Dogs may vomit for a variety of reasons – such as ingesting something that disagrees with his or her tummy, or perhaps gobbling his or her food too quickly. But owners should also be aware that vomiting may also indicate something far more serious – Fido may have swallowed a toxic substance, or be suffering from a condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Vomiting can be associated with gastrointestinal and systemic disorders that should be evaluated and monitored by your dog’s vet.
What could cause my dog to vomit?
- Diet-related causes such as changes in food, food intolerance, ingestion of rubbish, eating too much or too fast
- Ingestion of foreign objects
- Ingestion of toxic substances
- Bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract
- Intestinal parasites
- Acute kidney failure
- Acute liver failure or gall bladder inflammation
- Pancreatitis
- Post-operative nausea
- Viral infections
- Certain medications or anaesthetic agents
- Bloat
- Heatstroke
- Car sickness
- Infected uterus
- Vomiting that occurs irregularly over a long period of time can be due to stomach or intestinal inflammation, severe constipation, cancer, kidney dysfunction, liver disease or systemic illness.
What should I do if my dog vomits frequently?
If your dog is experiencing chronic vomiting, it is most definitely a cause for concern. It might point toward serious conditions such as colitis, intestinal obstruction, or parvovirus. You should take your dog to a vet immediately.
What other symptoms should I watch out for?
Since the causes for vomiting are so varied, it is imperative for owners to obtain as much information as possible to give to your veterinarian for diagnosis. But watch out for the following signs as a precaution:
- Frequency of vomiting. If your dog vomits once and proceeds to eat and have normal bowel movements, it most likely is an isolated incident.
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Blood in vomit
- Weight loss
- Change in appetite
- Increase or decrease in thirst or urination
If you notice these symptoms occurring over a 24-hour period, take your dog to a vet as soon as possible.
What are some treatment options?
Depending on your vet’s diagnosis, your dog may receive fluid therapy, antibiotics, antiemetics (to reduce vomiting) or other medication. You can change his diet to include soft, homemade food such as boiled potatoes, rice, and well-cooked skinless chicken.