Gastroenteritis
Treatment of Gastroenteritis in Animals Near You in Westwood and Pompton Lakes, NJ
When your pet experiences sudden vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, it’s natural to worry. These are often signs of gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that can cause significant discomfort and dehydration.
At Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital, we provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for gastroenteritis in dogs and cats near you in New Jersey, helping your pets recover safely and comfortably. Serving families throughout Westwood, Pompton Lakes, and the Tri-State area, we combine advanced medical care with personalized attention to get your pet feeling better fast.
What Is Gastroenteritis in Animals?
Gastroenteritis is a common digestive condition that can occur in pets of any age or breed. It involves inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, particularly the stomach and small intestine. It can develop suddenly (acute) or be chronic, persisting over time.
Common causes of gastroenteritis in dogs and cats include the following:
- Ingestion of spoiled food, garbage, or foreign objects
- Sudden diet changes
- Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Toxins or medication side effects
- Stress or anxiety
- Underlying diseases, such as pancreatitis or kidney issues
What Are the Symptoms of Gastroenteritis in Pets?
The signs of gastroenteritis can range from mild to severe. If your pet shows any of the following symptoms, it’s important to schedule a veterinary exam right away.
Symptoms in Dogs
If a dog has gastroenteritis, they may display the following:
- Frequent vomiting or dry heaving
- Diarrhea, often with mucus or blood
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Dehydration, including sunken eyes, sticky gums, or skin tenting
Symptoms in Cats:
Cats may exhibit the following symptoms of gastroenteritis:
- Repeated vomiting or retching like they have a hairball
- Loose or watery stool
- Straining in the litter box
- Decreased appetite
- Hiding or changes in behavior
- Weight loss with persistent symptoms
Left untreated, gastroenteritis can lead to severe dehydration and nutrient imbalances. These may become a life-threatening emergency, especially for puppies, kittens, and senior pets.
How Do You Diagnose Gastroenteritis in Animals?
At Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital, our veterinarians take a careful and compassionate approach to diagnosis. We start by reviewing your pet’s medical history, diet, and recent behavior. Then, we perform a thorough physical examination and may recommend one or more diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause.
These tests may include:
- Bloodwork to check organ function and detect infection
- Fecal testing for parasites or bacterial imbalance
- X-rays or ultrasounds to look for foreign objects, blockages, or inflammation in the GI tract
- Urinalysis to assess hydration and rule out systemic disease
- Endoscopy or biopsy in chronic or recurrent cases
After we identify the underlying issue, we create a targeted treatment plan that addresses the cause, not just the symptoms. By treating the cause, we help your four-legged family members return to their normal selves.
How Do You Treat Gastroenteritis in Pets?
Every pet’s treatment plan is customized based on the severity of their symptoms and what we find during their exam. Our goal is to relieve discomfort, restore hydration, and prevent recurrence of symptoms.
Fluid Therapy
Dehydration is a major concern with gastroenteritis. Many pets require intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous fluids to replace lost electrolytes and stabilize their condition. Our veterinary hospitals are fully equipped to provide this supportive care on-site.
Medication
Depending on your pet’s needs, your veterinarian may prescribe the following:
- Antiemetics to control vomiting
- Antidiarrheal medications
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Dewormers for parasitic causes
- Probiotics or digestive supplements to restore gut balance
- Pain relief if your pet is experiencing abdominal discomfort or pain
We select each medicine carefully. This thoughtfulness and diligence help to ensure your pet’s safety and treatment effectiveness based on your pet’s age, weight, and overall health.
Dietary Management
Your veterinarian may recommend a temporary bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice or a prescription gastrointestinal formula, to give the stomach time to heal. Once your pet’s symptoms improve, we’ll guide you in gradually introducing their regular food or transitioning to a long-term, vet-approved diet.
Surgery
In severe cases, emergency surgery may be required. Our state-of-the-art surgical suites allow us to care for your pets on-site, and our 24/7 monitoring enables your pet to receive the round-the-clock treatment they need to heal.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Even after symptoms improve, follow-up care is important. Our caring veterinarians will schedule a recheck to ensure your pet’s digestive system has fully recovered and adjust treatment if symptoms recur. Chronic gastroenteritis caused by allergies, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or stress may require ongoing dietary management or further testing to rule out underlying disease.
If your pet has chronic gastroenteritis, our team will work with you to develop a long-term management plan. This may include special diets, stress-reduction strategies, and periodic monitoring. Our goal is always to help your pet enjoy a comfortable, high-quality life, without repeated flare-ups.
Schedule a Visit for Gastroenteritis Care with Us
If your dog or cat is vomiting, has diarrhea, or seems unwell, don’t wait for symptoms to resolve on their own. Gastroenteritis in animals can worsen quickly, but with professional care from a veterinarian, most pets recover within days. At Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital and Pompton Lakes Animal Hospital, we provide comfortable, caring environments and individualized treatment plans to help your pets feel better. We proudly serve pets in Westwood, Pompton Lakes, and the Tri-State area of New Jersey, offering trusted veterinary care for pets who deserve the very best. Contact us today to schedule an appointment near you in NJ.
Service Available At:
Westwood
- 346 Kinderkamack Rd.
Westwood, NJ 07675 - 201-885-5040
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 10 PM
Pompton
- 9 Cannonball Rd. Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
- 973-835-4774
-
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 11 AM – 8 PM
Wed, Sat: 10 AM – 3 PMSunday: Closed