Usually, a one-off dog vomit is not something to rush to the vet for. Dogs can vomit for various reasons, many of which can be remedied at home without a trip to the veterinarian. However, depending on the severity of the vomiting along with other symptoms, it could also be a sign of a serious health problem requiring a medical diagnosis and intervention.

This article will unpack some reasons why your furry friend may be vomiting, what you can and should do, and when to seek medical attention.

Why your dog might be vomiting

Rapid eating. Does your dog eat every meal like it was his last? Many dogs don’t pace themselves when eating, which can lead to vomiting. If you notice your pup scarfing his food down and vomiting shortly afterward, there are a few things you can do. Puzzle or slow feeders are an excellent option. These fun tools help slow food ingestion and should help avoid any post-meal messes.

Grass eating. Many curious pups like to nibble on grass, which can lead to vomiting. The odd occurrence of grass eating followed by vomiting should not be a cause for concern. However, if this happens regularly or your dog ingests a lot of grass, it could indicate a more serious problem. If your pup seems to like the texture and fun of munching on grass, consider offering some wheatgrass from time to time. This grass offers a good source of nutrients, is good for canine digestion, and can be grown indoors all year.

Quick food change. If you plan on swapping up your dog’s diet, don’t do it fast or all at once. Offer a little of the new food mixed with the old food and introduce a new food over two weeks or even longer if your pup has a sensitive gut. A rapid switch can cause a huge digestive upset, resulting in vomiting.

Intestinal worms. Vomiting can be a sign of intestinal worms in dogs. If you notice other signs such as diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy, coughing, itching, or butt scooting, a visit to your vet is a good idea.

Viral infection. Dogs, like humans, can pick up any number of viral infections that can cause vomiting. Canine parvovirus is serious and can lead to severe vomiting. It generally comes on suddenly and requires immediate veterinarian attention. Symptoms of parvovirus include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, bloating, and severe and bloody diarrhea. If you notice any of these signs and your dog is under a year old, seek medication attention. 

Improper ingestion. Vomiting is a way that your dog protects itself from toxins. If your dog eats something that it shouldn’t eat, like food, plants, etc., it may throw up as a protective measure. Some dogs, especially puppies, love to eat things they shouldn’t, like toys or other foreign objects. When your dog vomits, its body is trying to dislodge the foreign object that may be blocking its digestive system.

Motion sickness. Some dogs, like some humans, are prone to motion sickness. If you take your dog for a ride and he vomits, whines, drools, or yawns, it may be a sign of car or motion sickness. Some dogs ride better in the front seat, with a better road visual.

Medication side effects. Vomiting can be a side effect of certain medications. If your dog is taking a prescription medication and begins to vomit, consult your vet for advice.

Heatstroke. Too much time in the heat and dehydration can cause heatstroke and vomiting, along with a dry nose, weakness, increased heart rate, excessive panting, and drooling. If you suspect heatstroke, getting your pup into a cool environment and offering fresh fluids such as broth, water, and coconut water to hydrate your furry pal is important.

Allergies and food sensitivities. Some dogs develop sensitivities to certain foods or proteins, which can cause vomiting and itchy skin. The most common food allergens in dogs are dairy, chicken, soy, eggs, beef, and gluten proteins.

Medical conditions. Underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease,  pancreatitis, or cancer can sometimes manifest with vomiting as one of the symptoms.

When should I take my dog to the vet?

If any of the following occurs, taking your furry friend to the vet is a good idea.

• Continuous vomiting – more than twice in 24 hours
• Blood in vomit
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes and dry gums

How to help your pup when vomiting

Here are some things you can do to make your pup more comfortable when vomiting.

• Withhold food. It is a good idea to keep food from your adult dog for 12-24 hours after vomiting. This allows time for their stomach to settle down.
• Offer water. Fresh access to water will help your pup stay hydrated.
• Slowly reintroduce food. Once your pup’s stomach has settled down, slowly introduce food. Bland food such as boiled chicken and rice is a good place to start.
• Give lots of love. Like us, when your pup is vomiting, we can assume they don’t feel well. Plenty of extra love and snuggles will help as they recover.