Vomiting in dogs can be caused by an upset stomach or issues with the digestive system. If your dog vomits occasionally, that’s not always something to worry too much about. However, if you notice that your dog vomits up bile or vomits frequently, they could have a more serious medical issue.
If your dog also shows other symptoms alongside vomiting, such as becoming withdrawn or acting lethargic, then that can also indicate your dog is suffering from a more concerning medical condition.
If you see signs that your dog might be vomiting frequently, then you must consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and course of treatment. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of vomiting in dogs.
Symptoms Of Vomiting In Dogs
Vomiting in dogs happens when the animal throws up the contents of their stomach or esophagus. Alongside the vomit itself, some of the other common symptoms may include:
- Feeling weak
- Seeming in pain
- Presence of foreign objects in the vomit
- Loss of appetite
- Presence of blood in the vomit
If you notice any of these additional symptoms, you must consult your veterinarian.
Causes Of Vomiting In Dogs
The cause of vomiting in dogs is most often an upset stomach. This is especially so if your dog has managed to eat fatty foods or foreign objects (including toys), or if they’ve scarfed down their food too quickly.
Some of the other common causes include:
- Feeling anxious or stressed
- Eating a poisonous substance
- Parasites (including various types of worms)
- Contracting a viral infection
- Changing from one type or brand of dog food to another
Treatments For Vomiting In Dogs
If you notice that your dog seems to be vomiting a lot, you must contact your veterinarian. Along with carrying out a physical examination of your dog, the vet might also ask you to bring in a sample of the vomit.
Analyzing the vomit itself can help determine the cause of the vomiting. The presence of blood in the vomit might indicate ulcers, bile can suggest inflammatory issues, and blood that resembles ground up coffee might point to intestinal problems.
The cause of the vomiting will determine the treatment your vet recommends. In many cases, altering the dog’s diet, including the type of food or the size and frequency of servings, can help with vomiting issues.
Your vet might also consider special medicines designed to control vomiting in dogs. As ever, if your vet prescribes medication for your canine, it’s vital that you follow the dosage and frequency instructions precisely and complete the entire course of medication.
Has your dog ever started vomiting a lot? How did your vet help your pooch? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
