Several reasons can cause your dog to vomit, and it isn't always easy to tell if it constitutes an emergency. Here, our Redmond vets share what you should know about vomiting in dogs and what to do if your dog is vomiting.
Gastrointestinal Upset in Dogs
Vomiting is a common sign of an irritated stomach and inflamed intestines or gastrointestinal upset in dogs. This can lead to persistent vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
As almost every dog owner understands that while vomiting in dogs is an unpleasant thing to witness and can be distressing it is your pet’s way of emptying their stomach of indigestible material to prevent it from remaining in their system, or from reaching other areas of their body.
Numerous causes of vomiting in dogs can be prevented with vaccinations as well as routine wellness examinations.
Possible Causes of Vomiting in Dogs
Several things can cause a dog to vomit, and sometimes even healthy dogs will fall ill for no apparent reason and recover quickly.
It’s possible your pooch could have eaten too quickly, dined on too much grass, or eaten something their stomach simply doesn't agree with. This type of vomiting may be a one-time occurrence and not be accompanied by any other symptoms. So, vomiting in dogs isn't always a reason for concern.
That said, potential causes of acute vomiting (sudden or severe) can be related to diseases, disorders, or health complications such as:
- Heatstroke
- Bloating
- Ingestion of poisons, toxins, or food
- Change in diet
- Reaction to medication
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney or liver failure
- Bacterial or viral infection
When to Be Concerned About Your Dog's Vomiting
Vomiting may be cause for some concern and constitute a serious veterinary emergency if you see any of the following signs:
- Continuous vomiting
- Chronic vomiting
- Seizures
- Vomiting in conjunction with other symptoms such as lethargy, weight loss, fever, anemia, etc.
- Vomiting with nothing coming up
- Vomiting a lot at one time
- Vomiting blood/bloody diarrhea
- Suspected ingestion of a foreign body (such as food, objects, children’s toy, etc.)
Chronic Vomiting
If your dog has been vomiting frequently or it has become a long-term or chronic issue, this is cause for concern, especially if you’ve noticed symptoms including abdominal pain, depression, dehydration, blood, poor appetite, fever, weakness, weight loss, or other unusual behaviors.
Long-term, recurrent vomiting can be caused by:
- Cancer
- Liver or kidney failure
- Uterine infection
- Constipation
- Intestinal obstruction
- Colitis
As a cautious pet owner, it’s always best to prioritize safety and caution when it comes to your pup’s health. The best way to learn whether your dog’s vomiting is normal or not is to contact your vet.
What to Do If Your Dog Won't Stop Vomiting
If at any point your dog is vomiting regularly, bring them in to see your vet right away as it can be difficult to distinguish the differences between an upset stomach and a veterinary emergency.
Your veterinarian will need your help to find the cause of the vomiting based on your pup's medical history and recent activities. You may be able to assist your vet by informing them about what your dog has been eating and if they had gotten into something they shouldn't have.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.