Why Is My Dog Throwing Up?

And what can I do?

We’ve all been there. Your dog starts vomiting and panic immediately ensues. Rest assured, Rollin’ Vets is here to help put your mind at ease. Not only do we come to your house during the day, we also now offer at-home, after-hours urgent care in Houston, Monday - Wednesday from 6pm - 11pm.

Common Causes of Dog Vomiting

Vomiting in dogs can occur due to various reasons, ranging from minor issues to more serious health concerns. Below is a list of common causes of dog vomiting:

1. Dietary Indiscretion: One of the most common reasons for dogs throwing up is dietary indiscretion, which simply means your dog has eaten something that doesn't agree with their stomach. This could include consuming spoiled food, ingesting garbage, or munching on plants in the yard.

2. Sudden Diet Changes: Abrupt changes in your dog's diet can also lead to vomiting. Dogs have sensitive digestive systems, and sudden switches in food can upset their stomach and result in vomiting.

3. Gastrointestinal Upset: Gastrointestinal issues, such as gastritis or gastroenteritis, can cause vomiting in dogs. These conditions are often characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines and may be caused by infections, parasites, or food allergies.

4. Foreign Objects: Dogs are known for their curious nature, and sometimes they might swallow objects like toys, bones, or pieces of fabric, leading to vomiting. In the case that your pet has ingested a foreign object, we recommend taking your pet to an emergency vet clinic immediately.

5. Infections and Viruses: Infections caused by bacteria or viruses can also be responsible for your dog's upset stomach and vomiting.

6. Motion Sickness: Just like humans, some dogs can experience motion sickness during car rides, leading to vomiting.

7. Heatstroke: In hot weather, dogs can suffer from heatstroke, which can cause vomiting among other symptoms. This is a serious condition that requires immediate attention from an emergency vet clinic.

When to Be Concerned

While occasional vomiting might not always be a cause for alarm, certain signs indicate that you should seek veterinary attention promptly:

• Persistent or severe vomiting

• Blood in vomit

• Lethargy and weakness

• Loss of appetite

• Dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, excessive panting)

• Changes in behavior

What to Do When Your Dog is Throwing Up

1. Monitor your dog: Keep an eye on your dog's behavior and look for any alarming symptoms. Note the frequency and appearance of vomit, as well as any accompanying signs of distress.

2. Withhold food: If your dog has recently eaten and starts vomiting, avoid giving them food for the next 12 to 24 hours to allow their stomach to settle. However, ensure they have access to fresh water to prevent dehydration.

3. Gradual diet change: If you suspect the vomiting is due to a sudden diet change, consider reverting to their previous diet and gradually transitioning to a new one over several days.

4. Remove potential hazards: If you suspect your dog ingested something harmful, try to identify and remove any potential hazards from their environment.

5. Offer bland food: After the fasting period, offer a small amount of bland food like boiled chicken or rice. If they keep it down, you can gradually increase the portion size and reintroduce their regular diet.

6. Seek veterinary advice: If the vomiting persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian. Rollin’ Vets knows emergencies can't wait, so we're here to save the day during these late-night hours.