If your dog is vomiting, as a pet parent you are logically concerned. In many cases, it is possible that it has devoured too much food, too quickly. However, dog vomiting may also signal a more serious situation. Your dog could have possibly swallowed something toxic, or might be experiencing an unknown sickness that demands urgent medical care. To help determine the cause of your dog’s vomiting, it is important to take a moment to examine the vomit.
Examine the Vomit
- Did your dog simply vomit its food?
- Is it primarily mucus or bile?
- Does it consist of water, blood, or white foam?
- Does it contain pieces of toys, clothes, or other inedible objects?
Make a note of what the vomit looks like so that you can discuss it with your veterinarian if needed. Let’s examine a few reasons why your dog might be vomiting.
Dietary Reasons
Does it appear that your dog is feeling better after it has vomited? If so, it is possible that it got rid of whatever it ate that made your dog sick in the first place. Perhaps it got into the trash can and ate some table scraps, or chewed on your grass like a lawnmower. Keep watch on your dog for the next few days, to see if it vomits again or exhibits other signs that it is sick.
Health Issues
One of the most common signs of illness reported by dog owners, vomiting may also be caused by a more serious condition. A sudden or acute episode of vomiting may also be caused by:
- Intestinal parasites
- Acute kidney failure
- Bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract
- Pancreatitis
- Ingestion of toxic substances
- Bloat
- Viral infection
- Heatstroke
- Car sickness
- Infected uterus
- Ingestion of foreign bodies
According to the AKC, your dog is most likely just fine if he only vomits once and has no other symptoms that accompany it. However, you should contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences any of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting continuously
- Vomiting blood
- Vomiting with nothing coming up
- Diarrhea with blood in it
- Seizures
- If you think a foreign body has been swallowed
- Fever, weight loss, lethargy
Vomiting in Puppies
When puppies vomit, it is a potentially serious situation that should be treated as an emergency. This is because after six weeks pass, puppies lose the immunity that is naturally granted them through their mothers. Young puppies are just at the beginning of receiving vaccinations. Because of this, they have an increased risk of contracting deadly diseases such as parasites or parvo. Call your veterinarian right away if your puppy is vomiting.
Treatment for Dog Vomiting
The treatment your veterinarian may recommend will largely depend on the cause of your dog’s vomiting and its current condition. Your vet will customize a treatment plan to calm stomach inflammation, combat dehydration and address electrolyte imbalances. One of the most standard treatments includes feeding a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice, coupled with anti-nausea medication.
Use your intuition when it comes to your dog’s well-being. If the vomiting is just a one-time occurrence and then he or she is back to normal with no accompanying symptoms, all is most likely well. However, if you notice any of the other warning signs and your dog vomits again, it is time to consult your trusted veterinarian.