Many dogs vomit frequently, for example, after eating too much grass or because they feel slightly nauseous during car rides. However, not every case has a harmless explanation. When your dog vomits, it can also be related to a serious illness that requires treatment from a veterinarian. Another possible trigger is poisoning! Here, you’ll find everything about the causes and treatment, as well as first aid when your dog vomits.

When the Dog Vomits: Harmless or Serious Illness?

When a dog regurgitates stomach contents and vomits, it is usually an acute event. This means it occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. In most cases, harmless causes are the triggers, but sometimes, serious illnesses may be the underlying issue. Vomiting can even escalate to a life-threatening condition where the dog loses consciousness. Factors such as the age and pre-existing conditions of the animal also play a role in assessing the severity of vomiting.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Dogs

The following reasons are frequently observed when dogs vomit:

Food Intolerance:

Not only spoiled food can lead to a dog’s vomiting, but also hastily swallowing large food chunks can literally turn a dog’s stomach. If you own a young dog or an especially greedy one, you might have observed that they eat everything: from their own feces to cat or human waste, and even trash. It’s quite unpleasant! It’s understandable that sooner or later, this will upset the dog’s stomach, triggering nausea and vomiting. The good thing is that vomiting usually resolves the issue, and no further treatment is needed.

Allergies:

Food can also trigger allergic reactions. Even the tiniest amounts of an intolerable food component can cause nausea and vomiting in a dog. Additional symptoms like ear infections or itching of the skin often accompany these cases. You can find detailed information on this topic here: Food Allergy in Dogs.

Foreign Objects:

Swallowed wood, bone fragments, or even parts of a recently torn sock can also cause vomiting in dogs. This is particularly dangerous because foreign objects can get stuck on the way from the dog’s mouth to its stomach, damaging the esophagus or even the trachea. Intestinal injuries or even an intestinal blockage are potential consequences.

Medications and Poisons:

If dogs ingest medications such as human painkillers, it can cause severe poisoning. Plant components, antifreeze, and slug pellets are among the poisons that are often responsible for nausea and vomiting in dogs.

Infections:

Viruses, especially, can lead to severe vomiting in dogs. The parvovirus and distemper are the primary viruses to mention. Such a viral infection may become apparent when the dog vomits blood, starts shaking, and develops bloody diarrhea within a short time. Its overall condition deteriorates rapidly. In this case, first aid for the dog is necessary—in the form of intensive medical care provided by the vet.

Worms and Giardia:

Worms and Giardia can also be the cause of vomiting in dogs. Therefore, it is always essential to clarify the possibility of a parasitic infection.

Other Diseases:

Various acute or chronic illnesses can be additional potential causes of vomiting in dogs. These include inflammations of the pancreas and colon, as well as a condition known as Bloody Gastroenteritis. The mentioned inflammatory processes are accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. Stomach ulcers, liver and kidney diseases, or cancer may also be considered. The specific causes and the best possible treatment must be determined by the veterinarian.

Many acute health issues can transition into a chronic state if not treated properly. Additionally, initially less severe causes can escalate into life-threatening conditions, such as gastric torsion in dogs.

Possible Complications

If vomiting persists in dogs, there is a risk of dehydration. The amount of lost fluid can be substantial, especially when many animals are so weakened that they are no longer able to drink and retain anything. This, in turn, can lead to kidney damage. Moreover, the pH balance shifts throughout the body due to the loss of acidic stomach juice. The body also loses electrolytes, which can result in disruptions to nerve and muscle functions.

If the dog becomes apathetic while vomiting, struggles to breathe, coughs, or experiences a rapid increase in body temperature, it is a life-threatening condition. In rare cases, vomit may enter the trachea or lungs, which does not usually happen due to the closed larynx. This complication is very dangerous.

Three Phases of Vomiting

Before actual vomiting occurs in dogs, it is preceded by certain signs. Overall, vomiting occurs in three phases.

Phase 1: It all begins with nausea. The dog’s queasy feeling in the stomach manifests itself through increased smacking, yawning, and empty swallowing, accompanied by noticeable restlessness. Concurrently, saliva production increases to naturally neutralize the acidic stomach contents. The dog often eats more grass during this phase to induce vomiting.

Phase 2: In the next step, retching begins, the dog starts to tremble, and the abdominal muscles contract forcefully and spasmodically. A vacuum is created in the chest cavity due to the closed mouth and larynx. The stomach contents shift into the esophagus.

Phase 3: Finally, the dog vomits.

Checklist for Vomiting Due to Food

Particular caution should be exercised with certain foods often found in our households. These are often eaten by dogs but are toxic to them. Examples on the danger list include stimulating substances like coffee and tea, as well as sweet temptations like chocolate. Find out which other foods are dangerous for dogs and could lead to poisoning in the worst-case scenario.

A Matter of Color: How Does a Dog Vomit?

Depending on the color of the vomit, you should decide whether to take your dog to the vet or if a short period of easily digestible food and further observation is sufficient:

Yellow:

If the vomit appears yellow, it usually contains bile. This is typically the case when the dog vomits on an empty stomach. If you don’t notice any other symptoms, a visit to the vet may not be necessary for this color.

Red:

Is the dog vomiting blood? This indicates injuries to the esophagus or stomach, such as from foreign objects or inflammation. Quickly go to the vet! An exception is if the dog has eaten beets beforehand, as it can be easily mistaken for blood.

Black:

Black particles resembling coffee grounds signify digested blood, which can occur due to a stomach ulcer, for example. In this case, the dog should definitely go to the vet!

Blue or Green:

These colors often occur in cases of poisoning; it is a veterinary emergency! An exception is only if the dog has eaten something strongly coloring beforehand, such as spinach.

Foamy:

Dogs often vomit foamy substances, and the vomit may appear yellow to white. It is just an indication that stomach fluid came out. If you don’t notice any other issues with your furry friend, it may be sufficient to provide them with easily digestible food for an appropriate period.

Stool:

If intestinal contents are vomited, it is an absolute emergency. Everything points to a life-threatening intestinal obstruction. So, please take your dog to the vet or clinic quickly in this case!

Perhaps the thought of the expected costs associated with a vet or clinic visit makes you hesitate. However, please consider: Even if your beloved pet is only vomiting and otherwise seems to feel fine, prompt professional evaluation by a veterinarian can sometimes be life-saving! With pet health insurance, you are protected against all eventualities. It covers the costs of treatment.

How the veterinarian diagnoses when your dog vomits

For a diagnosis, the veterinarian needs the dog, but also your assistance! On your way to the veterinary clinic or practice, think carefully: What have you noticed recently (if you don’t know directly that the dog has ingested poison or swallowed a foreign body)? What health effects are noticeable? Has he behaved differently, lost weight, been aggressive, or particularly disinterested? The veterinarian will initiate various measures, including:

Treatment

Most cases of acute vomiting can be treated without medication or surgery. It is important to strictly refrain from feeding for the first 12 to 24 hours so that the gastrointestinal tract can calm down. However, water must always be available! In the case of swallowing a foreign body, first aid for the dog can involve lifting him by the hind legs (small dog) or the chest (large dog) and shaking him gently. Often, a foreign body dissolves this way. If that is not possible, it must be mechanically removed, provided it is still accessible in the airway or esophagus. If the dog stops breathing, every second counts!

If the vomiting cannot be calmed by fasting, the veterinarian will treat with medication (including Metoclopramide or Maropitantum). If the treatment is successful, cautious feeding of a bland diet can begin. The veterinarian will advise on the possible composition of the diet. Small meals given more frequently are important.

For conditions like gastric torsion in dogs, intestinal obstruction, or ulcers, surgery is usually the only way out.

Note: Our article is intended to provide general information and initial indications of vomiting in dogs. It should not serve as an independent diagnosis, treatment, or medication for your pet and should by no means replace a visit to the veterinarian.

Frequent Asked Questions

How long should I not feed my dog after vomiting?

For acute vomiting without accompanying symptoms, it is usually sufficient to put the dog on a diet for 12 to 24 hours. Except for water, he should not consume anything during this time. This way, the cause of vomiting is often “starved out,” and the irritated, over-acidified stomach is calmed down. Afterward, feeding should start with cautious bland food.

When is vomiting dangerous for the dog?

In various cases, vomiting in dogs can lead to serious and even life-threatening consequences. In addition to the cause, factors such as the age or general condition of the dog play an important role.

What can I feed my dog when vomiting?

For acute vomiting, a strict fasting for about 12 to 24 hours should initially take place. This is important so that the irritated stomach can calm down first. However, the intake of water is crucial!