Because we care about your canine companions, it's not uncommon for pet owners to panic when a dog vomits. Looking at your poor dog in that uncomfortable action—not to mention the mess they leave behind—is a stressful situation. Probably the worst part of your dog vomiting is that you don't know the reason; is it a minor problem, or might this be a sign that something serious is wrong with your dog?
What Causes Dogs to Vomit?
Vomiting can be a symptom of a variety of different health issues for dogs. Some possible causes include:
- Eating something that disagreed with your dog.
- Eating too quickly.
- An allergy to something your dog ate.
- Eating something toxic.
- Eating something that causes a blockage in your dog's intestines or stomach.
- An infection or parasite.
- An internal problem, such as liver disease or pancreatitis.
- Some forms of cancer.
What is Your Dog Vomiting?
Vomit is not always just vomit. Your dog may throw up:
- Undigested food or things they ate.
- Bile (a green or yellow substance, often foamy).
- Mucous (white and phlegmy substance).
- Fresh blood (bright red or red streaks in vomit).
- Dried blood (dark red, brown, or black; looks like coffee grounds).
It's best to note the details because different types of substances indicate different health problems.
What to Do If Your Dog Vomits
Your furry friend might regurgitate some food or grass they ate on a walk, and chances are your dog is fine. Keep in mind that even for a very minor issue, vomiting puts your pet at risk for dehydration.
You should bring your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible if:
- Your dog is still a puppy.
- Your dog vomits more than once a day, or for several days in a row.
- You suspect your dog's eaten something toxic or dangerous.
- Your dog also has diarrhea, which puts him at high risk for dehydration.
- Your dog is uninterested in food for more than 24 hours.
- Your dog has suddenly lost weight.
- Your dog appears lethargic or shows signs of pain.
- Your dog is throwing up blood.
Prompt vet care can put your mind at ease if it is a minor problem, and prevent minor problems from developing more serious complications and the need for more expensive treatments.
In the chance that the vomiting indicates an emergency, your vet can diagnose the problem and ensure your dog gets the treatment he needs as soon as possible.
How We Treat Vomiting In Dogs
We here at The Animal Doctors have been committed to serving pets of the San Francisco Bay Area for 40 years. We combine modern medical practices with old-fashioned bedside manners and customer service to ensure your dog and you get the best of care.
We will give your pet a preliminary physical exam, and if necessary we will recommend blood tests with our on-site laboratory, or other diagnostic tests to get to the root of the problem. Once diagnosed, we may consult or refer you to specialists if the problem is more serious, and work with you and specialists to provide the best possible treatment plan. Alternatively, if the problem is a minor illness, we will give you instructions and advice so that you can bring your loving pet home and nurse him back to health.
The Animal Doctors are among only 15% of veterinary practices across the country that meet the rigorous standards of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). We have been accredited since 1987 due to our devotion to cleanliness, professionalism, and quality patient care.
If your dog has been vomiting, contact The Animal Doctors for an appointment so that we can get to the root cause of the vomiting. The Animal Doctors service the San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
