Gastrointestinal Problems in Dogs & Cats

Gastrointestinal Problems in Dogs & Cats

Digestive problems are a common reason pets visit the veterinarian.

Vomiting, diarrhoea, appetite changes, reflux, constipation and gastrointestinal upset can affect both dogs and cats and may range from mild short-term illness to chronic digestive disease.

At Central Pets, we help pet owners access veterinary-prescribed treatments following veterinary assessment, with convenient prescription upload, pharmacist-reviewed dispensing and Australia-wide delivery options.

Common signs of gastrointestinal problems in pets

Dogs and cats experiencing digestive issues may show signs such as:

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhoea

  • Reduced appetite

  • Weight loss

  • Constipation

  • Abdominal discomfort

  • Excessive grass eating or lip licking

  • Changes in stool consistency

  • Reflux or nausea-like symptoms

Some digestive issues resolve quickly, while others may require ongoing veterinary management.

If symptoms are persistent, severe or recurring, veterinary assessment is recommended.

What causes digestive problems in pets?

Digestive issues can occur for many reasons, including:

  • Dietary indiscretion or sudden food changes

  • Food intolerance or sensitivities

  • Gastrointestinal inflammation

  • Stress-related digestive upset

  • Parasites or infection

  • Pancreatitis

  • Chronic gastrointestinal disease

Because gastrointestinal symptoms can overlap between conditions, veterinary assessment is important to identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Veterinary treatment and management

Management depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms and your pet’s individual needs.

Your veterinarian may recommend:

  • Veterinary-prescribed treatment where appropriate

  • Dietary management or prescription diets

  • Hydration support

  • Gut-supportive treatment plans

  • Monitoring for recurrent digestive symptoms

  • Further investigations if symptoms persist

Some pets require short-term treatment, while others may benefit from longer-term veterinary management.

Medicines your veterinarian may prescribe

Veterinarians may prescribe treatment to help manage nausea, reflux, diarrhoea, constipation, inflammation or other gastrointestinal concerns depending on the diagnosis.

Some pets may also receive dietary management or supportive treatment alongside prescribed medicines.

Treatment decisions vary depending on veterinary assessment and your pet’s clinical needs.

What if my pet struggles to take medication?

Some pets can be difficult to medicate, particularly where ongoing treatment is required.

Where clinically appropriate and authorised by the treating veterinarian, compounded treatment options may sometimes be discussed to support easier administration, alternative dosage forms or tailored strengths.

Why pet owners choose Central Pets

  • Easy online veterinary prescription upload

  • Pharmacist-reviewed supply before dispensing

  • Australia-wide delivery options

  • Support for repeat prescriptions where valid repeats remain

  • Local Perth pharmacy support with national shipping

  • Compounding capability where clinically appropriate and veterinarian authorised

Do I need a prescription?

Many veterinary treatments used to manage gastrointestinal conditions require a valid veterinary prescription before supply.

Your veterinarian can send prescriptions directly to Central Pets, or you can upload your prescription online during checkout.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my pet vomiting or having diarrhoea?

Digestive symptoms can occur for many reasons including diet changes, gastrointestinal inflammation, infection, stress or underlying disease. Veterinary assessment is recommended if symptoms persist.

Can digestive problems become chronic?

Some pets experience recurring or long-term gastrointestinal problems that benefit from ongoing veterinary management.

What if my pet refuses medication?

Where clinically appropriate and authorised by the veterinarian, compounded treatment options may sometimes be discussed.

Does my pet need a special diet?

Some gastrointestinal conditions benefit from prescription diets or dietary modification as recommended by your veterinarian.

Support for pets with gastrointestinal problems

Central Pets helps pet owners access veterinary-prescribed treatments for digestive concerns following veterinary assessment and pharmacist review.

Upload your veterinary prescription online for convenient pharmacist-reviewed supply.