Gastrointestinal Issues

Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common reasons pets visit urgent care, and while a single episode of either may resolve on its own, persistent or severe gastrointestinal symptoms can signal a condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

At Ruby Veterinary Urgent Care in Johns Creek, our ER-trained veterinarians use in-house diagnostics including blood work and X-rays to get to the bottom of your pet’s stomach troubles and provide same-day relief.

Gastrointestinal problems can be triggered by a wide range of causes, some mild and self-limiting, others requiring urgent medical intervention. These are the most common causes we see:

• Dietary indiscretion, commonly known as garbage gut, is the most frequent cause of acute vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Pets who get into the trash, eat table scraps, or consume something unfamiliar often develop GI upset
• Infections from bacteria, viruses (including parvovirus in unvaccinated dogs), and intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, giardia, and coccidia can all cause vomiting and diarrhea
• Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that causes severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. It is often triggered by high-fat foods and is more common in small-breed dogs
• Foreign body ingestion occurs when pets swallow objects that cannot be digested, such as toys, socks, bones, or string, which can cause a life-threatening intestinal obstruction.
• Toxin exposure frequently presents with GI symptoms as an early sign. Food allergies and sensitivities can cause chronic or intermittent vomiting and diarrhea
• Stress and anxiety can trigger GI upset, especially diarrhea, in dogs after boarding, travel, or changes in routine

While a single episode of vomiting or mild diarrhea may not seem serious, the following signs warrant urgent evaluation:

• Multiple episodes of vomiting within a few hours
• Vomiting that continues for more than 24 hours
• Bloody vomit or blood in the stool, which may appear bright red or dark and tarry
• Diarrhea that is profuse, watery, or contains blood
• Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
• Visible abdominal pain such as a hunched posture, restlessness, or crying when picked up
• Lethargy or weakness beyond what you’d expect from a minor upset stomach
• Known or suspected ingestion of a foreign object or toxic substance

Note: Patients who are experiencing nonproductive retching or dry heaving, especially large or deep-chested breeds, or who have a hard, distended abdomen, should be seen immediately at a 24-hour emergency hospital, as these may be signs of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV or commonly referred to as "bloat"), which requires emergency surgery.

Our approach focuses on identifying the underlying cause so treatment is targeted and effective rather than just addressing symptoms.

Bloodwork including a complete blood count and chemistry panel evaluates organ function, hydration status, electrolyte balance, and screens for conditions like pancreatitis, kidney disease, and liver disease. Fecal testing checks for intestinal parasites and certain bacterial infections. Abdominal X-rays can help identify foreign objects.

Depending on the case, our veterinarian may recommend a diagnostic abdominal ultrasound, which provides detailed visualization of the intestinal tract, pancreas, liver, and other organs. This would be performed by a veterinary radiologist, and our team would coordinate that referral.

Treatment often starts with anti-nausea medication to break the vomiting cycle and provide immediate comfort. From there, IV or subcutaneous fluid therapy corrects dehydration and restores electrolyte balance, while pain management and GI-protective medications address abdominal discomfort and shield the intestinal lining. As your pet recovers, we'll recommend a bland diet and probiotics to support GI healing. We can send you home with prescription diets and probiotics to accelerate healing.

If imaging reveals a foreign body obstruction, we can induce vomiting to bring the object back up, perform endoscopic foreign body removal if vomiting is unproductive, or refer you for surgery if necessary.

If signs of bloat are observed, we move immediately to stabilization and coordinate referral to a 24-hour surgical facility.

GI visits at Ruby typically take 60 to 90 minutes depending on diagnostics needed. In-house blood work and X-rays performed on-site, with read-outs typically available within 30 minutes. We can administer anti-nausea injections and fluid therapy during the visit, and pets leave feeling significantly better.

You’ll go home with a clear treatment plan, medications, diet recommendations, and instructions for monitoring at home. If a referral to a 24-hour hospital is recommended, our team will coordinate all details and transfer records. A complete visit summary is sent to your primary care veterinarian.

Fortunately, most cases of uncomplicated gastroenteritis resolve within 24 to 72 hours with appropriate treatment. After your visit, follow your veterinarian’s dietary recommendations carefully, which typically involve a bland diet fed in small, frequent portions for 3 to 5 days before gradually reintroducing regular food. Ensure fresh water is always available.

Pancreatitis recovery takes longer, typically 5 to 10 days for mild cases, and may require dietary changes going forward, including a switch to a low-fat diet.

Contact your primary veterinarian or bring your pet back in to Ruby if vomiting or diarrhea returns after treatment, your pet refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, you notice lethargy, worsening pain, or new symptoms, or you see blood in the vomit or stool.

Ruby Veterinary Urgent Care is located at 10710 State Bridge Road Ste 120 in Johns Creek, Georgia, just minutes from Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Suwanee, Duluth, Peachtree Corners, Sandy Springs, and Cumming. We serve pet families across North Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Forsyth County, and greater metro Atlanta. Open Monday through Friday 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Saturday through Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Walk-ins welcome or reserve your spot online.