Gastrointestinal Issues and Digestive Care
Helping Glastonbury Pets Feel Better From the Inside Out
Gastrointestinal issues and digestive care at Glastonbury Veterinary Hospital help pets with upset stomachs feel better quickly.
Stomach issues in pets can make them uncomfortable and stressed, and can make families feel the same way. Whether it started suddenly or has been building over time, changes in appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea are signs your pet needs support.
At Glastonbury Veterinary Hospital, we look at the full picture: your pet’s habits, recent changes, diet, environment, and medical history. With calm exams, practical diagnostics, and clear communication, we work with you to find answers and help your pet get back to feeling good again.
Signs of Digestive Upset in Dogs & Cats
Pets may show digestive problems through:
- Vomiting or regurgitation
- Diarrhea or soft stool
- Constipation
- Gas or abdominal discomfort
- Sudden changes in appetite
- Weight loss
- Eating grass, dirt, or unusual items
If symptoms last longer than 24–48 hours, or if your pet seems lethargic or uncomfortable, a visit is recommended.
Gastrointestinal Issues in Dogs vs. Cats: What’s Different?
Dogs are more likely to:
- Eat things they shouldn’t (foreign objects, garbage, toys)
- Get into trash, table scraps, or inappropriate foods
- Develop pancreatitis from fatty foods
- Suffer from parasitic infections from outdoor activity
- Have sudden vomiting or diarrhea that appears suddenly
Cats often have more subtle or chronic digestive issues and tend to:
- Hide symptoms longer
- Become constipated more easily
- Experience vomiting from hairballs or stomach sensitivity
- Develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- React strongly to diet changes
- Have GI issues linked to stress or underlying diseases (kidney disease, hyperthyroidism)
Key Difference:
Dogs often experience sudden gastrointestinal issues caused by something they have eaten.
Cats more often have chronic or underlying medical causes, and they hide symptoms longer, making early evaluation especially important.
Gastrointestinal Issues and Digestive Care in Glastonbury, CT: Your Questions Answered
Clear answers to the questions Glastonbury pet owners ask us most.
When should I worry about my dog's vomiting or diarrhea?
Call us if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, contains blood, or comes with lethargy, pain, or refusal to eat. Puppies, kittens, and seniors can dehydrate quickly and should be seen sooner. For severe signs, see our urgent care page.
What causes digestive upset in pets?
Common causes include eating something unusual, sudden diet changes, parasites, infections, food sensitivities, pancreatitis, and chronic gut conditions. Our blog Can My Dog Eat That? covers risky foods.
How do you diagnose gastrointestinal problems?
We start with an exam and history, then may recommend fecal testing, blood work, or X-rays to find the cause. Learn more on our diagnostics page.
Can I treat my pet's upset stomach at home?
Mild cases sometimes settle with a bland diet, but please check with us first, since some human medications are harmful to pets. If your pet may have eaten something toxic, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Do you treat chronic digestive problems?
Yes. We manage ongoing issues such as food sensitivities and inflammatory bowel disease with diet plans and medication. Pets from Glastonbury, East Hartford, and Rocky Hill are welcome. Book a visit.
What should I feed my pet after a stomach upset?
After checking with us, many pets do well on small, frequent meals of a bland diet or a veterinary gastrointestinal diet for a few days before slowly returning to their normal food. Always keep fresh water available.
Can parasites cause diarrhea in pets?
Yes. Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and Giardia are common causes of diarrhea, especially in puppies and kittens. A simple fecal test helps us find them, and our parasite prevention plans help keep them away.