Vomiting in dogs is not entirely unusual. Generally, it helps your dog feel better, whether occurring naturally or through inducing. Today, our Killen vets share some of the causes behind vomiting (and diarrhea) in dogs and when it might be a concern.
Vomiting in Dogs: Reasons Why Your Dog Feels Unwell
Anytime your dog experiences gastrointestinal upset they may also suffer from vomiting as their body tries to rid their body of the illness.
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.
What are the causes of vomiting in dogs?
There are a number of things that can cause a dog to vomit, and sometimes even healthy dogs will fall ill for no apparent reason and recover quickly.
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
- Ingestion of poisons, toxins or food
- Bloat
- Reaction to medication
- Bacterial or viral infection
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Pancreatitis
- Change in diet
When is vomiting in dogs a concern?
Vomiting may be cause for some concern and constitute a serious veterinary emergency if you see any of these signs:
- Vomiting in conjunction with other symptoms such as lethargy, weight loss, fever, anemia, etc.
- Suspected ingestion of a foreign body (such as food, objects, children’s toys, etc.)
- Vomiting a lot at one time
- Vomiting with nothing coming up
- Vomiting blood
- Chronic vomiting
- Continuous vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Seizures
What to Do if Your Dog Experiences Chronic Vomiting
Ongoing or frequent vomiting is a large cause of concern. This should be addressed by a vet immediately. 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
You should always make the safety of your pet a priority. The only sure way to know if your dog's symptoms are concerning is to reach out to your vet.
Steps to Take When Your Dogs Won't Stop Vomiting
Your veterinarian will need your help to find the cause of the vomiting based on your pup's medical history and recent activities. For example, if your dog has been curiously exploring the kids’ rooms or you’ve caught him sniffing the refrigerator, it’s possible he could have gotten into something he shouldn’t have.
What to Do if Your Dog Has Ingested a Toxic Substance
If your dog has swallowed a substance they shouldn't have then you should contact your nearest emergency vet or poison control center right away. This way, our Killen vets can immediately provide advice about whether you should bring your pet in, or if they think you can or should induce vomiting at home.
How Veterinarians Induce Vomiting in Dogs
At Center Star Veterinary Services, we carefully examine your pooch to determine whether inducing vomiting is safe for your pet. If it's determined that this action should be taken, special medication with minimal side effects is used (as opposed to hydrogen peroxide). If there are any side effects felt by your dog, our team is here to quickly manage the situation.
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.