Here’s when to be concerned about your dog throwing up.
If your dog is throwing up, it’s a sign that something isn’t right. Causes range from mild and temporary to serious health conditions. Occasional vomiting is often nothing serious and can be chalked up to minor stomach issues like eating too quickly. But if your dog has severe episodes that don’t resolve within a day or two, you should seek veterinary care.
Recognizing the difference ensures your dog receives treatment when they need it. Here’s what you should know if your dog is vomiting.
Common Causes of Vomiting in Dogs
All dogs can be susceptible to vomiting. Here are some of the most common reasons why your dog might be throwing up.
Dietary Indiscretion
Eating spoiled food, garbage, or non-food objects may cause your dog to vomit. In this case, it’s a natural reaction that usually resolves itself.
Sudden Diet Changes
Switching food without a slow transition can be tough on your dog’s stomach. It’s best to gradually introduce them to a new brand or type of food by mixing the new food with the food they’re used to.
Food Intolerances or Allergies
Certain ingredients trigger digestive upset, such as those containing lactose. Your dog might also have unique allergies that they should avoid. You can track your dog’s food intake and then monitor the reaction to help pinpoint which ingredients might be to blame.
Infections
Viral infections (like parvovirus), bacteria, or parasites may cause your dog to vomit. Your vet can check for infections and parasites with a simple in-office test and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Toxins or Poisons
Some foods and ingredients can be deadly to your dog. Chocolate, xylitol (common in peanut butter, which is normally harmless to dogs), grapes, onions, garlic, certain plants, and household chemicals can all induce vomiting as your dog tries to get rid of the toxins.
If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxin or poison, seek veterinary care immediately.
Motion Sickness
If your dog throws up shortly after riding in the car, they might be car sick. Dogs can get motion sickness just like humans.
Underlying Health Conditions
Vomiting could be a symptom of some underlying health conditions. If your dog has bouts of vomiting that don’t resolve quickly (e.g., they’re not a one-time occurrence), your vet might want to check for pancreatitis, kidney or liver disease, gastrointestinal blockages, or even cancer.
Acute vs. Chronic Vomiting in Dogs
Vomiting is a common issue in dogs, but not all cases are the same. Your dog’s vomiting falls into one of two categories:
- Acute vomiting refers to a sudden onset of vomiting, possibly due to something minor or life-threatening.
- Chronic vomiting is ongoing or recurring, often linked to underlying illness or intolerance.
In either case, it’s important to monitor your dog closely to see how often they’re vomiting and if they display any other symptoms, such as lethargy, a lack of appetite, discomfort, thirst, or diarrhea.
When to Go to the Vet Immediately
While not all bouts of vomiting will result in a vet visit, certain signs require urgent attention or a visit to pet urgent care. These include:
- Vomiting multiple times in a short period
- Vomit containing blood (you’ll see traces of red or a coffee-ground appearance)
- Lethargy, pale gums, and sunken eyes, which may indicate dehydration
- Vomiting accompanied by diarrhea, especially in puppies
- Severe pain or tightness in the abdomen
- Known ingestion of toxins or foreign objects
- Weakness or collapse
In these cases, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for guidance.
What the Vet Will Do
Your veterinarian will give your dog a physical examination and may require additional tests and imaging. Diagnostic tests may include bloodwork, urinalysis, a fecal exam, and imaging, such as X-ray or ultrasound. Your vet will determine the root cause of the vomiting and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Depending on the issue, your vet may administer IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, and/or antibiotics. If the vomiting is due to a blockage, your dog may require surgery.
At-Home Care for Mild Cases
If your dog’s vomiting isn’t due to a blockage or underlying health issue, you may be able to treat it at home (and ideally prevent it from happening again).
Your dog’s vet may advise a short fasting period. This gives your dog’s stomach time to “reset.” After fasting, offer bland food, such as boiled chicken and rice, that isn’t likely to upset your dog’s stomach. Gradually reintroduce your dog’s normal diet, taking care to monitor your pup during and after eating to ensure vomiting doesn’t reoccur.
Important Note: Always consult your vet before starting home treatment. It’s best to have a professional determine the cause of the vomiting to rule out anything more serious than a tummy ache.
Dog Vomiting Prevention Tips
Mild cases of dog vomiting can often be prevented at home. If your vet has determined your dog’s vomiting isn’t due to something serious, try these tips to reduce or prevent vomiting at home:
- Keep garbage, toxic foods, and chemicals out of reach.
- Learn which human foods are poisonous to dogs.
- Avoid sudden diet changes.
- Use slow-feeder bowls for dogs that eat too fast.
- Keep up with regular vet visits to monitor their overall health.
Don’t Let Persistent Dog Vomiting Go Untreated: Book an Appointment with Your Vet
While some vomiting is minor, it can also signal serious issues. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and have your dog checked out by a veterinarian. Quick action when needed will help keep your dog safe, comfortable, and healthy.
