Vomiting occurs when the disturbance is in the upper GIT, while diarrhea develops when it's in the lower GIT. As with any disease, a gastrointestinal tract (GIT) upset is the body's way of saying that something is wrong. With vomiting and diarrhea, it's generally nature's way of cleansing out or ridding itself of something that is causing irritation or upset. If your dog or cat is still relatively bright and the vomiting or diarrhea is not profuse, it may be possible to help to support their body and let it run its course. If your animal is collapsed, vomiting profusely, has blood coming out or is straining unsuccessfully then seek the advice of your vet as soon as possible. Practical management of a GIT upset involves giving the GIT a rest, ensuring that the animal has sufcient uids and salts, supporting the GIT to help toxins pass though and to allow for repair. If this does not work then there is likely to be a more complex underlying issue and further diagnostics or treatment would be warranted. There are a number of reasons for GIT disturbances, some due to longer term (chronic) problems such as food intolerances, inammatory bowel disease, worms, organ failures and others which occur more suddenly (acute) such as toxins or poison exposure, something being stuck like as a fur ball, various infections both bacterial and viral, rotten food being eaten or even simple things such as stress or a sudden diet change, especially common in young kittens. First and foremost, ensure that your animal has sufcient uid, with plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration, as well as electrolytes (salts) and glucose which is especially important in very young animals whose glucose levels plummet very quickly. This can be in the form of a broth created by boiling up meat, rice and vegetables or a mixture of 4 cups of warm water and ¼ cup honey. In animals that aren't drinking, this can be dripped in with a dropper or syringed in carefully by placing small amounts on the animals' tongue and allowing it to swallow while it's sitting or lying upright. Slippery elm powder, kaolin and bismuth are wonderful internal poultices to help soothe and heal the inamed GIT lining. Use 20-40mg of dried slippery elm per kilogram three times a day mixed in water or food. Alternately mix 1 teaspoon of powder in 1 cup of water and give kittens ¼ teaspoon, cats and small dogs 1 teaspoon, medium dogs 30 – 60ml and large dogs 90 – 120ml 3 times daily. A 4 – 12 hour fast, depending on their condition, can be helpful to give the GIT a rest. Commence with bland food such as boiled or roast lean chicken, egg or cottage cheese (some additional rice and kumara can also be used for most dogs) for 1 – 3 days then gradually transition back to their normal diet. For animals that have been vomiting, feeding 4 – 6 smaller meals through the day is helpful to ease digestion. Adding oatbran and probiotics from unsweetened acidophilus/lactobacillus yoghurt or commercial formulations will help to normalize bacterial ora in the GIT and minimize overgrowth of the “bad bugs”. Activated charcoal might also be useful if there are toxins present either from poisons or produced from the overgrowth of certain bacteria. Use 2 grams per kilogram daily. In chronic conditions such as IBD, aloe vera juice is also benecial to help improve digestion and normalize GIT function however ensure that it is not preserved with sodium benzoate or benzoic acid which is toxic to cats. A dose of 1ml per 5 kilograms daily is good support but be aware that it can also have a slight laxative effect. For the management of longer term problems various nutritional programmes including optimal amounts of nutrients such as omega 3 fatty acids, as well as regular treatments with therapies such as NIS (Neurological Integration System), Acupuncture, homeopathy, Bowen therapy, etc. can help to make a marked difference. Various homeopathics are also often useful and are best used under the guidance of a homeopath. Use either complex remedies or individual 30 C potencies 4 hourly for 3 doses and if there's no change then another remedy is usually indicated. In very acute cases, dose more frequently and then decrease the frequency to effect. Useful remedies are Nux Vomica for occasional vomiting, Arsenicum for vomiting and diarrhea where the animal is thirsty and Merc Cor for acute diarrhea. DIGESTIVE UPSETS & WHAT TO DO