There are many reasons your pet might vomit, and physical obstruction from eating a sock is just one of them!

Diseases such as pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, or endocrine diseases like diabetes can all produce vomiting. Dogs and cats can also suffer from inflammatory bowel disease and may vomit intermittently or have periods of severe gastrointestinal upsets associated with the condition.

So if your pet is vomiting, what should you do and when should you start to worry?

As a guide, if your pet has had a one off vomit but appears happy, bright and alert and otherwise well you should keep a close eye on him over the next 24 hours. It's best to withhold food for a few hours (gastric rest) and offer fluids for rehydration. Feeding a bland diet (steamed chicken and rice) for a few days may be all that is needed.

If your pet has vomited more than once in a short period of time, seems quiet and lethargic or has a reduced appetite or diarrhoea you should call us for advice.

Pets who are chronic (long term) vomiters or are losing weight should also have a check up to rule out other diseases.

If you ever have a hunch that something's not quite right with your pet, you should phone us. We are always happy to examine your pet for peace of mind.