The holidays leave most of us pleasantly overfed and slightly glitter-dusted, but for many pets, the aftermath looks more like a digestive revolt. Between dropped leftovers, rich foods, houseguests, and disrupted routines, it’s the season when our exam rooms are filled with upset stomachs.
Here’s what you should know if your dog or cat starts having vomiting or diarrhea after the holidays.
Common Holiday Culprits
- Fatty foods
Turkey skin, ham, gravy, buttered vegetables. They are delicious for humans, rough on a pet’s pancreas and GI tract.
- New treats
Even “pet friendly” holiday goodies can trigger symptoms if they’re richer than your pet is used to.
- Table scraps and trash-raids
A single forgotten plate can lead to a very dramatic evening.
- Stress
More people in the house, travel, loud gatherings… it can unsettle even the most stoic pets.
When It’s Mild
If your pet is still bright, drinking water, and only has soft stool or one episode of vomiting, you can try:
- Withholding food for 8–12 hours (dogs only; not young puppies, small breeds, or cats)
- Offering small, bland meals (boiled chicken & rice)
- Monitoring water intake
- Keeping them away from leftovers and treats
**Improvement should be seen within 24 hours.
When It’s Serious
Even a simple stomach upset can tip into something dangerous. Call us right away if you notice:
- Repeated vomiting
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Lethargy or weakness
- Refusal to drink
- Abdominal pain-retching without vomit production, constant stretching or yelping
- Dehydration
- Vomiting along with diarrhea (especially in small dogs or cats)
Pancreatitis, foreign body ingestion, and toxin exposure often masquerade as “just an upset stomach.” Early care makes a world of difference.
We’re Here to Help
If your pet’s GI tract is staging a full-scale protest, schedule an appointment with Charlotte Veterinary Hospital today. We’ll examine them, run diagnostics if needed, and get them comfortable again so you can both return to the post-holiday quiet.