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What is gastroenteritis in pets?
Gastroenteritis refers to inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, primarily impacting the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, reduced appetite, abdominal pain, and dehydration.
This condition, while distressing for both pets and owners, is typically manageable with proper care. However, untreated or chronic cases can lead to complications, making early detection vital.
Prevalence, costs and common causes
Gastroenteritis is prevalent across all life stages of cats and dogs, although it manifests differently in different pets. According to PetSure claims data in 2024, gastroenteritis is the second most claimed condition in dogs and the most claimed condition in cats.
The average cost for treatment in dogs in 2024 was $737*, with the highest cost for treatment being $32,310*. For cats, the average cost for treatment was $735*, with the highest cost for treatment being $26,987*.
Acute gastroenteritis is a sudden-onset condition and is often caused by eating harmful items (e.g. table scraps or garbage), infections such as parvovirus or protozoa infestation (e.g., Giardia), or even stress. Treating Giardia often includes a prolonged use of a worming agent combined with antimicrobial treatment. The average treatment cost for Giardia in 2024 was $580* but could be as high as $8,542*.
Chronic gastroenteritis develops over time and is typically triggered by food allergies, underlying diseases, or persistent exposure to stressors. The average treatment cost for IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) in 2024 was $1,701*, with the highest amount costing $25,703*.
Trends in veterinary services or insurance claims related to gastroenteritis have increased over time.
Cost of treating Gastroenteritis 2014-2024
| Treatment Year | Avg treatment cost^ (dogs) | Avg treatment cost^ (cats) |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | $439 | $453 |
| 2015 | $457 | $451 |
| 2016 | $478 | $510 |
| 2017 | $489 | $484 |
| 2018 | $502 | $541 |
| 2019 | $515 | $523 |
| 2020 | $548 | $555 |
| 2021 | $574 | $558 |
| 2022 | $619 | $623 |
| 2023 | $702 | $671 |
| 2024 | $738 | $737 |
Clinical Signs
What to look out for
Recognising the symptoms early is crucial for effective treatment. Vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, dehydration and loss of appetite are primary indicators.
Key differences in how cats and dogs present symptoms include:
• Dogs: More prone to vomiting and may exhibit drooling.
• Cats: Tendency to hide, stop grooming, or reduce physical activity
When to visit the vet
Not all cases of gastroenteritis are emergencies but knowing when to act is critical. Severe symptoms, such as persistent vomiting, blood in stool/vomit, or signs of extreme dehydration, should prompt immediate veterinary attention. As a first port of call, you can consult telehealth to see if your pet’s symptoms can be managed at home or if your pet needs urgent in-clinic care.
What to expect at the vet if your dog has gastroenteritis
When you take your pet to a veterinarian for possible gastroenteritis, they’ll review your pet’s history and perform a full nose-to-tail physical examination. A detailed history from the pet owner is also valuable. The vet may ask you questions regarding your pet’s diet, recent exposure to toxins, behavioural changes or travel history to help narrow down potential causes.
For persistent cases, elimination diets or gastrointestinal biopsies may be necessary to uncover potential food allergies or to accurately determine the underlying cause of the gastrointestinal issue.
To confirm gastroenteritis and rule out other underlying conditions, a variety of diagnostic tests may be conducted, including:
Treatment costs
Here are some of the typical costs involved in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal conditions, by treatment type.
| Treatment | Avg treatment cost (dogs) | Avg treatment cost (cats) |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Test | $186 | $206 |
| Faecal Tests | $166 | $229 |
| Fluid Therapy | $124 | $125 |
| Procedure Fee—Endoscopy | $778 | $911 |
| Procedure Fee—Radiology | $259 | $254 |
| Procedure Fee—Ultrasound | $379 | $469 |
Treatment options
Treatment for gastroenteritis depends on its underlying cause and severity. Mild cases may resolve with supportive care, while moderate to severe cases require more tailored interventions. Below are common approaches to managing gastroenteritis in pets.
Supportive care
Fluid Therapy: Rehydration is vitally important, often achieved through subcutaneous or intravenous fluids to replace lost electrolytes. (Avg cost $166 based on 2024 PetSure claims data).
Dietary Management: A temporary switch to a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice, or prescription GI-friendly food can help soothe the stomach while promoting recovery. Gradual reintroduction of their regular diet is key to avoiding a relapse.
Medications
- Antiemetics: Help control vomiting and reduce nausea.
- Probiotics: Assist in restoring a healthy gut microbiome, especially after infections or antibiotic treatments.
- Antibiotics or Antiparasitics: Prescribed in cases involving bacterial infections or parasites.
Addressing underlying causes
For more severe or chronic cases of gastroenteritis, addressing the root cause is essential. For example,
pets with food allergies may require long-term dietary adjustments, while those with organ dysfunction may need additional medical management.
The importance of prevention
Gastroenteritis is a common but manageable condition in cats and dogs. Early detection, proper care, and preventive measures can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life.
Understanding age-related differences in presenting conditions and seeking timely veterinary attention can help ensure that your pet’s health remains a priority.
For additional insights on common pet conditions and the costs of veterinary care, consult your vet or explore coverage options to safeguard your furry family members.
Case study: David & Rambo
Rambo the Toy Poodle is typically a playful and curious pooch, but pet parent David knew something wasn’t quite right when Rambo started displaying some unusual symptoms. At first, David noticed Rambo had lost his appetite and saw blood in his stool, followed by an episode of diarrhoea and vomiting.
After monitoring Rambo closely, David took him to the local vet in June 2024. The veterinarian took a sample of Rambo’s stool for testing and diagnosed him with giardiasis—an infection caused by Giardia, a microscopic single-celled parasite found in his stool. Rambo was prescribed medication to treat giardiasis, and the symptoms resolved quickly in a few days.
In November 2024, Rambo presented at the emergency vet for blood in his stool and nausea, and he was diagnosed with giardiasis for the second time. Following the prescribed medication from the veterinarian, it quickly resolved again.
Fortunately, David had a pet insurance policy and could claim for Rambo’s treatment. The total claim amount was $841, and the benefit reimbursed was $637 in total, or nearly 80% of the vet bill.
“With Rambo being a hunting breed, we knew pet insurance would be useful while he’s young as he’s often exploring and sniffing outdoors so he can easily pick things up, and then when Rambo gets older he may experience things, such as arthritis. Having pet insurance means we have a safety net to help buffer some of the costs needed to treat a whole range of health issues he may have during his lifetime
“My advice to other pet owners would be to pay close attention to your dog and surroundings when outdoors, and keep your pet on a lead if possible, to avoid them coming into contact with any unknown water sources, bird droppings or anything that could potentially cause a health issue.”
Rambo is now fully recovered and back to his usual playful self. **
*Based on PetSure claims data 2024, as at April 2025. Amount claimed per policy over a 12-month period.
**Testimonials and customer experience may vary depending on individual circumstances. Claims are assessed subject to policy terms and conditions.
Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected happens. Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Check out our partner network and explore our policy tools to find a pet insurance policy.
Not all conditions or items are covered by Pet Insurance. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for information about coverage and exclusions.
