2.5 min read
Last week, Emily noticed her dog, Bailey, vomiting after a vigorous play session in the backyard. As a new dog owner, she was unsure if this was serious or a minor issue.
Understanding what might cause a dog to vomit and knowing when to seek help can ease such concerns for pet owners like Emily.
Vomiting can be alarming, but it’s not always serious. Dr Jesse Williams, a veterinarian at Goodheart Broadway, explains causes, next steps, and when to seek veterinary care.
Why did my pet vomit?
There are many reasons, only some of which are serious:
- Eating something unusual: Whether it’s new food, garbage, or something they shouldn’t have ingested, like backyard sticks.
- Overexcitement: Too much running or eating too quickly can also cause a dog to vomit.
- Serious Health Issues: Problems with internal organs, such as the kidneys or liver, can lead to vomiting. This is why it’s important to observe other symptoms your dog might be displaying.
“There’s such a wide range of reasons” your dog might vomit, says Dr Williams. We often ask “what else does it look like” before we determine next steps.
When should I worry about my pets’ throw-up?
Don’t panic if your dog vomits once after eating something out of the ordinary, like Thanksgiving turkey or a backyard stick. If your pup is is otherwise acting normally, it might not be a cause for concern.
These worrying symptoms are reasons to visit the vet:
- Your pet is vomiting multiple times a day and can’t keep food down.
- They won’t eat or drink.
- They’re lethargic or their behavior is unusual.
- You spot blood in their vomit.
What to do right after my pet vomits?
- Pause feeding: Give your dog a few hours to see if the vomiting continues before offering them more food.
- Monitor changes: Note if the vomit changes in appearance, such as the presence of blood, which can provide valuable information to your vet.
- Feed a bland diet: If your dog stops vomiting and seems ready to eat, offer bland foods like rice and boiled chicken, lean hamburger, or tofu. This bland diet should be temporary and followed by a more balanced diet from your vet.
Dr William’s advises pet owners to stay calm and keep an eye on your dog. Clean up any mess and monitor your pet over the next several hours or into the next day. Use the information you gather to decide if a vet visit is necessary.
What do the different types of pet vomit indicate?
- Bile: Often yellow or green, can indicate an empty stomach or gastrointestinal distress.
- Undigested food: Could suggest overeating or rapid consumption.
- Blood: Varies in concern based on frequency and amount; always warrants a vet visit.
Remember, occasional vomiting might be harmless. However, if symptoms persist, you should call us.
In the end, Bailey was fine! Emily now understands the causes of vomiting and knows when to seek help.
We love helping new and seasoned pet owners. Goodheart is here for you 24/7. You can call us or schedule an appointment online.