8 Reasons Your Dog May Be Vomiting

No one likes to be sick, even our pets. You probably know your pet well enough to be able to tell if they aren’t feel well. But even if you can sense that there may be some type of illness going on, it can be difficult to know whether or not it’s something that requires a vet visit or not.

One common symptom that may be unpleasant and a little scary is vomiting. If your dog starts vomiting, you not only have a sick pet but a mess to clean up and regardless of the reason for the vomiting, dehydration could become a real concern unless you address it.

Here are 8 possible reasons your dog may be throwing up:

Infection or Parasites

Many types of bacterial infection, viral infection, and parasite affect the gastrointestinal tract. You should regularly have your dog dewormed to reduce the chance of a parasite causing problems. If your dog is throwing up frequently or if you see blood in their vomit, you should definitely make an urgent appointment with your vet. Often these types of causes can be resolved with medications when they are caught early enough.

Diet

Has your dog’s food changed? Or maybe they got some new treats? Has someone been feeding them from the table? Any new food could upset their stomach if they aren’t used to it. You should also keep track of the trash. If your dog likes to go hunting for something delicious out of the garbage, they could easily find something that may upset their stomach.

Foreign body

If your dog is a chewer, it’s very possible they could swallow something that isn’t food. Many dogs like to tear up their toys or your shoes. Often they have a preference, but it can be hard to know until you see them eat the inedible object. If your dog ingests anything that isn’t food, you should call your vet for further advice about how to proceed.

Illness

A more serious cause of vomiting in dogs could be a serious illness. Things like acute kidney failure, liver failure, gall bladder inflammation, and pancreatitis are just some of the underlying illnesses that may cause vomiting. It’s likely your vet won’t jump to these without other symptoms guiding them there. Follow your vet’s advice about what to test for and what other symptoms to look for.

Car Sickness

Yes, dogs can get car sick, too! Does your dog seem to throw up every time they go for a ride? It may be car sickness. Speak with your vet about your options for treating car sickness if you have to drive your dog somewhere. They may be able to recommend a medication that alleviates the vomiting so car rides are fun and not just something to clean up after.

Medications

Just like with humans, some medications can cause nausea and vomiting in our pets. If your dog is on any regular medications or starts a new medication, ask your vet about possible side effects to watch out for.

Heatstroke

Especially in warmer climates and during the summer months, this is a reason that should not be taken lightly. To prevent heatstroke, always be sure that dogs have water and shade when outside. If it’s uncomfortably hot for you to be outside, it’s uncomfortable for them, as well. If your dog does get heatstroke, call your vet and try to cool them down as quickly as possible.

Eating or Drinking Too Quickly

Some dogs are simply a little too passionate about their food and water. This is especially common in puppies who are learning about their bodies. If your dog is having trouble slowing themselves down, try a slow-feed bowl or a nuzzle mat. This will give them a puzzle to focus on while slowing them down a little so they don’t over eat, eat too fast, or drink too much water.

The best thing you can do if you are concerned about your dog’s vomiting is call your vet. They can offer medical advice and ask the necessary questions to identify what the problem likely is. Always err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to the health and well-being of your pet.

Sources:

https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/vomiting-dogs-causes-treatment#1