Digestive troubles in pets can leave any pet owner feeling anxious. Whether you're watching your dog pace restlessly after vomiting or your cat seems less interested in food and is having diarrhea, these symptoms can be distressing and, at times, confusing to interpret. At Pet Care On Highland, located at 222 W Highland Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813, we understand how worrisome digestive issues in pets can be. Our experienced team of veterinarians is dedicated to providing modern, full-service care to pets in Lakeland and surrounding communities, including timely and thorough evaluation of digestive concerns.
This blog will help you recognize the signs of digestive issues in pets, understand potential causes, learn when to see a vet, and explore how our veterinary diagnostics in Lakeland can uncover the underlying problem. We’ll also share tips on prevention and home care, so you feel empowered as your pet’s advocate. If you're searching for quality veterinary services near me, or specifically need pet diagnostics Lakeland, our clinic is here to support your pet’s health at every step. For more urgent cases, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for urgent care and sick visits so we can promptly assess and treat your pet’s needs.
Digestive problems in pets can show up in a variety of ways, and knowing what to look for is the first step toward getting your pet the help they need. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, noticeable weight loss, bloating, and abdominal pain. You might also notice increased flatulence, changes in stool consistency, or straining to defecate. Some pets may become lethargic, seem withdrawn, or show signs of discomfort when their abdomen is touched.
For example, a dog who suddenly refuses breakfast and vomits yellow fluid, or a cat who starts having loose stools and seems less playful, may both be experiencing digestive distress. These issues can range from mild and short-lived to severe and persistent. It’s important to monitor your pet closely, especially if these symptoms last more than a day or become more pronounced.
Digestive issues in pets can sometimes resolve on their own if they are mild and short-term, but persistent problems can signal a more serious underlying condition. If you notice blood in your pet’s vomit or stool, repeated vomiting, or signs of dehydration such as dry gums or sunken eyes, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care right away. Our veterinary professionals in Lakeland are trained to help differentiate between minor upsets and more concerning health threats.
A wide range of factors can contribute to digestive issues in pets, from dietary indiscretions to infectious diseases. One of the most common causes is dietary changes, such as a sudden switch in food or the ingestion of rich table scraps. Pets are also prone to eating things they shouldn’t, like garbage, plants, or foreign objects, which can irritate the stomach or even cause dangerous obstructions.
Infections, including viral, bacterial, or parasitic illnesses, are another frequent culprit, especially in puppies and kittens. Chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, or pancreatitis can also result in ongoing digestive discomfort. Stress, especially during travel or boarding, may trigger gastrointestinal upset for some pets. In Florida’s warm climate, rapid changes in temperature or exposure to parasites like hookworms and roundworms are a regular concern.
It’s also important to remember that digestive issues in pets can sometimes be a sign of underlying systemic problems, such as kidney or liver disease, endocrine disorders, or even certain types of cancer. Because the causes can be so varied, veterinary diagnostics in Lakeland play a vital role in pinpointing the source of your pet’s symptoms and guiding effective treatment.
When you bring your pet to Pet Care On Highland for digestive concerns, our veterinary team will start with a thorough history and physical examination. We will ask about recent diet changes, exposure to toxins, travel history, and any other symptoms you’ve observed. Depending on your pet’s specific situation, our approach to diagnosis may involve a combination of laboratory testing, imaging, and hands-on assessment.
Diagnostic tools such as in-house bloodwork and fecal analysis are often used to check for infections, parasites, or organ dysfunction. For more complex cases, we may recommend veterinary diagnostic laboratory services to provide a deeper look at your pet’s health. Our digital radiology and veterinary ultrasound services can help identify obstructions, masses, or other structural problems within the digestive tract. These advanced options allow our veterinary professionals to deliver fast, accurate answers for pet diagnostics near me.
Treatment for digestive issues in pets depends on the underlying cause. Mild cases may improve with fasting, dietary adjustments, and supportive care such as fluids or probiotics. More severe or persistent problems might require medications to control vomiting or diarrhea, treat infections, or reduce inflammation. In rare cases where a foreign body or serious illness is detected, surgical intervention may be necessary, which can be performed within our surgical services suite. Throughout the diagnostic and treatment process, our veterinarians in Lakeland are committed to keeping you informed and involved in every decision for your pet’s wellbeing.
While not all digestive problems can be prevented, there are several proactive steps you can take to reduce your pet’s risk. Consistent feeding routines, gradual transitions when changing foods, and avoiding table scraps or unfamiliar treats can help maintain digestive stability. Always keep garbage, household cleaners, and toxic plants out of reach, especially for curious puppies and kittens. Regular deworming and parasite prevention are especially important for pets in Florida’s warm climate, where exposure risks are higher.
If your pet has a known sensitivity or food allergy, work with our veterinary team to find a diet that supports their unique needs. For pets that are prone to stress-related digestive issues, providing a calm environment and minimizing sudden changes can be helpful. Scheduling routine health and wellness exams with our veterinary professionals in Lakeland is one of the best ways to catch early signs of trouble and ensure your pet stays healthy year-round.
At home, monitor your pet’s appetite, energy level, and stool quality so you can quickly notice any changes. Early intervention—such as withholding food for a short period (for adult dogs only, never for small puppies or kittens) or providing bland meals—may help mild cases, but these steps should never replace professional advice if your pet is showing serious symptoms.
It can be difficult for pet owners to decide when digestive issues in pets require a visit to the veterinarian. Some mild cases, such as a single episode of vomiting after a dietary indiscretion, may resolve quickly. However, certain warning signs indicate that immediate veterinary care is required.
These include repeated vomiting or diarrhea lasting longer than 24 hours, blood in vomit or stool, refusal to eat for more than a day, signs of dehydration, severe lethargy, abdominal swelling or pain, or any sudden behavioral changes. Puppies, kittens, senior pets, and animals with chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable to rapid dehydration and complications.
If you ever feel unsure about your pet’s symptoms, it is always safer to schedule an appointment with our veterinary team at Pet Care On Highland. Our team of veterinarians has the experience and resources to provide comprehensive pet diagnostics in Lakeland, as well as supportive care to get your pet back on track. Searching for a veterinarian near me during a time of need should lead you to a compassionate, knowledgeable team that cares deeply about your pet’s wellbeing.
For those seeking prompt answers and treatment, our urgent care and sick visit services are available to help address acute concerns before they escalate.
Digestive issues in pets can be stressful, but timely attention and expert care make all the difference. At Pet Care On Highland, we are honored to be your trusted partner for pet health in Lakeland and surrounding communities. If your dog or cat is experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, or other digestive symptoms, don’t wait and wonder. Schedule an appointment with our team of veterinarians for veterinary diagnostics in Lakeland and let us help your pet feel better, faster.
If you have questions about your pet’s symptoms, or need to arrange a comprehensive evaluation, contact Pet Care On Highland at (863) 937-7914 or visit our convenient location at 222 W Highland Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813. For the best vet near me, and quality pet diagnostics Lakeland, our compassionate veterinary professionals are here for you. Schedule your health and wellness exam today, and give your pet the care they deserve.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace a veterinary examination. If your pet is experiencing severe or worsening symptoms, seek veterinary care right away.
