When a dog vomits, whether it’s acute vomiting or a one-time occurrence, it can understandably make dog owners feel worried, even if the cause isn’t life-threatening. And since the causes of vomiting can range from everyday occurrences like food intolerances and motion sickness to more serious reasons like underlying problems with your dog’s health, you should know when he requires medical attention, how to help him, and what not to do.
Is your dog vomiting?
First of all, it is important to establish whether or not your dog is vomiting. Regurgitation and vomiting are two different physiological processes that often seem the same to people when it comes to their dogs.
When a dog regurgitates, he passively expels food from the esophagus, i.e. food that has not reached the stomach and therefore has not been digested. When they vomit, on the other hand, they actively and forcefully expel the contents of their stomach. Once you are sure that your dog has been vomiting or having a vomiting attack, it is important to identify the cause.
- Requires effort (gagging, belly contractions, etc.)
- It can happen immediately or shortly after eating
- The dog may not want to eat it
- The food contained may be digested or partially digested
- Requires no effort (comes out easily)
- Immediately or shortly after eating
- The dog might try to eat it
- The contents will include undigested food
Why is your dog vomiting?
For dog parents, it can be alarming whenever their furry babies show signs of being unwell. And since vomiting is a common symptom of many diseases and health problems, it can cause panic in owners.
However, your dog’s vomiting may just be a sign that he ate something he shouldn’t have eaten, got a bug from another dog at the park, or that a car ride didn’t go well for him. And if your dog is otherwise healthy, you shouldn’t jump to conclusions and come to the worst possible scenario, as owners often do.
Listed below are just some of the most common causes of vomiting in dogs, ranging from mild, easily treatable conditions to severe, life-threatening conditions.
Common causes of vomiting in dogs
Serious causes of vomiting in dogs
- Motion sickness
- Dietary changes (switching to a new dog food may cause stomach upset or food allergies, which could result in vomiting.
- Dietary indiscretions (giving them something they shouldn’t eat)
- Intestinal parasites
- Viral infections (parvovirus, distemper etc.)
- Bacterial infections
- Ingestion of foreign objects
- First signs of heat stroke
- Gastrointestinal problems (inflammatory bowel disease, stomach inflammation, ulcers, etc.)
- Intestinal obstructions or blockages
- Liver disease
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney failure
- Cancer
The cause of your dog’s vomiting will be best identified by a licensed veterinarian, as he or she will perform several tests (x-rays, biopsies, blood tests, etc.) to diagnose and treat them appropriately. However, if you want to help relieve your dog or know if he can wait to visit the vet or if you need to take him to the emergency room, there are signs you can look for, starting with the appearance of your dog’s vomiting.
Some veterinary clinics and veterinarians have designed vomit color charts that owners can use as a reference when they don’t know exactly what they’re looking for. As a general rule, blood in vomit and any body fluids is cause for concern.
When to take your dog to the vet?
There are a few things that can alert you when your dog’s vomiting requires a visit to the vet. If your dog is vomiting and has other symptoms not associated with vomiting, he will likely need a vet to treat him. These could be indicative of something like a mild, treatable infection or a more concerning condition. Some symptoms and behaviors you should watch out for include:
- Chronic vomiting
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Irregular urination
- Swelling
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
Frequently asked questions about vomiting in dogs
There are many things that could make a dog vomit. You may be able to identify the cause at home by taking a look at your dog’s vomiting and evaluating his behavior, or you can consult your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.
What can I give my dog if he vomits?
This may vary depending on the situation, as causes such as viral or bacterial infections will require different treatments than, for example, if your dog has ingested toxic substances. That’s why it’s best to take a vomiting dog to the vet. Your vet will most likely examine your dog with diagnostic tools and tests to determine the cause and treat him accordingly.
What home remedy can I give my dog for vomiting?
If your dog is vomiting, it may be best to keep him on a bland diet until his stomach calms down or he can go to the vet. While you may be tempted to give your dog remedies like electrolyte solutions to prevent or help with dehydration, you should ask a vet to make sure it’s safe and won’t make his condition worse.
Summary of Money’s Dog Vomiting Guide
- There are many things that can cause vomiting in a dog, including ingestion of foreign objects, food changes, stomach and/or small intestine problems, viruses, and much more.
- Vomiting should not be a cause for panic if you have a healthy dog, as the reason may not be life-threatening.
- Since it may be difficult to narrow down the specific reason, it may be best to consult a veterinarian, even if you have a healthy dog.
- While you may want to treat your dog at home, you should always consult your veterinarian first, as the causes and treatment each requires are wide-ranging.