Vomiting is a common occurrence for dogs and is usually nothing to worry about. However, frequent or prolonged vomiting can indicate a more serious health issue that requires veterinary attention. This article outlines when dog vomiting may be normal, and when it is cause for concern that warrants a trip to the vet.
What is normal vomiting?
Most dogs vomit occasionally, especially if they eat or drink too quickly, eat something disagreeable, or exercise vigorously after eating. An upset stomach due to dietary indiscretion, motion sickness in the car, or the occasional gag or cough may all lead to vomiting.
Vomiting 1-2 times due to minor stomach upset is not uncommon. As long as the dog is otherwise acting normal, vomiting a couple of times and then resuming normal behavior is likely not a major concern.
How can I distinguish normal vomiting from problematic vomiting?
While the occasional vomit is normal, take note of the frequency, volume, and nature of the vomit to determine if it may indicate a more serious issue requiring veterinary attention. Here are some signs that warrant a trip to the vet:
- Vomiting more than 2-3 times in a 24 hour period
- Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours
- Vomiting accompanied by diarrhea or other symptoms like lethargy or loss of appetite
- Projectile vomiting or vomiting that shoots out with force
- Vomit that is yellow or green (indicates bilious vomiting)
- Vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds
- Inability to hold down food or water due to persistent vomiting
If your dog exhibits any of these signs in addition to vomiting, it could indicate a health problem that requires prompt veterinary attention.
What causes problematic vomiting in dogs?
There are many potential medical causes of persistent or severe vomiting in dogs. Common causes include:
- Dietary indiscretion or food allergies: Eating garbage or other unsuitable items, food allergies, or sudden diet changes can trigger intestinal inflammation and vomiting.
- Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the GI tract caused by infection, parasites, irritants, or disease.
- Intestinal obstruction: Blockage in the intestines from swallowed foreign objects, tumors, intussusception, etc.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by high fat meals.
- Kidney or liver disease: Nausea and vomiting can result from poor organ function.
- Infections or viruses: Parvovirus and distemper in puppies, kennel cough, Lyme disease, Addison’s disease, and leptospirosis can cause vomiting.
- Motion sickness: Some dogs are prone to car sickness or motion-induced nausea.
- Medications or toxins: Adverse reactions to medications, toxins, or poisons can trigger vomiting.
- Cancer: Tumors in the GI tract, pancreas, liver, or elsewhere may cause nausea.
Because vomiting can be a symptom of many conditions, a trip to the vet is required for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Leaving vomiting unchecked could allow a minor issue to progress into something more serious.
What diagnostics are used to evaluate vomiting?
To get to the root of a dog’s vomiting, the veterinarian will utilize some or all of these diagnostic approaches:
- Physical exam: Checking vitals, palpating the abdomen, listening to breathing sounds.
- Lab tests: Complete blood count, biochemistry profile, electrolyte panel to assess organ function and identify infection.
- Fecal analysis: Check for intestinal parasites.
- Urinalysis: Assess kidney function and check for indicators like bilirubin or blood.
- Imaging: Abdominal x-rays or ultrasound to visualize the GI tract and abdominal organs.
- Endoscopy: A camera on a flexible tube passed into the GI tract to directly inspect the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
- Biopsy: Taking small tissue samples for analysis.
Based on initial test results, the vet may recommend referral to a veterinary specialist for advanced diagnostics like an MRI, CT scan, or endoscopy. Getting the right diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of vomiting.
How is vomiting treated in dogs?
Treatment of vomiting depends on the underlying cause identified through veterinary diagnostics. Some general treatment approaches may include:
- Fasting for 12-24 hours to rest the GI tract.
- Fluid therapy and anti-nausea medications.
- GI protectants and antacids.
- Dietary changes for food sensitivity.
- Deworming medication for parasites.
- Antibiotics for infection.
- Imaging guided biopsy or removal of polyps/tumors.
- Surgery to correct physical abnormalities or remove blockages.
- Chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer.
In many cases, determining the cause and addressing it resolves vomiting. Severe, chronic cases may require ongoing medication and dietary management.
How can I help my dog when he’s vomiting?
When your dog is experiencing vomiting, some tips to help soothe his stomach include:
- Withhold all food and treats, but provide small amounts of water.
- A bland diet like boiled chicken and rice when food is reintroduced.
- Over the counter anti-nausea medication recommended by your vet.
- Comfortable, peaceful area away from commotion or stress.
- Gently massage the abdomen in a clockwise motion.
- Consider aromatherapy with ginger or peppermint.
- Relaxing music to calm the dog.
Make sure your dog has easy access to fresh water to avoid dehydration. Seek veterinary care if vomiting persists beyond 24 hours or if concerning symptoms develop. Keeping your dog comfortable until the vomiting passes or receives treatment is important.
When is vomiting an emergency?
While vomiting is common in dogs, certain situations should be considered emergencies requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Seek emergency care if your dog exhibits any of the following:
- Prolonged vomiting lasting over 48 hours
- More than 6 vomiting episodes within 24 hours
- Signs of shock like pale gums, lethargy, collapse
- Abdominal swelling or bloating
- High fever
- Blood or coffee grounds in the vomit
- Difficulty breathing
- Inability to swallow or drooling
- Unproductive retching
- Coma or seizures
These signs can progress quickly from serious to potentially fatal without swift veterinary treatment. Vomiting along with concerning secondary symptoms should be treated as an emergency.
Are some dogs prone to vomiting more than others?
Yes, certain dogs are predisposed to vomiting more readily than others. Breeds that tend to have more sensitive stomachs include:
| Breed | Reason for Sensitive Stomach |
|---|---|
| Yorkshire Terriers | Stress and anxiety prone breed |
| Miniature Schnauzers | More susceptible to pancreatitis |
| Labrador Retrievers | Tendency to eat unsuitable objects |
| German Shepherds | Anxious and active disposition |
| Beagles | Genetic sensitivity to certain foods |
Of course, any breed can struggle with an upset stomach. But dogs prone to anxiety, eating indiscriminately, or certain health conditions may vomit more often than typical.
How can I prevent my dog from eating things that will make him vomit?
Dietary indiscretion from scavenging or garbage hunting is a prime cause of vomiting in dogs. Here are some tips to help prevent your dog from consuming things that may nauseate him:
- Train your dog to “leave it” and drop unapproved objects on command.
- Walk on leash in areas where trash or hazards may be lying around.
- Use baby gates to restrict access to rooms with garbage cans.
- Keep trash and compost bins latched or in cabinets.
- Pick up food spills right away so they aren’t ingested.
- Avoid walking past sites with food remains, like fast food dumpsters.
- Keep counter surfing to a minimum.
- Store human food out of reach.
- Pick up dropped pills, seeds, grapes/raisins, or anything dangerous if eaten.
- Muzzle train your dog for use during high risk garbage opportunities.
While vomiting rarely leads to serious consequences, preventing unnecessary ingestion of irritating or unhealthy items helps minimize stomach upsets.
How often should my dog be vomiting before it’s a concern?
As a general guideline, veterinarians consider vomiting 2-3 times or more within a 24 hour period to be excessive for dogs. Vomiting daily or multiple days each week is also not normal.
Isolated incidents of vomiting are not necessarily problematic, especially if directly related to a dietary indiscretion, car sickness, or overexertion. But consistent, repeated vomiting with no identifiable trigger may indicate an underlying medical issue needing evaluation.
Seeking prompt veterinary advice for persistent vomiting provides the opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment. Do not wait prolonged weeks of chronic vomiting before contacting your vet.
How do I clean up vomit to remove the smell?
Cleaning up vomit quickly and effectively prevents lingering odors. Here are some tips for removing vomit and the smell from carpets, furniture, bedding, and other surfaces:
- Pick up solid chunks with a paper towel.
- Blot excess liquid with old rags or paper towels.
- Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the area to help absorb moisture.
- Allow baking soda to sit for 10-15 minutes before vacuuming up.
- Fill spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray the area and let sit briefly.
- Use soap and water to clean the area. For carpet, use carpet cleaner instead.
- Follow up with hydrogen peroxide if stain remains. Allow to bubble for 10 minutes before blotting.
- Run a wet/dry vacuum over carpeted areas to pull up moisture from below.
- Allow carpet or upholstery to fully dry before using.
Acting quickly to clean vomit can help prevent odor and stains. In some cases, professional carpeting cleaning may be needed to fully eliminate smells.
When should I call the vet about my dog’s vomiting?
Contact your veterinarian if your dog vomits:
- Multiple times in one day
- More than one day in a row
- Bile or yellow/green liquid
- Undigested food more than 12 hours after eating
- Dark brown vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Vomit with blood or a strange color
- Vomit along with diarrhea or other concerning symptoms
- Refuses food or water due to nausea
Even a single episode of vomiting warrants a call to the vet if it occurs along with lethargy, depression, weight loss, abdominal pain, or other clinical signs that concern you.
Conclusion
While most dog vomiting is short lived and not serious, repeated or severe vomiting can be a sign of disease requiring veterinary attention. Contact your vet promptly anytime vomiting is persistent, projectile, contains blood, or occurs alongside other clinical signs. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment guided by your veterinarian, most causes of dog vomiting can be successfully managed. Keep a close eye on vomiting patterns and never hesitate to call the vet if your dog’s condition warrants a visit.