Why is my dog being sick? (2024)

Dogs can vomit for a number of reasons and most of them are not serious or are easily treatable
Consuming something that doesn’t agree with them is a common cause
In rare cases, vomiting can indicate toxicity or a more serious health problem
Always consult your vet in cases of repeated vomiting or if your puppy has any bouts of sickness

Why is my dog being sick?

Similar to humans, there are a number of reasons why dogs vomit. Causes can include:

Eating something that doesn't agree with them (the most common cause)
Eating too much
Food allergy
Bacterial or viral infections of the gut
Inflammation of the stomach
Consumption of something toxic
Foreign body stuck
Gastrointestinal worms
Car or motion sickness
Heatstroke
Parvovirus
Liver, kidney or pancreatic problems

Dogs are said to eat grass when they are feeling nauseous to make themselves sick and improve digestion, but more often than not they do this for no other reason than it tastes good.

What should I do if my dog vomits?

Repeated sickness, with or without other symptoms, requires immediate veterinary attention as this can – but not always – indicate a more serious problem. You should also go straight to the vet if you suspect that your dog has eaten something toxic, or if they are a puppy, as they are more susceptible to infections and can become dehydrated very quickly.

One-off vomiting in a pet that is otherwise looking and behaving normally, without any other symptoms, is not normally a cause for concern but you should follow the tips below to ensure a speedy recovery:

If your pet is vomiting and unable to keep food down, you can try missing one meal, although still allow access to water.Then offer small amounts of white meat such as boiled chicken or fish with white rice. If there is no further vomiting, feed small amounts every two hours and then gradually mix in their usual food over 24 hours before giving them a normal meal. This diet should also be followedfor diarrhoeathough there is no need to skip a meal.
Do not let your dog drink too much water as this can result in further vomiting. Give cooled, boiled water little and often.

If vomiting happens repeatedly or diarrhoea persists for more than two days, consult your vet. Even if your dog is no longer being sick, you should contact your vet if they are not eating or are depressed or lethargic.

My dog is constantly retching but not being sick, what does this mean?

If your pet appears otherwise healthy and is eating, then consider whether your pet could be coughing – kennel cough is common. If your pet appears uncomfortable, dull and is drooling constantly, contact your vet immediately as this could be a sign of bloat or something being stuck in the oesophagus (windpipe), both of which are veterinary emergencies.

My dog is vomiting bile, what should I do?

Dogs, like humans, will vomit bile, which looks like yellowy green foam, when their stomach is empty. The substance is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Some dogs vomit bile regularly for no apparent reason and it is rarely a cause for concern, but contact your vet if this becomes excessive.

What other symptoms should I look out for if my dog is being sick?

You should seek your vet’s advice if your dog’s sickness is accompanied by:

Is there anything I can do to prevent my dog being sick?

Not all sickness can be prevented but ensuring that your dog sticks to the right diet, free of any human titbits or leftovers, which can cause serious problems such as pancreatitis (inflamed digestive gland), will keep their stomach in the best health. Make sure you keep any toxic substances such as chewing gum well out of reach and ensure that your garden does not contain any poisonous or irritant plants.

Changing to food different from the usual diet can also cause stomach upsets. It’s best to make diet changes gradually. Take at least three days and start by adding small amounts of the new diet to the current one.

Try to prevent your dog from scavenging by keeping your rubbish secure and, if necessary, by using a muzzle when your dog is in the park. Bones should never be given. Bowel irritation from chewed up bone fragments can cause gastrointestinal upsets and blockages.

How will my dog’s sickness be treated by a vet?

This will very much depend on the cause. Antibiotics are not usually necessary but antacids and drugs to reduce nausea may be given. Other medication may be needed for different problems or further investigative tests required.

I am an experienced veterinary professional with a deep understanding of canine health and well-being. My extensive background includes practical experience in veterinary clinics, research on various dog health issues, and ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest developments in veterinary medicine. I am committed to providing accurate and helpful information to pet owners to ensure the well-being of their canine companions.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about why dogs vomit and how to address this issue:

Causes of Vomiting in Dogs:
- Eating something disagreeable: Dogs, like humans, can vomit if they consume something that doesn't agree with them. This is identified as the most common cause of vomiting.
- Eating too much: Overeating can lead to vomiting in dogs.
- Food allergy: Some dogs may have allergies to certain foods that can result in vomiting.
- Bacterial or viral infections: Infections affecting the gastrointestinal tract can cause vomiting.
- Inflammation of the stomach: Gastritis can lead to vomiting in dogs.
- Toxicity: Ingesting toxic substances can be a serious cause of vomiting.
- Foreign body ingestion: Dogs may vomit if they've ingested something that becomes stuck in their digestive tract.
- Gastrointestinal worms: Worm infestations can contribute to vomiting.
- Car or motion sickness: Similar to humans, dogs can experience nausea and vomiting during car rides or due to motion sickness.
- Heatstroke: Elevated body temperature can lead to vomiting.
- Parvovirus: A potentially severe viral infection that can cause vomiting among other symptoms.
- Liver, kidney, or pancreatic problems: Dysfunction in these organs can result in vomiting.
Behavioral Insights:
- Dogs may eat grass when feeling nauseous, potentially as a means to induce vomiting and aid digestion.
What to Do if Your Dog Vomits:
- Immediate veterinary attention: Repeated vomiting or suspicion of toxicity requires prompt consultation with a vet, especially for puppies.
- Home care: For one-off vomiting without other symptoms, missing one meal and offering bland, easily digestible food in small amounts can aid recovery.
Signs to Watch For:
- Symptoms requiring vet attention: Diarrhea or constipation, bloating, lethargy, increased thirst or urination, blood in vomit or stools, panting, seizures, weight loss.
Preventive Measures:
- Proper diet: Feeding a balanced diet and avoiding human food scraps can prevent digestive issues.
- Toxic substance prevention: Keeping toxic substances out of reach, securing rubbish, and ensuring a safe garden environment.
- Gradual diet changes: Slowly introducing new foods over several days can prevent stomach upsets.
Treatment by a Vet:
- Antacids and anti-nausea drugs: Depending on the cause, a vet may prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms.
- Further tests: Diagnostic tests may be required to identify underlying issues.

By understanding these concepts, dog owners can be better equipped to address vomiting in their pets and know when to seek professional veterinary advice.