Vomiting in dogs

Overview

Vomiting in dogs is common and may be caused by a variety of factors. Often, a dog will vomit because of eating something indigestible, such as grass. Overeating, especially if followed by exercise, can cause vomiting. A change in diet, a physical obstruction in the stomach, an allergic reaction, poisoning, a serious illness, food allergy, heatstroke, car sickness, and stress are all possible causes of vomiting. If your dog vomits more than every once in a while, pay attention to when and what your dog is throwing up, to help determine the cause.

Symptoms of a serious problem

Repeated vomiting, persistent vomiting, projectile vomiting, blood in the vomit, or vomiting accompanied by fever or diarrhea may indicate a serious problem and should not be ignored. Any of these situations should be reported immediately to your veterinarian. If your dog is vomiting persistently and unable to keep even water down, wait no longer than 24 hours before going to your veterinarian.

Prevention

Puppies often vomit from gorging their food when eating from a common food pan and competing with their siblings by eating too much, too fast. Feeding frequent small meals or separating the puppies when eating can stop the gorging/vomiting cycle. Keep lids on your trash cans and place them in an area that your dog cannot easily get into.  Lock up all household cleaning agents and insecticides.  Feed your dog a high quality dog food to lower the chances of any adverse reactions to food.  Keep an eye on your dog's toys and retire toys when your dog begins detroying them and eating the evidence.  Ingesting toys is one of the most common causes of vomiting and obstruction of the GI tract.  Do not play rough or exercise your dog immediately after they eat a meal or consume large emounts of water.  Doing so may lead to bloat, or GDV, a serious medical condition that is rapidly fatal without proper treatment. 

Treatment

The first step in treatment at home for an otherwise healthy adult dog is to fast your dog for a full 12 to 24 hours and give the stomach a chance to rest. If the vomiting stops, offer a small amount of water every two to three hours - ice cubes in a bowl usually melt slowly enough to be left available for your dog.  After twelve hours without vomiting, a bland diet, such as boiled chicken mixed with plain cooked rice, or strained meat baby food, can be offered in small amounts. As long as vomiting does not reoccur, the volume of food can slowly be increased over a few days, gradually adding more of your dog's regular food, until your dog is back on his regular diet.

Vomiting can swiftly lead to dehydration, especially puppies and old dogs. Dehydration is a serious condition and can cause significant damange if it goes on for long periods of time.  Your veterinarian will advise you on any treatment for dehydration. Do not give your pet any medication unless you have been specifically advised to do so by a veterinary medical professional.

If your dog appears very listless, lethargic, and weak, this may indicate that your dog has bloat.  Your dog may also be unable to rise and attempting to vomit frequently.  Have your pet seen by a veterinarian immediately if you are suspicious that your dog is suffering from this condition.

References:

Carlson, Lisa D, D.V.M., and Giffin, James M., MD. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook. New York:  Howell Book House, 2000.