When your dog vomits, the contents of the stomach or upper intestine are ejected firmly. Dogs who are throwing up may exhibit nausea and belly heaving.
Vomiting in dogs can occur for a variety of causes. Your dog may have eaten more than they could handle, ate too quickly, or consumed too much grass.
The cause might occasionally be more serious. Your dog may have ingested something harmful, or it may be an indication of a serious sickness, necessitating a trip to the clinic.
It’s critical to understand the distinction between occasional vomiting and persistent vomiting.
Detecting whether your dog is vomiting or regurgitating should also be possible. Dogs typically regurgitate shortly after eating, and it’s a largely passive process—the dog merely lowers its head, and food comes up—instead of vomiting, which involves active abdominal movements. The food that is regurgitated is typically undigested and bile-free. But bile and some partial digestion can be seen in vomit. Almost always, your dog will attempt to eat food that has been vomited.
When should you be worried if your dog pukes?
If your dog vomits many times in one day or for more than one day in a row, you should take him to the vet right away. You should also take your dog to the clinic if they exhibit any of the following signs in addition to vomiting: decrease in appetite. alteration in how often you urinate.
How frequently do dogs typically vomit?
The primary-gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal are the two main categories of causes of vomiting, according to Alex Schechter, DVM, founder of Pure Paws Veterinary Care. Extra-gastrointestinal causes include metabolic, endocrine, and systemic disease (kidney/liver failure), as well as pancreatitis. Primary GI causes include dietary indiscretion, infectious elements (parasites/bacterial/viral), ingestion of foreign material, inflammatory bowel disease, acid reflux, and other conditions.
Color
The color of your dog’s vomit can give you some idea of what’s going on within their body and whether there is a problem that needs to be addressed.
According to integrative veterinarian Carol Osborne, DVM, of the Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, “vomit can be any color, from clear to yellow to red to brown.”
Additionally, it can be a mirror of whatever the dog ate, like something colored with food. If it’s a vivid green or teal hue, it can be poisonous mouse or rat poison, in which case you should take your dog to the veterinarian straight once.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that any of the aforementioned disorders can result in vomit being any color, so don’t use color as your only indicator of what the underlying condition may be.
Vomit that is yellow or green or has a frothy appearance typically contains bile, a chemical made by the liver that aids with digestion. A buildup of stomach acid may be the cause of your dog’s foamy vomit. If they go too long without eating, or if they vomit frequently or on an empty stomach, dogs may occasionally vomit bile.
Bilious vomiting syndrome, a more uncommon condition, may be the cause of morning bile vomiting (BVS). Feeding your dog more regularly or later at night may help to alleviate this problem, but you should see your veterinarian for a diagnosis.
If your dog ate grass, leaves, or other plant material that upsets the stomach, green vomit may also result. Although it’s a widely held belief that dogs chew grass to make themselves sick and cause vomiting, there isn’t conclusive evidence to support this theory. A 2008 study indicated that although 79% of dogs were claimed to have eaten grass, just 9% were reported to appear ill before, and only 22% were reported to vomit afterward. Eating grass can cause vomiting. Even so, whether or not your dog is chewing on grass, it is always advisable to take them to the doctor if they show signs of lethargy, diarrhea, or weight loss. Additionally, if your dog consumes unidentified plant material and begins to vomit, call your veterinarian straight away because some plants are hazardous to dogs.
Vomit that is bright red signals that your dog is throwing up blood (called hematemesis). This may be a symptom of digestive disorders, stomach inflammation (gastroenteritis), a severe injury, or poison consumption. Vomit that is dark red, dark brown, black, or looks like coffee grounds may also indicate that your dog is vomiting blood, but the color of the vomit indicates that the blood has been digested or at least half digested. It is always necessary to see a veterinarian if your dog is making this type of dark vomit as it may indicate intestinal blockage, stomach ulcers, or another dangerous problem (note that vomiting any color can be a sign of blockage, or a serious condition).
If a dog eats something that is brown in color, such as chocolate (which is dangerous to dogs; if you believe your dog has eaten chocolate, get emergency veterinarian attention), some dogs will vomit a dark brown substance. It’s possible that your dog engaged in coprophagia if the vomit has a distinct smell. While this is not immediately concerning, it should be discouraged because coprophagia can expose humans to deadly parasites and bacteria via dog licks.
“According to Dr. Schechter, gastrointestinal parasites are one of the most frequent secondary causes of vomiting and diarrhea in the New York Dog population. ” The transmission of many of these parasites occurs through fecal-oral contamination. This means that your pet is significantly more likely to contract one of these parasites if they consume human waste or scent dung on the ground.
Frequency
How frequently has your dog puked? Typically, one or two vomiting episodes are less worrying than many occurrences that don’t seem to stop. Every dog vomits occasionally. In most situations, Dr. Osborne explains, it is not concerning if they just throw up once. It’s important to speak with your veterinarian if your pet vomits frequently (more than once or twice in a 24-hour period). Withhold food and drink from adult dogs (not pups) for at least four to six hours after the last bout of vomiting to give the dog’s stomach time to settle.
Regurgitation vs vomit
Vomiting can resemble regurgitation, but the two are not the same.” According to Dr. Osborne, regurgitation is the unintentional reflux of food before it enters the stomach. “When someone regurgitates, the food looks the same as it did when it was swallowed. It happens naturally and occasionally surprises both the dog and the owner. The dog feels queasy with the vomit. Many dogs will display nervous expressions.
Though less frequent than vomiting, regurgitation is not always less dangerous. If your dog throws up their food only once, there’s probably no cause for concern. But repeated regurgitation is abnormal and may point to a significant medical condition. ” According to Dr. Osborne, regurgitation typically results from a problem with the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. “Especially in younger dogs, congenital esophageal issues like megaesophagus—caused by aberrant nerve function to the esophagus—are likely the most frequent cause of regurgitation. Other conditions that might cause regurgitation include hypothyroidism, myasthenia gravis, tumors that may be blocking the esophagus, hiatal hernias, and esophageal constriction. Consult your veterinarian about regurgitation episodes to identify the underlying cause.
What to do if your dog is vomiting
Vomiting may only be a minor problem. Simple stomach discomfort that goes away fast or a true emergency. But how can you assess how seriously your dog is throwing up?
First, go to the vet without fail if the vomiting is continuous. A sign of an emergency can also be any substantial amount of blood in the vomit. Vomit that is consistently brilliant red, black, dark red, or dark brown, as well as vomit that resembles coffee grounds, is an emergency even though a small streak of red blood may be the result of simple stomach irritation (frequently brought on by the vomiting itself). If it’s the middle of the night or on the weekend, head straight to your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital. Your dog may be bleeding internally and requires quick attention.
Vomiting is another symptom of a food allergy. Watch out for any extra symptoms like skin irritation and itching because allergy-related vomiting can happen hours or days after eating. Many types of commercial dog food have a broad list of fillers and food additives in them that can give dogs a variety of symptoms, such as skin allergies, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fresh food, which includes fewer, higher-quality ingredients, allowing you to keep a closer eye on exactly what your dog is eating and may be an option if you suspect a food allergy. After moving to a fresh diet, many pet owners note a significant improvement in their dog’s digestive health.
Be sure to look into any associated behavior when it comes to vomiting. In between episodes of vomiting, does your dog appear to be performing normally or exhibiting other symptoms (such as appetite loss, sadness, lethargy, diarrhea, or constipation)? The dog has to see the vet if the vomiting is coupled with other symptoms of disease.
Even though your dog seems to bounce back fast from these episodes, frequent vomiting in dogs is a clue that something is amiss.
Dr. Osborne advises taking action if the dog has been throwing up a few times each week for some time.
Vomiting might not be a cause for concern, but it’s crucial to remain vigilant and watch for warning signs at all times. If you put off taking your dog to the vet, a little condition may worsen and become a bigger health concern.
reviewed by Burrwood Veterinary’s founding physician, Alex Schechter, DVM. Prior to that, he established Pure Paws Veterinary Care.
Chronic Dog Vomiting
A chronic condition is one that persists over a protracted period of time; it may be ongoing or sporadic.
If you’re unsure of the underlying cause of your dog’s persistent vomiting, it might be frustrating. Some canines have a regular tendency to vomit. Young dogs’ chronic vomiting is frequently brought on by parasites or a dietary sensitivity. It may also be brought on by specific illnesses or medical conditions.
To diagnose the issue, tests including bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasounds, or biopsies are frequently required.
Megaesophagus
Dogs of all ages can develop megaesophagus, a widespread expansion of the esophagus, which is brought on by a variety of medical disorders.
Due to the way their esophagus develops, some dogs may be born with the problem. Other canines develop it during the course of their lives as a result of illnesses like Addison’s disease, myasthenia gravis, or hypothyroidism.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel illness is another factor that might contribute to chronic vomiting (IBD). In spite of what the name of the condition might imply, vomiting is occasionally the primary symptom of IBD.
Pancreatitis
We described canine pancreatitis as a typical acute cause of vomiting. But some canines have chronic pancreatitis, which puts them prone to persistent vomiting.
How can you prevent a dog from throwing up?
You should be aware that dogs occasionally vomit if you own a dog. It usually occurs as a response to a slight stomach upset. But in case it’s a warning of something more serious, you should be aware of the symptoms.
Vomit vs. Regurgitation
It’s simple for a novice to mix up vomiting and regurgitation. The distinction being:
- The contents of the stomach and upper intestine are ejected with force when someone vomits. It has an unpleasant odor and contains yellow bile and partially digested meals.
- The relatively painless expulsion of undigested food from the oesophagus is known as regurgitation.
How Can I Tell If My Dog Is About To Vomit?
Some of the most typical symptoms your dog may exhibit are as follows:
- feeling tense and agitated.
- come to you for comfort and attention
- Drooling and frequently swallowing right before throwing up
Motion Sickness
Dogs frequently experience motion sickness, which may make car trips extremely uncomfortable for everyone. Your dog’s veterinarian may recommend medication to stop motion sickness.
Stomach Problems
The abrupt vomiting of your dog is typically an indication of stomach issues. The most frequent reasons include:
- The leading cause, which is typically eating expired or rotten food, is gastritis.
- consuming poisons, grass, or hairballs
- eating too quickly
- exercise immediately following a meal
Chronic Diseases
Chronic conditions that frequently make dogs throw up include:
- pancreatitis
- renal failure
- liver damage
- diabetic nephropathy
- Addison’s illness
- Cushing’s syndrome
- parasites
- upper intestine or stomach cancer
- illness affecting the inner ear
Your observations are critical – taking your dog to the vet
Here is a list of things to look out for and information to bring with you if it’s time to take your dog to the vet:
- What shade is the poop? Was there blood in the vomit?
- Was there anything strange in the vomit?
- Did the vomit smell in any particular way?
- When did the most recent episode occur, how many times did they vomit, and when did they first start?
- Whatever medications your dog takes
- Any modifications to your dog’s environment, such getting a new pet or making home or garden improvements
- Any recent dietary or food changes for your dog?
- Any other recent modifications to behavior or health
- Bring a sample if your dog has diarrhea; we know it’s unpleasant, but it could aid in a quick diagnosis and treatment.
- Even if you believe your dog didn’t have access to any recent spills or accidents in your home,
- Any novel toys or interesting objects they may possess
Treatment For Vomiting Dogs
Consult your veterinarian right away if your dog is a puppy, is older, or has any pre-existing medical conditions. Prior to seeing a veterinarian, you might wish to attempt the following at-home remedies on your dog if they’re alert and active and haven’t previously experienced any health issues:
- Hold off on eating for at least 6 hours if it is just one vomit. Make sure they have access to water, but refrain from giving them too much since this may cause them to vomit more.
- Small bland food meals can be introduced if the vomiting ceases.
- progressively upping the water content
- Give your dog tiny portions of a bland low-fat food several times every day for a few days after 6 hours without vomiting.
- Reintroduce the amount gradually to your dog’s regular diet.
- We strongly advise you to get in touch with our compassionate healthcare staff if vomiting continues, if your animal looks to be deteriorating internally, or if you have any other worries.
