Vomiting in dogs is a common symptom of illness and can occur for a number of different reasons. It can range from a harmless and temporary condition to serious, life-threatening illnesses. If it is the latter, it is important to seek veterinary help quickly. However, as a dog owner, it can be difficult to know the cause. In this article, we will give you basic information about some common reasons why dogs vomit – and how you should deal with it.
Table of contents
Causes of vomiting in dogs
Poisoning
A common cause of vomiting in dogs is the ingestion of foreign objects, food or toxic substances. Some dogs are prone to eating everything they find on the ground – almost like a living vacuum cleaner. This can of course lead to vomiting and stomach problems. In general, it is a good idea to get to know your dog – so that you are familiar with your friend’s personality and typical behavior. If you have a particularly curious companion, it is therefore important to be extra aware of what he is eating.
See what you should do if your dog eats a lot of strange things.
There are a number of common foods and household items that are very dangerous to dogs. For example, chocolate, sugar-free gum, and some human medications are toxic to dogs – and can both cause vomiting and be dangerous to your dog's health.
Read more about poisoning in dogs here.
Viruses and other diseases
Another common cause of vomiting in dogs is viral infections – from parvovirus, for example. This is a serious disease that can be life-threatening. There are also other serious diseases that can cause vomiting as a symptom – such as kidney failure, liver failure, cancer and pancreatitis. It is therefore important that you take this seriously – especially if your dog also has severe diarrhea, fever or a decreased general condition.
Vomiting in a dog - do I need to contact a vet?
The short answer to this question is yes. Considering that the cause of the vomiting can be dangerous and, in the worst case, fatal, you should consult a veterinarian. Furthermore, vomiting can lead to dehydration – which can also have a number of adverse consequences for your dog's health.
At the vet
When you arrive at the vet, we will first ask a number of questions to get an overview of the disease. For example, it is relevant for us to know if the dog has other symptoms, if you know that the dog has ingested something it cannot tolerate, and how long it has been vomiting. We will also examine the animal, take relevant tests and samples, and create a treatment plan.
Can I do something myself if the dog vomits?
We generally do not recommend self-treatment of dogs that are vomiting. If your dog has very mild symptoms and seems healthy and fine, you may want to wait and see. Sometimes, for example, a dog may vomit because it has not eaten. This is nothing to worry about. Make sure to feed it regularly – preferably twice a day.
Another example of a harmless cause of vomiting is a change in food. If you know that the cause of your dog's vomiting is harmless, you can treat it yourself. Make sure your dog gets enough fluids – and serve easily digestible food in small portions. You can also give your dog an electrolyte solution to help restore the body's fluid balance.
It is still important to monitor your dog closely and contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog continues to vomit. We always prioritize emergency cases in our clinic – and on Saturdays we have our own emergency call between 10:00 and 15:00. See our contact information here.
For urgent cases outside our opening hours, you can contact the 24-hour emergency service at Fredrikstad Veterinary Clinic or Evidensia Animal Hospital in Oslo.
Prevent stomach and intestinal problems in dogs
There are general measures you can take to prevent certain stomach and intestinal problems in your dog. For example, you should always give the dog high-quality dog food which is adapted to the animal's individual needs. Some furry friends have extra sensitive stomachs and require special food. Also, proceed gradually when changing the type of food. As mentioned earlier, it is an advantage to get to know your pet's typical behavior - everything from drinking and eating breaks to habits. This way you can more easily detect deviations. Last but not least, vaccination is particularly important to protect your dog or cat against diseases.
