Dogs vomit for much the same reason humans do—after all, we are mammals and not much different from our four-legged friends. Why do we vomit? It’s usually because we ate something that didn’t agree with us, we’ve contracted a virus, we have a parasite in our digestive tract, or we have a medical condition that requires attention.
Dogs are no different. In fact, they are simpler in that they cannot reach for a bottle of Tums or Pepto if they have an upset stomach, which might mask important symptoms. If they feel the need to vomit, our canine companions will eat grass to induce vomiting instead of masking the problem—a more natural system that makes sense.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Your Dog’s Vomiting
The more difficult question is, “What should you do if your dog vomits?” The answer depends on the circumstances surrounding the episode.
The most common kind of vomiting occurs after a dog eats grass. In this case, the dog has not eaten for a while, and their stomach is upset due to too much acid, causing bile. They just want to get it out of their system. After eating some grass and vomiting twice, the dog is usually back to normal and ready to chow down on their breakfast. This is simple, and as long as it’s an occasional occurrence, it’s not a big deal.
Vomiting accompanied by mild diarrhea, but with the dog otherwise appearing happy and energetic, is likely caused by eating something that doesn’t agree with them. Maybe that liver treat was just too rich for their system, much like us eating a giant fast-food burger with supersized fries and a milkshake. If your dog’s energy level is good and their temperature is normal, give them water only for eight hours to allow their stomach to calm down, and monitor their condition. If the vomiting continues or they develop a fever, they need medical attention. If they’re fine after eight hours, try a small meal of their regular kibble and see if it stays down. If it does, your dog is likely fine; if not, it’s time for a visit to the vet.
Vomiting accompanied by persistent diarrhea, lethargy, or a fever requires immediate medical attention. Puppies and older dogs are especially vulnerable to illness and dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea. Take them to the vet at the first sign that the vomiting might be more serious than you initially thought—it’s not worth taking a chance with their life. Viruses and parasites such as Giardia are often the cause, and early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in how quickly your dog recovers.
Unproductive vomiting—when a dog is retching but nothing is coming up—is an emergency requiring immediate medical attention. The most common cause is gastric torsion, a condition where the dog’s stomach has flipped over, either 180 or 360 degrees. This is more common in large dogs with a deep chest and narrow waist, such as a German Shepherd or Standard Poodle, but it can occur in other breeds as well. Gastric torsion requires immediate surgery; otherwise, the dog will die.
Dogs can also suffer from conditions like irritable bowel disease, gastric ulcers, pancreatitis, hiatal hernias, chronic gastritis, liver and kidney disease, malabsorption and maldigestion disorders, eosinophilic enteritis, colitis, hypoadrenocorticism, and congenital megaesophagus, to name a few causes of chronic vomiting. Most of these conditions come with other symptoms, such as diarrhea, changes in energy levels, or weight fluctuations. Be sure to mention any other changes to your vet since the vomiting began.
A vet will usually start by considering the most likely cause: what your dog is eating. Food allergies can cause vomiting in some dogs, and it’s a common starting point for diagnosing an otherwise healthy dog that suffers from chronic vomiting and mild diarrhea. From there, a complete blood and urine panel, along with a fecal exam, can help narrow down the potential causes of vomiting. X-rays may be needed to rule out conditions like congenital megaesophagus, evaluate liver and kidney problems, and possibly reveal a hiatal hernia.
If vomiting becomes more frequent, or if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, get your dog to the vet the same day. An emergency includes unproductive vomiting, projectile vomiting, vomiting with a fever, diarrhea, and/or lethargy.
Dogs vomit sometimes, just like humans. Occasionally, it’s a one-time occurrence, and they go about their business as usual. Other times, it’s serious and requires intervention. Use common sense when deciding whether your dog needs medical attention. If you wouldn’t hesitate to seek medical help for yourself or your child in a similar situation, why delay for your pet?
