As a dog owner, it can be challenging to determine if your furry friend's vomiting is a cause for concern. Our vets at Clearlake are here to provide you with information on the various reasons why dogs may vomit and what steps you should take if your canine companion experiences this.
Reasons Why Dogs Vomit
Dogs may show signs of gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, due to an irritated stomach and inflamed intestines. While it can be distressing for pet owners to witness, vomiting in dogs is a natural way for them to empty their stomach of indigestible material and prevent it from causing further harm.
Preventative measures such as vaccinations and routine wellness exams can help mitigate numerous causes of vomiting in dogs.
Causes of Vomiting in Dogs
Dogs can vomit for various reasons, and even healthy ones can become sick without any obvious cause, but they usually recover quickly. Your furry friend may have eaten too fast, consumed too much grass, or ingested something their stomach can't tolerate.
Such vomiting may only happen once, and there may be no other symptoms. Therefore, vomiting in dogs is not always a cause for worry. However, sudden or severe vomiting can indicate underlying diseases, disorders, or health issues.
- 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 observe any of these signs, vomiting can be a cause for concern and a significant 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 it has become a long-term or chronic issue, this is cause for concern, 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
If you're a careful pet owner, it's important to prioritize your pup's health and safety. To determine if your dog's vomiting is normal, it's best to contact your veterinarian for guidance.
What To Do If Your Dog Won't Stop Vomiting
In case your dog experiences frequent vomiting, it's crucial to take them to a vet without delay. It can be challenging to spot the difference between a common stomach upset and a serious veterinary emergency. Your veterinarian will require your cooperation to determine the underlying cause of the vomiting, which can be achieved by sharing your pup's medical history and recent activities. Informing the vet about their diet and any potential harmful substances they may have ingested can also be helpful in the diagnosis process.
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.