Vomiting: what to do ?

3 December 2022

Vomiting is defined as an effortful ejection – as opposed to regurgitation, which is passive – of the contents of the stomach and first part of the small intestine. It is usually preceded by nausea, excessive salivation and retching. Vomiting usually does not last very long… But in some cases, vomiting can last for a long time, and it is then necessary to find the cause.

My pet is vomiting: should I call my vet ?

Most episodes of vomiting in dogs and cats are relatively short, 2 to 3 days at most. They are very often of food origin: this can be due to gastric overload or the ingestion of inappropriate food. Infections – especially viral ones – are also a frequent cause. In these cases, offering highly digestible food is usually sufficient. Make sure your pet stays well hydrated: it is best to give small amounts of water on a regular basis. If vomiting persists, if your pet vomits uncontrollably or if its general condition is altered, it is best to contact your vet. He will check, with the help of a clinical examination and, if he deems it necessary, with blood and urine tests, that this condition is not linked to an inflammation of the pancreas or to kidney problems. If these conditions are ruled out, it is very likely that your four-legged friend will receive an injection and/or antiemetics to stop the vomiting, as well as a gastric medication to soothe the stomach and oesophagus. If you think your pet may have ingested toxic plants or drugs, contact the veterinary poison control centre. Don’t hesitate to write the phone number of the centre on your pet’s health record, or even record it on your mobile phone. Finally, if your dog or cat tries to vomit without success, it may be suffering from GDV – Gastric Dilation or bloat, which affects dogs – or they may have ingested a foreign body: a toy, a sock, a needle and thread (they can be very creative), etc. In this case, you should make an appointment with your vet quickly.

When should I be concerned about persistent vomiting ?

If, despite the dietary advice and treatment prescribed by your vet, your dog or cat is still vomiting, even intermittently, it is best to contact your vet quickly. In order to determine the cause and therefore to find the most appropriate treatment, your veterinarian may carry out additional tests, such as

An abdominal X-ray and/or ultrasound scan(s);
A CT scan or MRI scan;
An endoscopy with biopsy,
A stool analysis…

If necessary, he will refer you to a specialist consultation in an internal medicine department.

Ajouter aux favoris

The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.