There are many reasons why your dog may vomit, and it isn't always easy to tell if it constitutes an emergency. Today, our Rock Hill vets share what you should know about vomiting in dogs and what to do if your dog is vomiting.
Reasons Why Dogs Vomit
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.
While vomiting in dogs is unpleasant 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 reaching other areas of their body.
Numerous causes of vomiting in dogs can be prevented with vaccinations as well as routine wellness examinations.
Causes of Vomiting in Dogs
Several things can induce vomiting in dogs, and sometimes even healthy dogs will fall ill for no apparent reason and recover quickly.
It's possible that your dog ate too quickly, ate too much grass, or ate something that upset their stomach. This type of vomiting may occur only once and be unaccompanied by other symptoms. So, vomiting in dogs isn't always a cause 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
If you notice any of the following symptoms, vomiting may be cause for concern and constitute a serious veterinary emergency:
- 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 if it has become a long-term or chronic problem, you should be concerned, especially if you have noticed symptoms such as 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.
Based on your dog's medical history and recent activities, your veterinarian will need your assistance in determining the cause of the vomiting. You might be able to help your vet by telling them what your dog has been eating and if they have gotten into anything 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.