If your dog is throwing up, but still acting otherwise normal, it's possible that your pet has either chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) or food indiscretion. Food indiscretion in dogs is very common when they get so excited about eating that they eat too fast or too much, and some of it comes back out.
Dog vomiting may be caused by poor canine judgment, also known as dietary indiscretion, and may not be much cause for concern. However, vomiting can also be a symptom of serious or even life-threatening conditions that require emergency medical attention and should be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian.
If your dog vomits more than once, or has recurring bouts of vomiting, you need to call your vet immediately. Vomiting is a symptom of many serious diseases, illnesses, and complications, and as owners we owe it to our dogs to take it seriously. Ignoring your dog's vomiting could have serious, even fatal consequences.
Dogs vomit all the time, but sometimes it can be serious. Digested blood appearing as black vomit, or bright red vomit is always an emergency and you should contact your vet immediately. On the other hand, a dog vomiting yellow or green liquid might not be harmful at all.
Common Causes of Vomiting
Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms. Viral infections, such as distemper, parvovirus and coronavirus. Diseases, such as kidney disease, cancer and stomach ulcers.
Vomit may be clear or a yellow or brown color, and diarrhea will often contain blood and be a light yellow or mustard colored hue. In addition to vomiting frequently, your puppy may also appear to be drooling or foaming at the mouth as part of their parvo symptoms.
Other more serious reasons for a dog being sick include infection, worms, eating foreign bodies such as socks or toys, or swallowing or licking certain flowers, plants or toxins that are poisonous to dogs. More critical medical issues such as cancer or kidney, liver, or pancreatic disease could also be to blame.
Vomiting is a clinical sign that can occur with many diseases or problems; it is not a specific disease or diagnosis itself. Dogs vomit quite readily and occasional vomiting in an otherwise healthy dog may not indicate anything abnormal.
Chicken and rice are prime ingredients in many dog foods, and these mild foods sit well on upset canine stomachs. Plus, this bland meal is easy to prepare. All you need are boneless, skinless chicken breasts and rice.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
If your dog vomits three or more times over a period of eight hours, you should be worried. If there is any blood in either, you should take your dog to the vet immediately.
If your dog is sick once and is otherwise alert, active, and showing no other symptoms, there's likely to be nothing to worry about. If your dog is lethargic, persistently vomiting, has diarrhoea, loses his appetite, or displays any other symptoms, don't delay – get him to your local vet, fast.
With vomit, the dog is nauseous. A lot of dogs will look apprehensive.” Regurgitation is less common than vomiting, but it's not necessarily less serious. If your dog regurgitates their food just once, it's probably nothing to worry about.
Usually, it's regurgitation. Your dog may have eaten too much, too fast, or they may be suffering from stress. Megaesophagus is also a possibility, so you'll want to check with your vet to be sure. If your dog is vomiting, it usually happens at least a few minutes after your dog has eaten.
One of the most common ways to help a dog that is recovering from vomiting is to feed them a bland diet (usually white rice, sweet potato, boiled chicken or white fish). If your dog has been treated by your vet then they may also give your dog a specially prescribed diet and some medication to help them feel less sick.
Signs of an upset stomach should disappear within 24-48 hours. If your dog's symptoms continue for more than a couple of days. it's time to see the vet.
It is important to give your dog's digestive system some time to recoup and rest from the vomiting by not feeding your dog for 12-24 hours. You can give your dog small amounts of water to keep them hydrated. Food and large amounts of water will only aggravate your dog's upset stomach.
Regurgitation is a non-sickness related action where your dog purges their stomach of undigested food or fluid. Before your dog regurgitates you may notice that they seem to be having a hard time breathing or they are coughing. One way to identify if its regurgitation vs. vomit for sure is to inspect the pile.
The act of making your pet vomit at home (aka inducing vomiting or inducing emesis) is not advised except under extreme circumstances AND it should always be under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian. In other words, you should immediately call your family veterinarian for advice.
If your dog vomits more than once in a day, without a break, or for more than 24 hours, you should see a vet. A dog throwing up mucus occasionally may not be a cause for concern.
Not all sick dogs will display negative behavior when they are ill. Some dogs may become clingy or show signs of increased neediness. Some just display changes in their routine, which is typical for dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction.
Allow them to rest. Don't force your dog to play or walk if they don't seem interested. Their body will need to naturally recover after vomiting, which is generally over a period of 1-2 days.
Allow your dog's stomach to “rest” by withholding all sources of food and water for at least two hours, and possibly as long as eight to 12 hours. If no additional vomiting occurs during that time — and no new symptoms (such as diarrhea) appear — offer a small amount of water.
Some of the signs of parvovirus include lethargy; loss of appetite; abdominal pain and bloating; fever or low body temperature (hypothermia); vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock.