Despite all we have done to domesticate them, animal s can be gross little creatures!  Thank goodness they have so many wonderful qualities that outweigh their grossness or no one would ever be a pet owner!  I am very thankful that we, as humans, lack some of their gross features and tendencies.  For example: I am relieved that we do not have anal sacs. I am relieved that sniffing private parts is not our greeting of choice.  I am relieved that our perfume is not something dead and stinky we rolled in on our afternoon walk.  And, I am also relieved that we have better discretion and therefore avoid eating dead, stinky things that would likely make us very sick.  Though one could argue this last point given our love affair with fast food!

In the animal world, dogs especially are plagued by what I would like to call, “dietary indiscretion.”  They eat ANYTHING that does not eat them first and it often makes them very sick.  Cats are a bit more finicky, choosing to first hunt and kill their snacks.  And while this method may ensure freshness, it does not necessarily ensure against sickness.  In the event of known “dietary indiscretion” owners are often troubled and wander what they can do.  Here is a general (but not all encompassing) list of ideas:

  1.  Benign neglect – In other words… do nothing.  In many cases, they may get an upset stomach but given time, it will pass.
  2. Feed a bland diet – offer boiled, skinless chicken and white/brown rice.  This mix provides a good carbohydrate and protein source but is easily digestible and very low in fat.  I usually recommend that people avoid using chicken broth and cottage cheese as both products are very high in sodium and can further upset their tummies.  Often times giving their system some time to “rest” is the best remedy of all.
  3. If diarrhea develops – feeding a bland diet, as mentioned above, can often help.  You can add a small amount of low fat, plain yogurt also.  If diarrhea persists for longer than a day or two in spite of a bland diet OR if you see blood in the stool I recommend taking a sample in to your veterinarian to be checked.  Sometimes when stomach upset is severe the normal intestinal flora will be altered and may require an antibiotic in order to “reset” itself.
  4. If your dog/cat is vomiting – withhold food for at least 12 hours.  Offer water in very small amounts, however if your dog/cat also vomits the water up I would recommend seeking veterinary care.  After a short fast you can begin to offer a bland diet in small amounts.  Again, if vomiting persists or worsens please call your veterinarian.
  5. Prevention is obviously the best form of medicine available so keeping your pet away from the gross stuff they like to eat can significantly help.  For cats that are avid hunters, collars with bells are often helpful.  We have a client who swears that his cats hunting abilities have been completely stymied by collars at this website:  www.birdsbesafe.com.  For dogs, keeping them on leash will allow you to control their movements and hopefully will help avoid accidental ingestions when away from home.

Overall, if your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have and you have questions, it is never wrong to call your veterinarian.   Otherwise, just give them lots of love and hope for the best!  Because even if you are not, they are no doubt proud of their recent find…even if they do get diarrhea!

Dr. Rogers may be reached at the Jacksonville Veterinary Hospital at 541.899.1081