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Hairballs are fairly a common cause of vomiting in cats, however, hairballs can also be inappropriately blamed for other causes of vomiting bile and/or food in cats. Any pet with chronic vomiting of any kind should be worked up at a local vet with an exam, blood work and X-rays as well as possibly an ultrasound to rule out underlying causes. |
Regarding hairballs, there is no known definitive cause as to why certain cats develop this annoying problem, although it is more common in long haired cats than short haired ones. Many believe it is due to a problem in the stomach muscle wall, leading to retention of hair and subsequent vomiting. If too much hair is ingested, there is potential for the cat to become impacted leading to stomach obstruction and secondary infection.
In order to prevent hairballs I would make sure that long haired cats are regularly groomed. I would also make sure that cats are on a good natural diet such as Halo or Nature’s Variety. Pet Guard and Wysong are two of my other favorites. I also recommend feeding cats more wet food, and minimal dry food as well for overall optimal health.
To prevent hairballs in cats, there are commercial products such as Laxatone, Lax’aire or Petromalt to name a few, however, I don’t like to use these frequently because of the high sugar content of such products. Giving oils such as olive oil (a teaspoon daily) mixed in with food for one week and progressing to 3 to 4 times weekly can also help hairballs from forming. Extra fiber added to meals such as a pinch of psyllium or Metamucil can help as well.
One of the more serious concerns of particularly large, deep chested breeds of dogs such as standard poodles and Doberman Pinchers is the development of a disease known as bloat, or gastric dilatation/volvulus syndrome. Bloat is a condition that occurs when the stomach quickly distends with gas and even twists, potentially resulting in severe health and life threatening consequences. Symptoms of bloat in dogs may include:
- Abdominal distention
- Drooling
- Nonproductive vomiting or retching
- Drooling
- Restlessness
- Collapse/shock
While there is no known definitive cause of this condition, there are many risk factors that can increase the likelihood of bloat in dogs. Some of these include feeding nutrient poor quality foods that are high in carbohydrates or soy based. Allowing dogs to drink too much water too quickly and/or exercise immediately after eating can also result in an increased chance of bloat.
Once stomach distention or twisting occurs, veterinary emergency attention is critical, including passing a stomach tube, IV and shock therapy, and potential surgery if twisting has occurred. Because of the high incidence of bloat in certain breeds, it is often recommended at the time of spay and/or neuter to perform what is called a tie-back procedure at time of spay/neuter to lessen the likelihood of future bloat in later years.
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Constipation is a relatively common complaint of pet owners that may include a history of decreased frequency of bowel movements and/or straining and/or urgency when trying to have bowel movements. One of the more common causes of constipation in dogs and cats is ingestion of indigestible material including hair, and other foreign bodies. Metabolic and electrolyte imbalances can also cause constipation in pets.
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In cats there is a specific disease of the colon known as megacolon which can lead to repetitive bouts of constipation, often necessitating frequent enemas, manual removal of feces and special prescription diets and medication. One of the simplest things a pet parent can do to help a pet with constipation is to add extra fiber to meals. Canned pumpkin and Metamucil or psyllium husks are often quite helpful when added to meals. Vetasyl is a veterinary labeled product that can help with constipation.
Since an imbalance in the bacterial population in the digestive tract can occur, probiotics can often help such as Fast Balance and Naturvet Digestive Enzymes. If symptoms persist or worsen a full veterinary assessment and workup for underlying causes of constipation should be done.
Are there any at-home remedies you have found to help your constipated dog or cat? Share your experiences in the comments below!
| Our pets are part of our family, so it’s no surprise that many pet owners give their pets leftovers or table scraps. While including fresh lean meat can make wonderful additions to a pet’s diet, there are many foods that one should never feed their animal companions. Below is a list of several food items (and liquids) that can be potentially dangerous to your pet and should be avoided: |
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• Grapes/raisins – have been found to cause kidney failure in sensitive pets and should be avoided at all costs.
• Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine – each may cause vomiting and diarrhea, in addition to neurological reactions due to methylxanthine buildup in the pet’s blood.
• Macadamia nuts and avocados – both are popular human items, giving these to pets may cause digestive tract upset, as well as high fevers.
• Xylitol – an artificial sweetener that causes insulin release and potential liver failure when ingested by pets.
• Garlic and onions – may also cause digestive upset, as well as damage red blood cells causing life threatening anemia. The small amounts of garlic present in over the counter brewers yeast and garlic products often used by animal guardians as natural flea control does not appear to present this type of problem in the amount used in these products.
• Milk - can cause digestive upset and diarrhea in many pets, as many pets lack the digestive enzyme lactase.
• Large amounts of bread – can cause a buildup of gas and severe cramping and even twisting of the stomach or intestines.
• Alcohol – should be avoided at all costs due to the toxic effect on the liver and nervous system.
Do you give your pet table scraps? What are some of your pet’s favorite “human” foods?
| We are often asked in the veterinary clinic – When does vomiting become a serious issue? The answer to this is usually based on several factors, including energy level of the pet, frequency, severity and length of vomiting, as well as appetite and if there is any history of any possible foreign body ingestion. |
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With possible foreign body ingestion, those pets should be examined immediately by a veterinarian. If there is the presence of blood in the vomit which can appear as bright red blood or sometimes a coffee grind appearance, those pets should also have an immediate veterinary exam. With occasional vomiting and/or when the pet is otherwise bright and healthy, clients can try a bland diet and/or Famotidine (Pepcid AC) at home once to twice daily to see if that can help.
I will also sometimes suggest slippery elm from the health food store to soothe the digestive tract, as well as even probiotics like Fast Balance and/or NaturVet Digestive Enzymes. If vomiting is frequent or persists more than a day or two, a pet should be examined by a veterinarian and a full workup done.
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It’s no secret that dogs can vomit for a variety of reasons. For instance, many dogs will eat grass sporadically and vomit grass to purge and/or cleanse themselves of toxins and sometimes when they are not feeling well. Dietary indiscretion and foreign body ingestion ranging from pine cones to corn cobs can also be involved with vomiting.
Our pets also suffer from acute viral infections as well, which are often self limiting. However, other acute and chronic causes of vomiting can range from metabolic disease of the liver, kidney and pancreas, hormonal diseases, as well as inflammation of the stomach or bowels known as inflammatory bowel disease, as well as cancer. |
A specific disease of large breed dogs known as bloat, can often cause ineffectual efforts to vomit and abdominal distention. Depending upon the individual history, age of the pet, severity and length of vomiting, many times animal guardians can often treat simple uncomplicated vomiting at home. This is generally pets that are bright, alert and energetic with no loss of interest in normal activities and appetite.
As long as the vomiting is not severe with a lot of loss of fluids, then in these short term vomiting pets, animal guardians can attempt initial symptomatic treatment at home. I will often suggest Pepcid AC at dose of 0.5mg per pound once to twice daily, along with a brief 24 hour fast. During this time small amounts of liquid or broth can be offered as long as pet able to hold these liquids down.
I have also found the herb slippery elm, readily available from most health food stores quite soothing for vomiting pets. Probiotics such as Fast Balance and Mitomax are also helpful in my hands in treating vomiting pets. After 24 to 48 hours, a bland hamburger and rice or chicken and rice diet can be offered as well as continuing probiotics, slippery elm and Pepcid.
Gradually a pet’s regular diet can then be introduced. If the vomiting worsens, or blood is noted in the vomit or a coffee grind appearance to the vomit, or dog becomes lethargic, withdrawn with loss of appetite or if a guardian is in doubt, a veterinary exam is of course recommended.
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Chocolate ingestion is one of the most common toxicities seen in veterinary practice. It is especially common during the holiday season, where pets often have access to them from either social gatherings or from under the Christmas tree, as well as the irresistible desire of animal guardians to give their canine companions just a small treat. While a small amount of chocolate ingestion does not cause much problem in many dogs, other pets are much more sensitive.
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The problem seems to be in handling the theobromine in chocolate produced in the body after ingestion. Theobromine can cause varying degrees of neurological signs in dogs including excitation, rapid heart rate, and seizures. Other pets may simply develop digestive tract upset including diarrhea and vomiting. If a pet is known to have ingested chocolate, one can induce vomiting to prevent absorption if done within a few hours of ingestion. Depending upon the size of the dog, anywhere between a teaspoon and a few tablespoons of over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide can induce vomiting of the ingested chocolate. If unsuccessful, most veterinarians have access to ipecac which can also induce vomiting, as well as providing supportive care such as the administration of activated charcoal to prevent further chocolate absorption, as well as supportive IV fluids to minimize any dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea.
| One of the most common complaints of feline guardians is why their cats vomit. Depending upon the grooming habits of a particular cat, many cats may develop accumulation of hair in the stomach leading to the vomiting of hairballs. While most healthy cats dissolve ingested hair, other cats have problems breaking down the hair thus leading to increased vomiting. The problem in these cats is believed to be due to a contraction issue of the stomach wall of affected cats. |
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While the occasional hairball is nothing to be concerned about, if vomiting of hair increases, or a cat chronically vomits food or yellow bile, or exhibits an acute intense flare-up of symptoms accompanied by loss of appetite and energy, than a veterinary workup is recommended. This workup may include X-rays for detection of any potential obstructions, stool checks for parasites, and blood work to rule out metabolic problems of the liver, kidneys or pancreas. If needed further imaging such as ultrasound or endoscopy can be done in those cats who do not respond to supportive or symptomatic treatment. In terms of hairball prevention and treatment, there are many commercial products available such as Laxatone, Lax’aire or Petromalt to name a few.
While these can be potentially helpful, I find that the high sugar content of these products makes them less desirable for me to recommend their frequent use. In many cases I will have clients use a teaspoon of olive oil mixed in with the food once daily for one week then a few times weekly after that in treating and preventing hairballs. I also find that slippery elm preparations and probiotics can soothe an inflamed stomach or digestive tract in helping as well. In some cases prescription medications such as Metoclopromide or Reglan can be helpful in managing chronic hair balls but it is important to rule out some of the above chronic illnesses first with a full veterinary workup.
| Each year around the holidays there is often an increased spike of veterinary emergency and exam visits for animals that indiscriminately ingest or chew on inappropriate items or are fed excessive fatty holiday meal leftovers. With the latter issue, some pets may experience digestive upset from mild self limiting diarrhea/vomiting or appetite loss, or more serious conditions like acute pancreatitis. |
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While small bits of lean white meat turkey or beef may not harm most animals, one should always keep in mind their pet’s medical history or dietary sensitivities, or if in doubt check with their veterinarians. Of course excessive and inappropriate treats like chocolate ingestion can lead to both digestive upset, and in severe cases neurological problems, including seizures. It is also very careful not to let dogs and cats go unsupervised around holiday presents, whose wrapping paper and ribbon often make a nice target for chewing and ingestion by certain curious dogs or cats. Christmas tree ornaments, including tinsel are also targets in which pets need to be monitored so they do not chew on or ingest such materials.
