pet health 101

Coverage guide: gastrointestinal issues

“Gastrointestinal issue” is basically a fancy term for an upset stomach and is often related to a problem with digestion. GI problems are common for cats and dogs, but may still require a trip to the vet.

Common gastrointestinal issues in dogs & cats

There are many different gastrointestinal issues that can show up in dogs and cats, including:

Colitis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal parasites
Foreign body ingestion (e.g. sock, hair ties, toys)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Dietary indiscretion
Pancreatitis
Vomiting

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Symptoms of gastrointestinal issues

Dogs and cats are known to hide their pain, but there are a few signs that point to a GI issue. Vomiting and diarrhea are two of the most obvious signals of an upset stomach, but you should also take note of changes in your pet’s eating habits or general behaviour. Here are a few symptoms to look out for in your pet:

Lethargy (sluggish, unenergetic)
Eating less or not at all
Passing a lot of gas
Bloated or distended abdomen
Gurgling belly sounds
Restless behavior

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What causes gastrointestinal issues in dogs and cats?

Pets love to chew on whatever they can get their paws on, which can sometimes lead to a bigger problem. But snacking off the floor isn’t the only cause of GI conditions for dogs and cats. Here are a few reasons your pet may be experiencing digestive issues:

Diet: Poor nutrition can have an effect on your pet’s overall health and digestion. So can dietary indiscretion (eating food other than pet food), food sensitivities or allergies and sudden changes in diet.
Ingesting a foreign body: From socks and scrunchies to rocks, sticks, wipes, wrappers or even their own toys — if your pet swallows an object, it can lead to stomach problems.
Infection: Infections can be caused by germs including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites — and lead to stomach issues.‍
Internal diseases: Cancer and certain inflammatory diseases (like Inflammatory Bowel Disease) can lead to stomach and intestinal issues.‍
Intoxication: Exposure to a poisonous substance can cause stomach and intestinal issues for pets.‍
Parasites: Parasites can be transmitted when your pet accidentally ingests food, water, soil or feces contaminated by parasitic eggs or spores. This can lead to an upset stomach.‍
Stress: Stress from events like traveling, boarding, a new pet in the home, or even going to the vet’s office can create digestive problems for dogs and cats.

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Does pet insurance cover gastrointestinal issues?

If your dog or cat is showing signs of an upset stomach, you should take them to the vet to get checked out. Your vet may recommend tests to identify the cause, determine the appropriate course of treatment and rule out other conditions with similar signs. The good news: if you’re enrolled in pet insurance before symptoms occur, your provider can help cover your vet bills for your pet’s GI issues. With Fetch, that means X-rays, ultrasounds, bloodwork, medication and more will typically be covered. Plus, we cover the sick-visit exam fee, which can save you around $50 – $250 per visit.

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What Fetch covers when it comes to gastrointestinal issues

Fetch Pet Insurance provides coverage for most of the tests and treatment for gastrointestinal issues your vet recommends, including (but not limited to):

Blood tests
Laboratory tests
X-rays and CT scans
Ultrasounds
Swallowed objects & toxins
Prescription medications & supplements
Hospital stays
Virtual, in-home & office visits
Specialists
Sick-visit exam fees

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Got more questions about your pet’s GI issues?

How do you prevent gastrointestinal problems in pets?

Not all gastrointestinal disorders can be prevented completely, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk and keep your pet’s system working properly:

Feed your dog or cat a high-quality diet as recommended by your veterinarian.
Avoid giving your pet table food and do not change their diet frequently or suddenly.
Help your pet maintain a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise.
Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.
Keep your dog or cat on a flea and tick prevention product year-round.
Keep your pet on a heartworm prevention product year-round.
Do not let your pet ingest other animals’ stool or plants that could be toxic. (It goes without saying that human drugs, medications and household products/chemicals should also always be kept away from your pet.)
Use caution and read labels when administering medication to your pet.
If supplements, prescription diets or medications have been prescribed for your pet’s condition, make sure to follow your vet’s instructions closely.

Does pet insurance cover cancer related to gastrointestinal issues?

Fetch Pet Insurance provides the most comprehensive coverage for future injuries and illnesses, including cancer. If your pet needs to see an oncologist or other veterinary specialist for their gastrointestinal issues, Fetch pays back up to 90% of the cost of care. Our plan also offers coverage for your pet’s hospital stay, medication and follow-up care. Learn more about pet insurance coverage for cancer treatment.

Are medications for treating gastrointestinal issues covered by pet insurance?

Fetch covers medicines like antibiotics as well as supplements and other therapies, when they’re recommended by a vet to treat a new gastrointestinal illness. Preventive drugs, like heartworm or flea and tick medication, are not included.

This information is descriptive only. Policy activation periods, risk free cancellation terms, waiting periods, limitations, exclusions to coverage and other terms and conditions vary by state and are subject to change without notice. Please see your policy for full terms and conditions of coverage. If there is any conflict between the policy and this product information, the provisions of the policy shall prevail.

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Discounts and offers are subject to approval and may change at any time. Maximum available discount is 10% and may not be available in all states and is not valid with any other offer. Charitable donations offer not available in AK, HI, ID, IN, KS, ND, NY, RI, SC, or TX, limited to $15 in AL and $10 in MI and UT. For policies purchased in LA or NH, the installment fee is waived for the first payment and applied to all remaining payments.

Most comprehensive and most extensive coverage according to Consumers Advocate, January 2023. Based on a comparison of injury and illness coverage between Fetch and North American pet insurance providers on consumersadvocate.org. Consumers Advocate is a Fetch partner. Best pet insurance according to Consumer Rating, August 2023. Based on a comparison of top pet insurance companies on consumerrating.org. Consumer Rating is a Fetch partner. MarketWatch, NerdWallet, Forbes Advisor and Rover are Fetch partners. Unmatched according to The Dodo, May 2022.

Fetch is a registered trademark owned by Fetch, Inc. Fetch Wellness is insurance coverage added by endorsement to the core injury and illness policy, if purchased. It is not a “Wellness Program” meaning a subscription or reimbursement-based program that is separate from an insurance policy.

Program not available in New Brunswick and Quebec. Average monthly premiums are based on Canadian annual premiums, using a 12-month average, for the period of 1.1.2022 through 12.31.2022 and all available limit combinations. Exam fees based on average costs. Policies in force and number of pets helped based on Fetch data as of 10.12.2023.