pet plan.co m.au http://www.petplan.com.au/blog/pet-insurance/weight-gain-and-upset-tummies-what-to-do/

by Petplan Australia February 4, 2013

Weight gain and upset tummies – What to do?

Eating unusual foods or too many treats can be harmful to your pet. Vet and writer AlisonLogan explains what to do if your companion has gained weight or is suf fering f rom an upsettummy

NEW FOOD

If vomit ing and diarrhoea occur when you int roduce a newfood, then the food may not suit your pet . Dietary changesshould be avoided for small animals in part icular.

TABLE SCRAPS

Titbit s are common culprit s when it comes to weight gain andstomach upsets – so avoid giving them altogether.

HUNTING

Recent ly, one of our Labradors, Smudge, found a rabbit thatwas maggot -ridden. Thankfully he didn’t eat it – the resultmay have been much more than a stomach upset .

SCAVENGING

Fat balls intended for birds pose quite a threat to dogs andcats. They are a highly concent rated source of fat and can cause pancreat it is. Stealing the cat ’sfood is another source of ext ra food for dogs.

OVEREATING

Overloading the intest ines with excessive food can also lead to an upset stomach. Puppies andkit tens of ten develop diarrhoea when f irst taken into a new home.

INTOLERANCE

Cow’s milk is a common cause of diarrhoea in those animals that have lost the abilit y to break downthe sugar found in milk (lactose).

DEALING WITH DEHYDRATION

Dehydrat ion is a major concern for small animals. Water can be syringed direct ly into the mouth. Acat or dog should be of fered small, f requent drinks. Rehydrat ion f luid is ideal, but if your pet refusesto drink it , t ry giving him cooled, boiled water instead.

NOURISHING WITH NUTRIENTS

The intest ines need nut rients to help them recover. These should be in the form of small amounts ofreadily digested food, such as home-cooked chicken; white f ish with pasta or potato; or scrambledegg prepared without milk.

SOOTHE A SORE STOMACH

If your pet is suf fering f rom both vomit ing and diarrhoea, he has gast roenterit is. The priorit y is f luidsby mouth, followed by small, f requent meals of bland food af ter 24 hours, once vomit ing hasstopped. If you are in any doubt , contact your vet .