My Dog is Throwing Up!

Oh no! Is your pup feeling under the weather? There are a number of possible causes for dog vomiting. It may be that your dog ate more than its body could handle or they ate too quickly, or it's even possible they ate too much grass the last time they were out. 

However, sometimes the cause can be more serious. For instance, your pet could have eaten/drank something toxic, or it may be a sign of a larger illness. The only way to REALLY know what your four-legged friend is dealing with is to get them to their vet!

Before visiting the vet, however, there are some things to take note of and pass on to your vet at your visit. For instance, is this an isolated case of your dog vomiting or is this a chronic, recurring symptom? Is your dog vomiting or simply regurgitating? To determine this, take note of the conditions surrounding your pet's illness. Regurgitation often happens after eating and usually involves your pet lowering their head and food coming up. This is usually undigested and without any bile. However, vomit will include partially digested food and some bile. Another telling sign is that dogs will often try to eat regurgitated food, whereas vomit will be left where it lies more often.

Knowing the cause of your dog's vomiting is vital to finding the best solution to bring them relief. Below are some possible causes for a sudden episode of vomiting:

• Acute kidney failure
• Acute liver failure
• Bacterial infections (gastrointestinal tract)
• Bloat
• Cancer
• Certain medications
• Colitis
• Constipation
• Diet change
• Food intolerances
• Foreign substances in the gastrointestinal system (toys, garbage)
• Heatstroke
• Ingestion of toxic substances
• Intestinal inflammation
• Intestinal obstruction
• Intestinal parasites
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure
• Pancreatitis
• Pancreatitis
• Parvovirus
• Uterine infection
• Viral infections

Is Your Dog Vomiting Frequently?

Frequent vomiting may be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Watch for symptoms like the ones below and contact your vet immediately if your dog is exemplifying any of these traits.

• Abdominal pain
• Dehydration
• Depression
• Fever
• Vomit with blood in it
• Weakness
• Weight loss

Again, if your dog is throwing up food and has any of these symptoms, it's important to get them to their veterinarian. However, if your dog throws up and continues eating and having normal bowel movements, it is most likely an isolated incident. If your dog is not eating after the incident, you should check with your vet to rule out any serious conditions.