehydration, and resolve the underlying issue so they can recover fully.
Why Choose Five Rivers Pet Emergency Hospital?
Families throughout New Market, Jefferson County, and the surrounding areas trust Five Rivers Pet Emergency Hospital for urgent pet care. We’re open 24/7, with advanced diagnostics like digital X-rays, ultrasound, and an in-house lab for rapid results. Our emergency veterinarians are experienced in handling both urgent and critical cases with skill and compassion. Most importantly, we treat every pet like our own — providing not just medical care, but comfort and reassurance when you and your pet need it most.
Get Immediate Help for Diarrhea in Pets
If your dog or cat is experiencing diarrhea and you’re concerned, don’t wait. Contact Five Rivers Pet Emergency Hospital at (423) 581-9492 or bring your pet directly to our New Market, TN location for prompt, expert care. We’re here for you 24/7.