Why is my dog vomiting?
Have you recently been startled by the sound of your dog retching, only to find a puddle of vomit? While an occasional vomiting episode might not be cause for alarm, understanding why your dog is vomiting can provide crucial insights into their overall health.
Understanding Why Your Dog Is Vomiting
What Causes Dogs to Vomit?
Canine vomiting is a common symptom with a wide array of potential causes ranging from minor to serious. A dog might vomit due to overeating, consuming something unsuitable, or even due to a systemic issue such as liver or kidney disease.
Vomiting vs. Regurgitation: Know the Difference
Vomiting is an active process where your dog’s abdominal muscles contract to expel the contents of its stomach. It’s often preceded by salivating, nausea, or uneasiness. Regurgitation, however, is a passive process where undigested food is expelled from the esophagus, usually without any warning signs. Understanding this difference is key as regurgitation can indicate esophageal disorders.
Common Causes of Dog Vomiting
Cancer
Although not as common as some of the other causes listed, cancer inside or outside of the intestinal tract could be the culprit for your dog’s chronic vomiting.
Dietary Indiscretion
“Dietary indiscretion” is a catch-all term for when your dog eats something they shouldn’t have. This can include table scraps, garbage, or non-food items and often leads to upset stomachs and vomiting.
Enteropathy
One of the most common causes of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs is due to Inflammatory bowel disease, also known as chronic enteropathy. Although the exact cause is unknown, symptoms of IBD can include chronic vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
Food Intolerance or Allergies
Just like humans, dogs can also have food intolerances or allergies. Consuming foods that don’t sit well with their system can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or skin conditions.
Internal Parasites
Internal parasites, such as worms, can cause vomiting in dogs, especially puppies. Regular deworming and regular fecal exams are crucial for preventing such infections.
Intestinal Foreign Bodies
Non-food items can become caught in the dog’s intestinal tract and cause blockage. Aside from vomiting, this can cause an array of symptoms. If you pet has ingested a foreign object, it is crucial to seek medical attention as it can be life threatening in some cases.
Miscellaneous Causes
- Addison’s Disease:
- This disease occurs when your dog’s adrenal glands aren’t producing enough hormones that help them combat stress. High levels of stress can cause vomiting in dogs. If diagnosed and treated appropriately these dogs can live a long, happy life.
- Kidney or Liver Disease
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is very common and often more serious than gastroenteritis, especially for middle age to older dogs.
Toxic Substances
Consumption of toxic substances is a serious cause of vomiting in dogs. Common toxins include certain plants, antifreeze, rat poison, and certain human foods like chocolate and grapes.
When to Contact Blue Cross Pet Hospital
Red Flags: When is Dog Vomiting an Emergency?
If your dog’s vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms such as decreased appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, dehydration, blood in vomit, or if your dog is vomiting multiple times in an hour or repetitively over several hours, then it’s time to seek immediate veterinary attention.
How Can Blue Cross Pet Hospital Help?
Our expert team at Blue Cross Pet Hospital, North Hollywood, CA, can provide comprehensive care for your furry friend. If your dog is suffering from persistent vomiting, we can diagnose the cause by running various tests such as blood and urine tests, fecal examination for intestinal parasites, x-rays, ultrasounds, and even an endoscopy or colonoscopy if necessary. From there, we can develop a treatment plan to get them back on their feet.
Simply call us at (818) 980-1313 or visit our website https://bluepet.com/ to make an appointment.
Preventing Future Episodes of Dog Vomiting
Steps to Keep Your Dog Healthy
You can prevent many instances of dog vomiting by keeping a careful eye on your pet’s diet and ensuring they don’t consume anything toxic. Also, consider investing in slow-feeder bowls if your dog tends to eat too quickly. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can also help maintain your dog’s digestive health.
Regular Checkups at Blue Cross Pet Hospital
Regular checkups at Blue Cross Pet Hospital can identify potential issues before they become severe. We provide routine screenings for parasites and other potential health issues that can lead to vomiting. Schedule your pet’s checkup today by calling (818) 980-1313 or visit our website https://bluepet.com/.
While occasional vomiting in dogs can be quite common, it should never be ignored. Being knowledgeable about the causes, identifying the warning signs, and knowing when to seek professional help are essential for your pet’s well-being.
Trust the experts at Blue Cross Pet Hospital to offer compassionate, comprehensive care for your furry family member. We’re here to help ensure that your dog enjoys a happy, healthy, and vomit-free life.