One of our DogTime readers has a pooch who throws up every few weeks. Is that okay? Should she do something about it? She writes:
Dear Labby,
My dog seems to be happy and healthy most of the time. I keep up with regular vet visits, serve her an appropriate diet, and make sure she gets regular exercise. I’m doing everything I can to keep her around as long as possible!
But every few weeks, my Bella vomits. She seems to be healthy other than that. No signs or symptoms of anything amiss, and as soon as she’s done puking, she’s all smiles and wags.
Is this normal? Should I be worried? How can I help my pup?
Signed,
Bothered About Ralphing Frequently
Dear Labby Has The Answer!
Dear B.A.R.F.,
Actually, yes, dogs vomiting every few weeks can be normal.
Just like people, some dogs have sensitive stomachs or will even vomit on an empty stomach. As long as the dog is eating, drinking, acting normally, exhibiting no other signs of illness, and showing no increase in frequency of the vomiting, there is typically no reason to worry.
To be sure, however, schedule a checkup with your vet. Have them perform a full physical exam, and make sure you tell them details like how often your dog vomits, how much, what it looks like, any other behavior or symptoms, and your dog’s diet.
What Can You Do About It?
There are many possible causes for your dog’s vomiting, which is why it’s best to consult your vet. They may prescribe changing your dog’s diet to food that’s more easily digestible and less likely to cause acid buildup in the stomach.
If your dog vomits on an empty stomach, you may wish to feed her a small amount of food about an hour before bed. This will help keep her belly full enough throughout the night without causing her to wake up needing to go potty before morning.
Pay attention to what your dog eats. Is she chewing on grass or plants when she’s outside? Is she getting into garbage or picking up discarded food on walks? All of these things can contribute to an upset stomach and vomiting.
Be sure to record what your dog eats so your vet can better diagnose the problem. Your dog may have a food allergy or sensitivity, and your observations will help your vet narrow down the issue.
Hopefully this helps put your mind at ease, B.A.R.F., but make sure to schedule that vet visit!
Does your dog vomit frequently? How do you treat it? Do you have any questions for Dear Labby? Let us know in the comments below!
