Vomiting, as gross as it is, indicates that there is something not quite right going on inside your pup. Here, our Clinton Township vets talk about vomiting in dogs and how internal medicine can help to determine the underlying cause so we can help get your pooch feeling better again.
Why is your dog vomiting?
If your dog has eaten something that is causing an upset tummy or if they have a bacterial, viral or parasitic infection affecting their gastrointestinal system, they may begin to vomit as a way of ridding their body of the issue.
Vomiting, no matter how disturbing it is, is your pet’s way of emptying their stomach of indigestible material to prevent it from remaining in their system, or from reaching other areas of their body.
Common Causes of Vomiting in Dogs
There are a variety of potential causes of vomiting. Even if your dog seems perfectly healthy they could begin to vomit suddenly.
Whether they've eaten too quickly or if they've swallowed something that can make them sick, vomiting is their body's way of helping them feel better. This type of vomiting may be a one-time occurrence and not be accompanied by any other symptoms. This means that vomiting does not always mean that there is a serious concern.
That said, potential causes of acute vomiting (sudden or severe) can be related to diseases, disorders or health complications such as:
- Heatstroke
- Ingestion of poisons, toxins or food
- Bloat
- Reaction to medication
- Bacterial or viral infection
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Pancreatitis
- Change in diet
When does vomiting become an emergency?
There are times when vomiting can become a serious veterinary emergency. If you see any of the following signs, you should contact the nearest emergency veterinary clinic right away:
- Vomiting in conjunction with other symptoms such as lethargy, weight loss, fever, anemia, etc.
- Suspected ingestion of a foreign body (such as food, objects, children’s toys, etc.)
- Vomiting a lot at one time
- Vomiting with nothing coming up
- Vomiting blood
- Chronic vomiting
- Continuous vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Seizures
What is the effect of chronic vomiting?
Typically, vomiting that is reoccurring or chronic, can indicate that there is a more serious internal condition at hand. This should be addressed by your primary vet or a veterinary internal medicine specialist right away. Especially if you’ve noticed symptoms including abdominal pain, depression, dehydration, blood, poor appetite, fever, weakness, weight loss or other unusual behaviors.
Some of the causes of ongoing vomiting include:
- Cancer
- Liver or kidney failure
- Uterine infection
- Constipation
- Intestinal obstruction
- Colitis
You should always make the safety of your pet a priority. The only sure way to know if your dog's symptoms are concerning is to reach out to your vet.
How to Treat a Dog That Won't Stop Vomiting
Your veterinarian will need your help to find the cause of the vomiting based on your pup's medical history and recent activities. For example, if your dog has been curiously exploring the kids’ rooms or you’ve caught him sniffing the refrigerator, it’s possible he could have gotten into something he shouldn’t have.
What to Do When Your Dog Has Eaten a Toxic Substance
If your dog has eaten something they shouldn't have, more specifically something potentially toxic, contact your nearest emergency vet or poison control center right away. This allows an emergency vet or veterinary interinst in Clinton Township to immediately provide advice about whether you should bring your pet in, or if they think you can or should induce vomiting at home.
When Your Vet Needs to Induce Vomiting
At Snider Veterinary Services, we carefully examine your pooch to determine whether inducing vomiting is safe for your pet. If it's determined that this action should be taken, special medication with minimal side effects is used (as opposed to hydrogen peroxide). If there are any side effects felt by your dog, our team is here to quickly manage the situation.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.