Your dog's upset stomach can have many different causes which can lead to uncomfortable side effects like vomiting and diarrhea. Today, our Perry vets share some reasons why your dog may be vomiting and how you can help manage their symptoms.
Why is my dog vomiting nonstop?
Vomiting is a common sign of an irritated stomach and inflamed intestines or gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Unfortunately, this may lead to ongoing and excessive vomiting.
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.
Many of the common causes of vomiting in dogs can be prevented with vaccinations as well as routine wellness examinations.
What are the causes of vomiting in dogs?
The list of potential causes is extensive and even the healthiest of dogs can find themselves ill at times.
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 is vomiting a concern?
If you witness any of the following signs or symptoms then you should bring your dog in for veterinary care immediately:
- 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 toys, etc.)
Chronic Vomiting in Dogs
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. If you have any concerns please contact your vet or the nearest veterinary emergency clinic immediately.
How can you settle your dog's stomach?
If you believe your dog's vomiting is not due to anything serious, there are a few things you can do to help soothe your pup's upset stomach. Of course, we recommend that you call your vet to let them know what's going on; your vet knows your dog best and may be able to offer advice on how to best handle your dog's tummy troubles. Having said that, many veterinarians recommend the following treatments for mild gastric upset in dogs.
- Skip your dog's next meal then provide a smaller portion for the following meal. If your dog does not vomit again return to normal feeding.
- Provide your dog with a light on-the-stomach GI formula dog food from your vet's office to help ease them back to normal eating.
- Make your dog a light meal of cooked chicken and boiled rice and feed it in small portions.
- Provide your dog with plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated.
- If your dog is not back to normal within 24 hours call your vet to book an examination for your pup.
When is vomiting (and diarrhea) in dogs an emergency?
If your dog is experincing any concerning symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea that won't stop, please bring them to your vet for an examination right away.
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 have gotten into something they shouldn't have.
Never induce vomiting in dogs unless under the direction of a veterinary professional. This can be very dangerous under certain circumstances like poison ingestion.
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.