Dog Vomiting Causes & Treatments: Quick Guide
Section 1: Symptoms of Dog Vomiting and Their Causes
1. Regurgitation of Recently Eaten Food
This type of vomiting is typically physiological and not severe. Dogs, being creatures that can endure hunger, may vomit after eating too much, much like ruminants do with their regurgitation process. As a result, there's no need to rush to eat. Additionally, if you notice your dog's eyes moving uncontrollably or their pupils dilating and constricting, it might indicate a change in intracranial pressure, which can lead to vomiting. It's particularly important to note that puppies should be fed in small, frequent meals. This means increasing the number of feedings while reducing the amount per meal, aiming for about 45 feedings daily.
2. Vomiting Transparent, White Fluid or Foams
This is usually the dog's gastric juices and suggests acute gastroenteritis. If the dog appears normal after vomiting, you may not need to rush to the vet. A 12hour fasting period can be sufficient. However, if vomiting persists, it's crucial to seek veterinary care, as it could be due to a blockage, foreign objects in the intestines, or conditions like hepatitis or pancreatitis.
3. YellowGreen Vomitus
This generally indicates an excess of bile production, and there could be various reasons, such as gastric ulcers, liver, kidney, or pancreas issues, often accompanied by pain.
4. Brownish Vomitus
It's essential to confirm that the vomit is indeed brown and not just the color of the stomach acid. Brown vomit can signify gastrointestinal bleeding, commonly associated with ulcers in the stomach or duodenum.
5. Bright Red Vomitus
Do not hesitate; seek veterinary attention immediately, as this is a sign of acute bleeding.
Section 2: Treatment Methods for Dog Vomiting
Subcutaneous Injection: Antiemetic medications can be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly, but the dosage should always be under veterinary guidance.
Oral Medication: Oral antiemetics can be unpalatable to dogs, so they may need to be administered forcibly or through a stomach tube.
IV Fluids: This involves directly administering fluids intravenously. The type, amount, and rate of the fluids should be determined by a professional veterinarian.
Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on dog vomiting, you can read our article "How to Distinguish Between Dog Vomiting and Coughing."