Dog vomiting is pretty normal and can occur once or twice per year. In most cases, single instances of vomiting are normal and shouldn’t be a matter of concern.
The problem is when the vomiting is frequent or doesn’t seem to go away despite the special diet and the special care you are taking for the sick pup.
The reasons for vomiting can be endless, and some of them are not worrying, while others can be serious underlying diseases or by conditions that require immediate medical attention.
We have created this thorough guide for dog parents who are concerned about their vomiting pups, which will explain why dogs vomit, what the most common causes for vomiting are, the different types of vomiting as well as the recommended treatments and responses to dog vomiting.
Read on to find everything you need to know about vomiting in dogs, so that you can help your pup in case it starts vomiting, and hopefully so that you can prevent vomiting completely.
What is dog vomiting?
The first thing you need to know about dog vomiting is that what may look like your dog is vomiting may actually be regurgitation.
Vomiting is a process in which through abdominal contractions the material comes up from the stomach through the esophagus and is expelled through the pup’s mouth. Usually, it is accompanied by retching noises, a hunched over figure, as well as with mouth licking and drooling. The vomited material usually has a sour smell.
The vomit which comes out is commonly covered in yellow bile or completely digested food if it has been in the stomach for longer.
On the other hand, regurgitation is a process in which the food comes up from the pharynx or esophagus without contractions and without warning. The material which is regurgitated is usually covered in mucus and saliva, and looks completely undigested, often keeping the cylindrical shape of the esophagus.
Regurgitation usually occurs right after eating, while vomiting can happen hours after the dog has eaten. It is often accompanied by coughing and difficulty breathing.
Also, there are cases when dogs start coughing and bringing up mucus or a foamy material which is usually expectoration from the lungs or respiratory system rather than an issue coming from the gastrointestinal tract.
When is dog vomiting considered normal?
If you have had dogs all your life you know that vomiting is not that uncommon. It can happen occasionally to perfectly healthy dogs without an apparent reason, and without any follow symptoms. It can be caused by the dog overeating or eating to fast. It can also be caused by the pup eating something bad or eating too much grass.
This is the type of vomiting in dogs that you shouldn’t be particularly concerned about, except for the mess associated with cleaning up the sick from your beautiful carpet.
Occasional vomiting usually resolves itself either immediately or within 12 to 24 hours.
In case you notice one or more of the following symptoms alongside the vomiting, then you may start thinking about the vet:
- Vomiting which happens more than once, and continues for long
- Chronic frequent vomiting
- Vomiting large quantities at once
- Vomiting material which includes blood
- Diarrhea with blood
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Anemia
- Seizures
- Suspected ingestion of a foreign body or a toxin
What are the main causes of dog vomiting
There are various possibilities and reasons why some dogs vomit suddenly or frequently.
Here are some of the most common causes which can cause dogs to vomit:
A foreign body in the digestive tract
Dogs, especially young puppies can swallow a huge variety of different indigestible objects such as bones, stones, socks, and toys.
Some of the foreign objects will pass through the dog’s digestive system naturally, but in some cases, the object can get stuck and clog up the bowels. This can cause persistent vomiting and requires immediate veterinary care.
The object needs to be removed either via endoscopy or surgery. If left untreated, this blockage can be fatal for the pup.
Parasite infestations
Parasites are one of the most common causes of vomiting in young puppies, but they can happen in dogs of all ages too. Deworming the dog regularly can help prevent such infestations.
A parasitic infection can be diagnosed via a fecal examination, so make sure you take a sample of your dog’s fresh stool to the vet with you if you have concerns about parasites.
Food allergies
Just like with us, dogs can be born with or develop allergies to certain foods. Consuming the allergen causes the dog’s immune system to attack the food and the symptoms usually are vomiting, diarrhea and skin irritation and itchiness.
The vomiting resulting from a food allergy can occur right after the food is consumed, but it can also take up to 3 days for the allergic reaction to start showing. Vomiting is one of the first symptoms that a dog has a food allergy.
The easiest way to prevent vomiting due to a food allergy is to eliminate the allergen from the dog’s diet. Unfortunately, determining exactly which food or ingredient is allergic too can be quite difficult, which is why elimination diets are recommended.
With an elimination diet, you feed the dog with limited ingredients and very slowly introduce new ingredients one by one to watch for an allergic reaction.
Thankfully, there are many high-quality dog foods that have limited ingredients and are formulated for pups with food allergies or intolerance.
Food intolerance
Many people confuse food allergy with food intolerance and vice versa. The truth is, they are completely different conditions. With the food allergy, the canine’s immune system is involved in the process and is what triggers the allergic reaction. With food intolerance, the digestive system reacts to the specific food and causes allergy-like symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, skin redness, bumps, and itching.
Food intolerance can be inherited or may develop as dogs’ age, and the primary reasons for these intolerances are not always completely clear.
The way to deal with food intolerance in dogs, just like with allergies is to determine the food it is intolerant to and to remove it from its diet altogether.
The best way to determine the food causing the problems is through an elimination diet with limited ingredients and with the gradual and slow re-introduction of different ingredients one by one.
Inflammatory bowel disease
This is another condition that has unclear underlying causes. Inflammatory bowel disease is an inflammation of the bowel and most commonly causes vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
The treatment is usually with a modification to the diet of the pup as well as the use of anti-inflammatory veterinary medications.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
IBD occurs when there are too many immune cells in the lining of the intestines or the stomach of the dog. One common symptom is chronic or occasional diarrhea as well as chronic vomiting.
Eating toxins
Dogs love eating everything in sight, which is why it is essential to dog or puppy-proof your home. Keep away all of your medications, chocolate, alcohol, macadamia nuts, xylitol-containing products, detergents, antifreeze, snail bait, rat poison, raisins, grapes, coffee and caffeine products, vitamin D, onions, avocado plants, poisonous plants, topical flea or tick medications, and all other foods or substances which are toxic and dangerous for dogs.
Poisoning usually starts with vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, tremors, drooling as well as heart and kidney issues.
Make sure you rush over to the vet immediately if you think that your dog has ingested a toxin.
Pancreatitis
Since the pancreas is located right next to the stomach and to the upper small intestine, vomiting is one of the first symptoms which occur when the pancreas becomes irritated or inflamed. The symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include continuous and repeated vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain bloating or distention, fever, a hunched back, and lethargy.
The pancreas is responsible for creating and secreting the enzymes needed for the digestion and breakdown of fat. Dogs can have acute single episodes of pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis.
The fat intolerance can be measured and determined by a blood test by the vet.
Usually, the dog will need to be hospitalized and receive medications and intravenous fluids to keep it from becoming dehydrated.
The cause for pancreatitis is not always clear, but often it can be caused by eating high-fat foods and table scraps.
To avoid pancreatitis, avoid making sudden drastic changes to your pup’s food and avoid feeding it with fatty table scraps. Also, switch to low-fat dog food, especially if your dog has chronic pancreatitis.
Bloat – Gastric dilatation, gastric dilatation-volvulus
Bloat is a life-threatening condition that progresses very quickly and can end fatally if immediate emergency treatment isn’t applied.
Bloat is a condition in which air gets stuck in the stomach of the dog and causes it to twist around itself. This stops the circulation of blood and can quickly lead to death if not operated immediately.
It is more common among large dog breeds and dogs with large or deep chests and can be caused by eating very large meals quickly, drinking a lot of water after eating or running and being highly active after a meal.
This is why you should divide your dog’s food into 2 small portions and keep it from drinking too much water or running around right after eating.
The symptoms of gastric dilation include the dog trying to vomit, looking extremely uncomfortable or a much-distended abdomen.
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, rush it off to the vet ASAP!
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE)
Unlike the more common gastroenteritis, Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a life-threatening condition. It displays itself in large amounts of diarrhea with blood as well as vomiting.
This condition usually occurs suddenly in otherwise healthy dogs and the symptoms will be pretty clear for any dog parent. With the proper and timely care and intravenous fluids, HGE can resolve itself in a few days in most cases.
Cancer
Just like with humans, cancer can cause just about any symptom in dogs, including vomiting. Make sure you speak to your vet if your pet has been vomiting frequently without any clear underlying reason. The cause of the vomiting could be a tumor or cancer.
Kidney disease
Although the main symptom of kidney disease is frequent urination, and increased drinking of water, the toxins which the kidneys cannot normally filter out of the dog’s body can cause vomiting too.
Speak to your vet if your dog has been peeing more often, drinking more water and has been vomiting recently.
Diabetes
Just like with kidney disease, diabetes in dogs causes them to urinate more and drink more water. Often diabetes also causes vomiting in dogs.
Ask your vet for advice on the proper treatment and care if you suspect that it may have diabetes.
GI Infections
Certain stomach and intestine infections with harmful bacteria can cause chronic vomiting. Bacterial infections like Salmonella require immediate treatment. In order to prevent these types of foodborne bacterial infections, never feed your pup with unprocessed raw meat, fish or eggs.
Other infections can cause a disbalance of the good and bad bacteria in the dog’s gut, which can lead to dysbiosis.
This can cause digestive problems including frequent vomiting.
Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics.
The viral infections of the gastrointestinal tract can occur in unvaccinated puppies with Parvovirus being the most common type. The best way to prevent these dangerous infections is to vaccinate your dog in a timely manner. Also, to keep unvaccinated dogs away from other dogs until they get all their puppy shots.
Other infections include fungal infections of the GI tract. These are relatively rare in dogs but can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.
Cushing’s or Addison’s disease
The adrenal gland of the dog is responsible for producing cortisone and aldosterone. In the case of Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) these hormones are fewer than they should be, and with Cushing’s disease, they are more than they should be.
The diseases are diagnosed via a cortisol test. The treatment for Addison’s is supplementing the missing cortisol and mineralocorticoids to the dog via hormone replacement therapy. Cushing’s in dogs is treated with medication or surgery.
Drug side effect
Sensitive dogs may vomit after every oral medication they are given, but some types of medications can cause any dog to vomit, including:
Flea and tick oral medications
Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications
Cyclosporine which is used for immune-related conditions and allergies
In order to reduce the risk of your dog vomiting after you give it its medication, you can try giving it with food or allowing your dog to get adjusted to it gradually.
Liver and gallbladder disease
Vomiting is one of the most common symptoms of liver disease or gallbladder disease in dogs. Shelties are susceptible to gallbladder mucocele which displays itself with persistent vomiting as a sole symptom.
Bilious Vomiting Syndrome (BVS)
BVS is a sensitivity of the stomach to the bile in it and occurs most commonly when the dog is hungry.
The bile causes inflammation of the stomach and is often due to reflux which causes higher amounts of bile to enter the stomach from the intestines.
The most common symptoms of BVS are intermittent or daily vomiting, which can start about 5-6 hours after the dog’s last meal.
Usually, the vomit due to this condition is yellow and liquid and doesn’t have any food in it.
In order to prevent vomiting, you should feed your dog with smaller but more frequent meals, as well as a late-night meal.
Kidney failure
Kidney failure in dogs can cause vomiting due to the toxins which remain unfiltered in the body and the increased production of ammonia. Dogs with kidney failure should get supplemental fluids, and the primary causes for the failing kidneys should be found and treated.
Gastrointestinal tumors
Tumors in the stomach or intestines can cause frequent vomiting, especially if the tumor is in the upper small intestine or in the stomach. Tumors in dogs, just like in humans can be malignant or benign. Your vet will recommend the best treatment for your dog depending on the type and location of the tumor.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the intestines and stomach and is one of the most common causes of dog vomiting.
A sudden change in the diet or ingesting garbage or other inappropriate foods can cause gastroenteritis in dogs.
The symptoms that your dog has an inflammation of the stomach and intestines are vomiting, diarrhea, or both.
In order to prevent gastroenteritis, refrain from making sudden changes to the dog’s diet. Always transition from one food to another gradually and slowly.
Typically, the condition will resolve itself in a few days, but keeping the dog hungry for a day or more can also help.
Pyometra
Pyometra means having pus in the uterus. This condition occurs in unspayed female pups most often about a week after being in heat. Vomiting is one of the most common symptoms of Pyometra.
Treatment of this condition requires the surgical removal of the uterus and spaying.
Eating grass
It is not clear whether dogs vomit because they eat grass, or whether they eat grass when they need to vomit. Some dogs graze on grass more than others, and many of them can enjoy munching on grass without vomiting at all.
Vets do agree that dogs tend to eat grass, leaves, or other greens, soil, or branches because of intestinal discomfort or nausea.
So, it is essential that you and your vet find the underlying reason for this grazing behavior in the first place if you want to prevent frequent vomiting.
Car sickness
Motion sickness in dogs is pretty common and even though the reason for the dog’s vomiting may look pretty clear – the moving car, the vomiting can also be caused by anxiety and stress, especially if the pup associates riding in the car with going to the vet.
Unfortunately, this condition can make traveling with your pet very uncomfortable for the pup and very messy for you. Usually, dogs will outgrow motion sickness as they grow, but you can help make the condition better and reduce the vomiting, drooling, panting and uneasiness by making the ride as comfortable as possible for your dog.
You can use a travel crate or use a dog seat belt to keep the pup safe and comfortable when traveling.
Gastrointestinal ulcers
Ulcers can affect the stomach as well as the first part of the small intestine. Vomiting is one of the most common symptoms that the dog has a gastrointestinal ulcer. Other symptoms include anemia, weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, a rapid heart rate, a black and sticky stool, blood in the vomit and abdominal pain.
The most common cause for these ulcers is poisoning. This can be poisoning with medication, mushrooms, plant toxins, or pesticides, chemicals or heavy metals.
In severe cases, intensive care is required until the dog becomes stable. In some cases, surgery may be required.
Heat stroke
If it is scorching hot and your dog vomits immediately after going on a walk or on a ride in the hot car, then the most likely reason is heatstroke.
You should never leave your dog trapped in a hot car because heatstroke in pups that don’t have sweat glands can occur pretty quickly and the dog may die shortly.
Also, keep the dog indoors in a cool place when the weather outside is very hot.
In case you notice signs of heatstroke, like excessive panting, discomfort, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of consciousness you need to take immediate steps to cool the pup down. Hose the dog down or put in the bathtub, or cover it with a towel soaked in cold water. You can shower the pet with cool water, especially the head and back of the neck. Let the dog drink as much water as it wants, and contact your vet.
Types of dog vomiting
It may sound nasty and messy, but it is always a good idea to examine the vomit of your dog before you clean it up. The consistency and color, as well as the severity of the vomit, may reveal the reason for the vomiting.
In some cases, the vomiting will be caused by eating too much or eating something inappropriate, but in other cases, the vomiting may be due to serious health problems and even life-threatening conditions, which is why you should pay attention to the vomit.
If the texture of the vomit is granular or chunky, this is often an indication that the vomiting is food-related or is caused by an ingested indigestible object.
Chunky vomit is an indication that the food has not been in the stomach too long and thus hasn’t been digested.
Granular vomit shows that the food was in the dog’s stomach for a longer time. Granular vomit is also most commonly due to something being ingested by the dog. Always look for blood in the vomit which could indicate that there is a more serious underlying problem.
Liquid vomit can be slimy, foamy or clear and doesn’t contain parts of the digested food. If the vomit is yellow or clear, this can mean that the dog has another health problem which has nothing to do with the food or anything else it has eaten.
In some cases, dogs will cough up a foamy white liquid which is more of a respiratory issue than a digestive one.
If your dog is vomiting more than usual and you have concerns about its wellbeing make sure you examine the vomit carefully and take a sample for the vet.
Here are the different colors of the dog vomit which could be indicative of certain diseases, conditions, and health problems:
Black vomit
Although it may sound frightening, a dog vomiting black is not that uncommon. It can be due to the dog digging and eating a lot of soil outdoors.
At the same time, black dog vomit could be caused by digested blood. Commonly, blood in the vomit will look like very dark red almost black coffee grounds. This could be caused by a toxin, or by a stomach ulcer.
Watch for other worrying symptoms and call your vet if you suspect that your pup is vomiting blood.
White vomit
If the dog is throwing up white vomit, you should first determine whether it is really vomiting or is material which the dog is coughing out of its airways.
Regurgitation can also cause the dog to bring up saliva from the esophagus.
If you are sure that your dog is actually throwing up and the vomit is white this may mean that:
- It has an upset stomach or gastroenteritis which causes vomiting white when the stomach is empty
- It ingested a foreign material or grass
- It has bilious vomiting syndrome especially if the vomit has yellow tinges or is bright yellow
- Vomiting white foam or trying to vomit unsuccessfully could mean bloat which is a life-threatening condition and requires urgent medical treatment
Red vomit
Red dog vomit is particularly alarming to dog parents because unless your pup has eaten something which is very red, this is usually a sign of fresh blood.
This can be caused by an irritation of the lining of the stomach or esophagus due to ingested foreign objects, gastritis, or other problems. Usually, a single instance of vomiting with fresh bright red blood is not something to be alarmed about.
The problem is when the vomit contains digested blood which could be a sign of an ulcer. So, if the dog’s vomit is dark red or almost black, you should speak to your vet.
If the dog looks like it is vomiting pure fresh bright red blood you should call your vet as soon as possible, because this may mean that the dog has ingested rat poison or another dangerous toxin.
Green vomit
Green dog vomit is usually not due to any major issue. Most commonly the dog throwing up green-colored vomit is due to ingested grass or other plant material. The green chlorophyll in the grass will cause the liquid to be stained in green as well. This is usually not something you should worry about.
Green vomit though can also indicate that there is bile in it. Dog bile is made up of liver cells and stored in the gallbladder. When the dog eats, the gallbladder releases some bile in the upper part of the small intestine so that the food can be digested and the nutrients can be absorbed.
In some cases, the bile can reflux back to the stomach which can cause the dog to throw up green bile.
Throwing up bile can be a sign that there is an obstruction or lack of movement in the intestines, which requires surgical intervention. So, watch for any other worrying signs and go to the vet if your dog suddenly throws up green colored vomit and is feeling unwell.
Yellow vomit
If your dog is frequently throwing up liquid yellow vomit in the mornings, this can be a bile issue. It is usually a sign that your pup has Bilious Vomiting Syndrome which often causes vomiting especially when the dog is hungry. To reduce the instances of morning vomiting, make sure you feed your dog frequently and give it something to eat before you go to bed.
Brown vomit
If the dog vomit is dark brown and has a strong smell it is usually due to your dog ingesting feces (its own or someone else’s).
But brown vomit can also mean that there is a blockage of the intestines, or that the material is returning from the intestines back into the stomach. If the dog is vomiting brown frequently and appears sick, you should take it to the vet.
What to do when your dog throws up
The best treatment for vomiting in canines is to identify the cause. If your pup has been vomiting due to a food allergy, intolerance or chronic disease or other health condition, treating the cause is vital.
But often, finding the underlying reason for vomiting in dogs is not as easy as you may think, even with the help of vets.
Here are some of the steps you can take if your dog is vomiting without a known health-related reason:
Check the house for missing toys, socks or others
Check to see if there are missing pieces of the pup’s toys, any socks missing, or if the dog has gotten into the trash. In case you feel like the dog has ingested a foreign object and if it is still in the stomach the vets may be able to induce vomiting, so it gets out.
Fasting
More food is likely to cause more vomiting in dogs, which is why it is a good idea to keep the dog hungry for 12 to 24 hours. It is advisable to take away the water from the dog for 6 to 12 hours, in order to reduce the risk of throwing it up.
After the fasting period is over, you should start reintroducing the food slowly and in small quantities. Feed the pup with boiled white rice, peeled boiled potatoes, boiled white boneless chicken meat or low-fat cottage cheese.
Once it starts showing signs that it is holding down the food without vomiting, you can begin reintroducing its regular food to its meals too.
Fasting in dogs is not suitable for pups that are old, too young, small-sized or have other health issues which require them to be nourished regularly.
Check the color of the dog’s gums
If they are looking pale and seem to get paler, contact your vet immediately. Also, keep an eye on your pup and watch for any other worrying symptoms such as lethargy, a rapid heart rate, diarrhea, and others.
The sooner the problem is identified, the easier it is to treat it!
Adjusting the diet
Make sure you monitor which foods your dog digests and reacts to best, and stick to this eating regime. If you decide to introduce a new food to the dog’s diet, make sure you transition slowly by adding some of the new food to the old one and gradually increasing the amounts of the new one and reducing the old one.
After the dog has vomited, it is a good idea to feed it with smaller but more frequent meals.
A low-fat diet is a good idea because it passes through the stomach faster and reduces the bile which is released in the dog’s intestines.
Fresh food can also help pups recover from vomiting and those with sensitive stomachs.
You can also prepare home-made food for your dog, including high digestible ingredients such as white chicken meat, boiled rice, or boiled peeled potatoes. These will help soothe the digestive tract and will help prevent further vomiting.
Giving your dog some ginger too can help alleviate tummy problems and help reduce the risk of vomiting again.
Probiotics
The good bacteria which are included in some dog foods, in yogurt as well as in special supplements can help improve the balance of good bacteria in the digestive tract. This is highly beneficial even for completely healthy dogs and is a must for dogs that have been on an antibiotics treatment which often kills off the good bacteria along with the bad ones.
Prescription medications
Your vet may prescribe your dog special anti-nausea medications like Maropitant. Or for chronic vomiting – Ondansetron or Metoclopramide.
Vomiting in Puppies
Puppies tend to throw up more often than adult dogs, which is most probably due to the fact that the little ones are more prone to gobble up just about anything in sight. But because puppies are so small and have weaker immune systems they are in much bigger danger of becoming dehydrated from vomiting, so always treat vomiting in puppies as a medical emergency.
If you have a puppy that is vomiting you should keep a few things in mind, including:
- If the puppy vomits once and everything else is fine then it is probably nothing to worry about
- Puppies can develop gastroenteritis when their food is changed, when they eat too much human food or when they eat a lot of grass and plants
- Puppies tend to be more curious and will eat anything in sight which is why you should puppy-proof the home and remove any toys or items which can be swallowed and can cause obstructions or damage to the GI tract
- Some infections are more likely to affect young puppies rather than adult dogs, especially before they get all of their vaccines and once they lose the immunity from their mothers at 6 weeks. Some of them are pretty severe like parvovirus which causes vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid dehydration
- Parasites can be transferred to a puppy via the mother’s milk or from the mother
- Chronic vomiting in puppies is very rare and can indicate a food allergy, intolerance or other health problems
- Treatment of vomiting in puppies is pretty much the same as with adult dogs, but do not leave the puppy without food for more than 12 hours
- Puppies are much more susceptible to dehydration due to vomiting than adult dogs, so make sure you take the vomiting puppy to the vet as soon as possible
When Is It Time to See the Vet?
In some cases, vomiting is an indication for a serious health problem which requires immediate attention. In case your dog is showing one or more of the following symptoms, call your vet immediately:
- Projectile vomiting – this could be a sign that the GI tract is obstructed
- Frequent vomiting – this can cause dehydration especially if the dog is very young, old, small or has an underlying health condition
- Vomiting for more than one day
- Inability to hold down water or ice for over 12-24 hours or sooner for puppies
- Vomiting without wanting to get up
- Pale gums and vomiting
- A racing heart rate
- Depression and lethargy
- Less frequent or decreased urination – this could be a sign of dehydration
- Abdominal enlargement and/or pain
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to vomit – could mean the dog has bloat and requires emergency surgery
- Anything strange can be seen in the vomit – fresh or digested blood, foreign objects or others
- If you suspect that your dog has ingested a foreign body or a toxin
- If the dog is anxious and won’t settle down even at night
- Any other abnormal behavior along with the vomiting
- If your dog has another underlying health condition or is very young or old
- If the pup is showing signs of dehydration or is vomiting all of the water it drinks
- If your dog has a history of eating foreign objects or toxin ingestion
Diagnosing dog vomiting
Depending on the age of your dog, as well as on its medical history, and the results from the physical examination, your vet can appoint various diagnostic tests to determine the cause for the vomiting.
These medical tests can include a fecal examination for parasites, blood tests, analysis of the urine, X-rays to see if there are obstructions in the abdomen, ultrasound imaging, biopsy, endoscopy or others.
You should be ready to answer a lot of questions about your dog’s diet, eating habits, medical history, and other habits which can have an effect on its health.
You should also be prepared to explain the specifics of the vomiting, including how often it has occurred, when it has occurred, what the consistency and the color of the vomit were and others.
In more severe cases, the dog may need to be hospitalized and given intravenous fluids. In other cases, such as bacterial infections, antibiotics may be prescribed.
In case no reason for the vomiting can be found, the vet may prescribe a dietary change, probiotics or prescription medication.
The tentative diagnosis will then be made based on the response of the dog to the therapy.
Always discuss any vomiting incidents with your vet, because the earlier a more serious health issue is identified, the easier it is to treat.
How to prevent vomiting in dogs
Although occasional vomiting is quite normal for every dog, there are ways to prevent it and reduce the risk of more frequent throwing up by your dog. Here is how:
- Don’t make drastic and sudden changes to the diet of your dog – always transition from one type of food to another slowly
- Monitor how your dog reacts to newly introduced foods and ingredients, and avoid feeding it with those which may cause digestive upsets and vomiting
- Do not allow your dog to play with or chew small sized toys or toys which can be broken in pieces and ingested
- Do not feed your dog with bones because they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, as well as obstructions or damage to the digestive tract
- Do not give your dog table scraps – many of the foods we eat are dangerous and can even be deadly for dogs including high-fat foods, macadamia nuts, garlic, onions, raisins, grapes, xylitol, chocolate, caffeine, and others.
- Watch over your dog and do not allow it to scavenge and eat everything it sees if necessary use a basket muzzle to keep it from eating stuff when it is out on a walk
- Do not overfeed your dog – carefully measure the food and divide it into two smaller meals
- Do not allow the dog to run around or drink tons of water after eating in order to prevent bloat
- Don’t feed the dog with raw food which is unprocessed and could contain bacteria or parasites
- Keep your medications, detergents, chemicals, and pesticides away from your dog
- Do not give your dog foods which it has an intolerance for or is allergic to
- Feed your dog late at night if it tends to vomit yellow in the morning
- Always keep up to date with the deworming and vaccines
- Don’t leave the pup in a hot car, and keep it safe from heatstroke in the summer
Final words
As you can see, vomiting could be due to completely normal and harmless reasons, but in some cases, it can be a sign of a serious illness or a condition that requires immediate attention and treatment.
This is why you should keep a close eye on your dog if it is vomiting, and look at the consistency of the vomit, as well as watch for any of the other worrying signs which may mean that the dog needs to be rushed to the vet.
With a proper diet and with proper care, you should be able to take care of the vomiting of your pup. Even if it is due to a more serious health condition, most of these diseases and health issues are completely manageable and can be treated if precautions are taken in a timely manner!
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