How a virtual vet can help when your pet has tummy troubles

Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common reasons pet parents make vet appointments. Did you know online veterinarians can help your pet recover from a mild upset stomach before an in-person vet can see them while also identifying when emergency care is needed? Read on if you have ever wondered:

• What GI symptoms can online veterinarians help with?
• How can I prevent an upset stomach in my pet?
• What should I do if my pet has an upset stomach?
• Can an online veterinarian help my pet long-term?

Online veterinarians provide access to useful tools for pet parents and can help manage patient overflow for vets at in-person clinics. If a dog or cat experiencing mild digestive issues can be treated from home with the help of a virtual vet, it can save time, money, and the stress of visiting a vet unnecessarily.

Gastrointestinal upset is a broad term used to describe multiple symptoms affecting the digestive tract, including:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Appetite loss

Further signs of nausea in dogs and cats include heavy salivation, excessive licking or gulping, and a noisy, gurgling tummy. These symptoms are not conditions themselves and are caused by many other diseases and situations a pet may face.

Digestive issues are associated with nearly all types of diseases and health conditions in pets. Preventative veterinary care provides the best opportunity to avoid many types of illness.

Routine vaccinations

Vaccinating your pet against communicable diseases is one of the best ways to prevent many common forms of illness associated with GI symptoms. . While not every disease a dog or cat can contract has a corresponding vaccine, many of the most dangerous ones are preventable through routine vaccinations.

Dogs can be vaccinated against diseases that can cause GI distress, such as:

• Canine distemper
• Parvovirus
• Leptospirosis

Cats can be vaccinated against diseases that can cause GI distress, such as:

• Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
• Feline giardia
• Feline leukemia

Regular parasite prevention

Intestinal parasites are often asymptomatic in healthy adult dogs and cats. When symptoms do appear, one of the most common is diarrhea. In cases of heavy infestation, vomiting, weight loss, and lethargy can also occur. Keeping dogs and  cats - even indoor cats - on year-round parasite prevention is the best way to keep pesky parasites away from your pets. Virtual visits with an online vet are a great way to get advice on over-the-counter medications or prescription parasite control.

Adequate nutrition

With so many pet food choices and ever-changing diet trends and fads, it can be difficult to know which food to choose for your pet. Nutrition consults with a vet can help answer questions involving:

• Food choices for your pet
• Portion sizes
• Feeding schedules
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• How nutrition impacts overall health
• Prescription or therapeutic diets

Weight management and a well-balanced diet are essential for the overall health of dogs and cats. If an animal isn’t eating a nutritionally-complete diet, doesn’t tolerate a specific food, begins losing weight, or becomes obese, other medical conditions are more likely to develop. Fad pet diets, such as raw or grain-free diets, are not always nutritionally complete or well-tolerated. Discussing diet changes with a veterinarian whenever you are considering a change is best.

“Using teletriage is an excellent way to determine whether your pet’s GI troubles are emergent,” explains Vetster veterinarian Jo Myers. “Many cases of mild diarrhea or vomiting in dogs and cats resolve on their own or with minimal help from a veterinarian and do not require an in-person appointment.” An online vet can help determine whether your pet requires a trip to the emergency clinic by evaluating symptoms and offering peace of mind if the symptoms are not emergent.

In cases where tummy troubles can be helped from home, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian before trying a home remedy. Common remedies, such as fasting or offering a bland diet, may make some situations worse and are not always safe for all pets. Virtual vet visits can assist pet parents in safely treating mild vomiting and diarrhea from home.

Virtual care is an excellent way to support the in-person veterinary needs of a pet with a chronic condition. Many aspects of long-term support can often be provided more conveniently by an online veterinarian. A virtual visit with a vet can include:

• A follow-up after a bout of acute GI issues that responded to home therapy
• Coaching for administering medications and dietary therapy
• Guidance on medication side effects
• Additional information regarding an existing diagnosis
• Ongoing patient monitoring for chronic conditions

If you have questions regarding your pet’s acute or chronic digestive problems, nutrition, or need expert advice on pet care, an online virtual care appointment can help you quickly get in touch with a veterinarian to help.

Is a virtual vet worth it?

Virtual appointments with a vet help quickly address minor problems from home and teletriage emergencies quickly. Virtual appointments usually have a much shorter wait time and cause less stress than going to the vet in-person. By providing access to care from home and  offering services at a more convenient time for pet owners, veterinary telehealth is a useful and effective tool that is simplifying pet care globally.

Can a virtual vet prescribe medication?

Prescribing is always at the discretion of the veterinarian. Prescribing medications is a legally regulated activity and varies regionally, so vets are required to comply with the law or risk disciplinary action. Keep in mind only a veterinarian can determine if your pet needs medication or not. Consulting with a virtual vet can benefit your pet regardless of whether a prescription is made, as many pet health concerns are easily addressed without prescription medication..

How much do virtual vet visits cost?

Just as is the case with in-person appointments, different veterinarians charge different rates for virtual visits, based on multiple factors. The veterinarian’s areas of expertise and availability can all alter the cost of a veterinary visit online.