Why is My Dog Vomiting?

Posted by Petdirect on 21st Nov 2024

Seeing your dog vomit can be unsettling, especially if it seems to happen out of the blue. While a single episode of vomiting isn’t always a cause for alarm, it’s important to understand what might have triggered it and how to respond. Knowing when to monitor at home and when to involve your vet is key to ensuring your dog stays healthy and happy.

What is Vomiting?

Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, often accompanied by signs such as retching, drooling, and abdominal heaving. It differs from regurgitation, which is a passive process where undigested food is brought up without effort or warning. Recognising the difference is key, as the underlying causes and treatments can vary.

When to See a Vet

Seek veterinary attention in the following situations:

Frequent Vomiting: More than twice in 24 hours.
Blood in Vomit: Indicates a possible ulcer, poisoning, or severe inflammation.
Signs of Pain: Swollen abdomen, whining, or pacing.
Accompanying Symptoms: Lethargy, fever, diarrhoea, or weight loss.
Vomiting After Eating or Drinking: Could indicate an obstruction.
Young or Senior Dogs: Vomiting in puppies or older dogs should always be taken seriously.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Dogs

Dogs vomit for various reasons, from mild and temporary issues to severe, life-threatening conditions. Below are the most common causes, along with symptoms and suggested actions.

1. Dietary Indiscretion

Dogs are infamous for eating things they shouldn’t, such as spoiled food, rubbish, or foreign objects like toys or socks. This is one of the leading causes of vomiting.

Symptoms: Vomiting shortly after eating something unusual, diarrhoea, or signs of discomfort.
Action: Monitor your dog and provide plenty of water. Seek veterinary attention if vomiting persists or other symptoms develop, such as lethargy or abdominal pain.

2. Dietary Changes

A sudden change in diet can upset your dog’s stomach, leading to vomiting. Dogs should be transitioned to new food gradually over 7 to 10 days to avoid gastrointestinal upset.

Symptoms: Vomiting after meals, mild diarrhoea.
Action: Reintroduce the old diet, then transition to the new food more slowly. Can add probiotics to help support gut health during this process.

3. Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis refers to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which can be caused by infection, dietary indiscretion, or stress.

Symptoms: Repeated vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes with blood), lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Action: Provide fresh water to prevent dehydration and consult your veterinarian for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

4. Parasites

Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, or giardia, can irritate your dog’s gastrointestinal tract, leading to vomiting and other symptoms.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, a bloated abdomen, weight loss.
Action: Your vet can perform a faecal test to identify if there are any presence of parasites.

5. Toxins

Ingesting toxic substances, such as certain plants, household cleaning products, human medications, or harmful foods (like chocolate or grapes), can result in vomiting and other serious symptoms.

Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, tremors, seizures, lethargy.
Action: Contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately.

6. Motion Sickness

Some dogs, particularly puppies or those unaccustomed to car travel, may experience motion sickness.

Symptoms: Drooling, whining, restlessness, or vomiting during or after travel.
Action: Take shorter trips to acclimate your dog. Consult your vet about anti-nausea medications, such as maropitant, or natural remedies like ginger.

7. Chronic Conditions

Vomiting can be a symptom of underlying health problems like kidney disease, liver disease, or pancreatitis.

Symptoms: Recurrent vomiting, weight loss, changes in appetite, or lethargy.
Action: Your vet can perform diagnostic tests to identify the condition and develop a long-term management plan.

8. Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Dogs with food sensitivities may vomit after consuming certain ingredients, such as grains, chicken, or dairy.

Symptoms: Chronic vomiting, diarrhoea, itchy skin.
Action: Work with your vet to identify triggers and transition to a hypoallergenic diet.

9. Stress or Anxiety

Stressful events, such as moving to a new home or introducing a new pet, can sometimes trigger vomiting.

Symptoms: Vomiting, trembling, hiding, changes in behaviour.
Action: Minimise stressors where possible. Calming aids or behavioural training may help reduce stress-related vomiting.

How to Help a Vomiting Dog

If your dog is vomiting, follow these steps to help them recover:

1. Allow the Stomach to Rest

For adult dogs experiencing stomach upset, it can be helpful to give their digestive system a break.

Instead of feeding their usual meals, wait 6–12 hours before offering food again. During this time, ensure they have access to fresh water. When reintroducing food, start with small portions of bland options such as boiled chicken and rice. This approach is not suitable for puppies, small dogs, or dogs with conditions that affect blood sugar levels, always consult your vet if you’re unsure.

2. Monitor for Dehydration

Vomiting can quickly dehydrate your dog. Check their hydration by lifting the skin on their neck, if it doesn’t snap back quickly, they may be dehydrated. Dry gums and sunken eyes are also signs of dehydration.

3. Avoid Medications Without Veterinary Guidance

Over-the-counter human medications can be dangerous for dogs. Consult your vet before administering any treatments.

Preventing Vomiting in Dogs

Many cases of vomiting can be prevented by following these tips:

Stick to a Consistent Diet: Avoid sudden changes and feed high-quality food.
Supervise Your Dog: Ensure they don’t eat rubbish, foreign objects, or toxic plants.
Avoid Table Scraps: Many human foods can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Regular Deworming: Keep your dog on a routine deworming schedule.
Vaccinate and Visit the Vet: Regular check-ups can help identify potential health issues early.

Final Thoughts

Occasional vomiting in dogs may not always indicate a problem, but frequent or severe vomiting could be a sign of an underlying issue. By understanding the causes, taking appropriate steps to manage vomiting, and knowing when to seek veterinary help, you can ensure your dog stays healthy and happy. If in doubt, always consult your vet as early intervention is the best way to protect them.