I am sure all pet parents will agree that nothing gets us out of bed quicker than the sound of our dog regurgitating and about to vomit. We could be feeding them quality food and yet, they still throw up occasionally. Not to worry as more often than not, dogs vomiting is not a serious matter.
Typically, dogs vomit to expel food that they should not have ingested. However, your dog may also throw up for other reasons, and this should not be ignored. Vomiting could indicate that it could be having dietary issues, pancreatitis or something else. It is important to address your dog’s vomiting, so that you can help them feel better and ensure that it is not the sign of something more serious.
What could be the reason behind your dog vomiting?
There are several reasons to why dogs vomit. While some can be resolved with a little care at home, some may require medical attention.
Dogs may vomit for the following reasons:
– Intestinal worms
– Diseases like parvovirus
– Consuming toxins, people food, or things outdoors
– Ingesting toys or other inedible substances that cause blockages
– Abrupt change in food or treats
– Gastrointestinal conditions or certain cancers
Usually, it is not a serious matter if your dog only has one or two episodes of vomiting. However, it is important for you to take extra precautions when your dog is sick, because they can’t tell us how they are feeling. It could be plausible that your dog may instinctively hide that they are ill, as a survival instinct and act as if they feel fine when they really don’t.
It could be easy to determine the cause, for example when you see bits and pieces of chewed-up toy in the vomit or when your dog accidentally ate something inappropriate. However, there could be times when it is harder to determine the reason for vomiting. Examining your dog’s vomit before cleaning it up could aid in finding out the reason behind the vomiting.
What does the colour of your dog’s vomit indicate?
If your dog vomits, have a look at the substance that has been vomited.
– Green: It is possible that your dog ate grass or other plant material that caused a upset stomach
– Yellow: Bile from the small intestine were mixed with stomach contents during the vomiting process. It usually occurs when the stomach has been emptied from multiple episodes of vomiting.
– White & foamy: Due to the mucous material lining from the oesophagus. When the vomit is foamy, it could indicate a build-up of stomach acid and that your dog is vomiting on an empty stomach.
Your dog could throw up undigested food. Their intestinal tract could be blocked with a toy or foreign object. Alternatively, it could also indicate that your dog was already feeling nausea prior to taking their meals, and vomited soon after.
Bloody vomit can mean that the lining of your dog’s stomach or oesophagus has been damaged. This could be caused by inflammation from throwing up multiple times or from ulcers. If the amount of blood is significant, it can indicate a clotting disorder. This would constitute an emergency, and you should take your dog to the vet immediately.
Make a note describing the vomit and take a photo so that you can inform the vet. If there are other accompanying signs of illness, jot it down as well.
What should you do if your dog starts vomiting?
The first thing to do when a dog vomits, is to not panic. If it is a one-time occurrence and your pet looks completely normal afterwards, try withholding food for about 12 hours to give their stomach some rest, but ensure that there is water available for your dog. Keep monitoring if the vomiting reoccurs and whether there are other signs of illness.
If you think your dog has accidentally consumed a toxic substance, send your dog to the vet immediately.
When should you take your dog to the emergency for vomiting?
– Have multiple episodes of vomiting
– Have vomiting that lasts for days
– Feel lethargic
– Lose their appetite
– Stop drinking
– Develop diarrhoea
– Have unexplained weight loss
Vomiting in dogs is a natural part of life, just like how we humans vomit whenever we are not feeling well. It’s important to monitor your dog to find out the cause of vomiting. Look for other symptoms that are cause for concern, including signs that they feel down, not eating or drinking for long periods of time, or having diarrhoea. Whenever in doubt, please seek help from your veterinarian.
Any views or opinions communicated on this page belong to the author and do not represent the views or opinions of any other organizations. This article is meant for us to share our own views and opinions in general. Kindly consult a professional if you would like to seek professional advice.
Adopted from sources
– Vomiting in Dogs. By Jenna Stregowski, reviewed by Petal Smart, The Spruce Pets.
(https://www.thesprucepets.com/vomiting-in-dogs-1117844)
– Why Is Your Dog Vomiting? Understanding the Causes and How You Can Help Them. By Lavanya Sunkara, reviewed by Ghanasyam Bey DVM, GoodRx Health.
(https://www.goodrx.com/pet-health/dog/dog-throwing-up-vomit)
– Images of dogs, Pixabay, Pexels, The Spruce Pets.
(https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-vet-checking-a-sick-rough-collie-6235231/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-shiba-inu-lying-in-bed-1839753/
https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-pet-puppy-lying-down-sad-1846066/)