4 Essential Dog Vomiting Situations: Know How to Handle

When a dog vomits, you'll notice its abdomen tighten and contract, with its belly twitching. Its neck stretches out, the tongue protrudes, and then the vomit appears. This process is actually a selfprotective mechanism for dogs, designed to expel harmful substances from their bodies, reducing the damage caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens.

It's crucial for pet owners not to disturb a dog when it's vomiting. This prevents the dog from being startled, which could lead to vomit reflux and potential aspiration into the trachea. So, what should you do when your dog vomits? What could be causing it? Let's delve into some insights today.

1. Vomiting Yellow Fluid and Foams

Reason 1: If this occurs when the dog is fasting, it's often due to bile reflux, a result of prolonged fasting causing excessive gastric acid secretion.

Solution: Administer a small dose of Pepcid (cimetidine tablets) to suppress acid production and protect the gastrointestinal mucosa. Gradually resume a normal diet in small, frequent meals.

Reason 2: If vomiting occurs during regular eating, it might be due to gastritis. In this case, withhold food and water initially, then observe. If the dog stops vomiting, give it cimetidine and Neomycin (sulfate neomycin tablets), along with probiotics to regulate the gut.

2. Vomiting Undigested Food

Reason: Overeating, eating too fast, or running around after eating can lead to this.

Solution: Give the dog probiotics to aid digestion. For dogs that eat very fast, consider using a slow feeder or training them to eat more slowly.

3. Vomiting White Foams

Reason 1: This could indicate stomach discomfort or bloating.

Solution: Fast the dog for 5 hours and observe for repeated vomiting. If it stops vomiting, feed probiotics to balance gut flora and offer small amounts of food and water.

Reason 2: In puppies, white foam or clear liquid vomiting, along with poor spirits, might be a sign of parvovirus infection, which could lead to bloody vomit. Seek immediate veterinary care.

4. Vomiting with Blood or Bloody Fluid

Reason: This could be due to swallowing a foreign object causing gastrointestinal bleeding or gastric ulcers, often accompanied by repeated vomiting.

Solution: Seek veterinary care immediately for diagnosis and treatment, which may include intravenous fluids,止血, and antiemetics.

Remember, while vomit can give you a clue about the cause, a thorough assessment of your dog's eating habits, behavior, and appetite is necessary. If you're unsure about the cause of your dog's vomiting, keep a close watch. If your dog continues to vomit, shows signs of poor spirits, loss of appetite, or symptoms like fever, seizures, or diarrhea, it's vital to seek veterinary attention promptly.