Sudden Dog Vomiting: Possible Causes Explained
Determining Symptoms from the Color of Your Dog's Vomiting
White/Transparent (Gastrointestinal Fluid)
When your dog vomits a white, watery substance, it's typically gastric juice, which is the acid secreted by the stomach. Such cases are often associated with acute gastritis or gastric ulcers, and they commonly occur in puppies whose digestive systems are still developing or in dogs that have suddenly changed their diet for weight loss.
However, if the vomit is very sticky and creamy, it's a cause for concern. This type of vomiting usually involves saliva and is indicative of esophageal issues, such as foreign objects (often bones) stuck in the esophagus or congenital heart diseases. If vomiting persists, it's crucial to photograph the vomit and bring it to the vet, as the cause can range from gastrointestinal blockages to liver, kidney, or pancreas diseases. Parents, take this seriously!
YellowGreen (Bile)
Yellowgreen vomit with froth indicates bile being regurgitated, possibly due to an excess of stomach acid.
The reasons for this could include prolonged fasting, irregular eating habits, or consuming indigestible foods. It's important to bring your dog's recent dietary history to the vet, as the issue might not just be related to the liver, kidneys, or pancreas but could also involve gastrointestinal ulcers.
Brown (Gastrointestinal Bleeding)
Brown vomit, which doesn't match the color of the food, suggests gastrointestinal bleeding. It may also contain undigested food, hairballs, or other objects. This is often a sign of gastric or duodenal ulcers, or even lacerations in the stomach lining. Regardless of the cause, it is extremely dangerous and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Bright Red (Acute Bleeding)
Very bright red vomiting is a severe case of acute bleeding. Please prepare your dog's essentials and act quickly during the critical golden hour of treatment. Rush your furry friend to the vet!
基本上,当狗狗吐出黄绿、咖啡或红褐色的呕吐物时,应立即带它去看兽医,并诚实地告知兽医狗狗最近的饮食和任何其他症状。不要因为狗狗看起来没事就掉以轻心,因为它们无法说话,只能依靠我们细心的观察和兽医的专业判断来确保它们的健康。
Preventative Measures for Dog Vomiting
When your dog vomits, the first step is to withhold food and seek veterinary care immediately to prevent minor inflammation from turning into a severe ulcer. However, there are also several things you can do in daily life to reduce the chances of vomiting:
Gradual Transition to New Food
If you're switching to a new dog food or fresh food, it's best to do so gradually. Mix a little of the new food with the old, then slowly increase the proportion of the new food.
Feeding in Small, Regular Portions
Dogs often vomit due to either prolonged hunger or overeating. It's recommended to feed your dog in small, regular portions at set times to prevent overeating.
Avoid Exercise After Eating
Exercising immediately after eating can lead to gastric torsion in dogs, which may cause them to feel like vomiting but be unable to. This can be accompanied by bloating and pain, indicating torsion.
Keep Unsafe Items Out of Reach
Obesity is a common cause of vomiting, so keep items like human medications, toys, and foods that dogs should never eat, such as onions, chocolate, and grapes, out of reach.
Supplement with Probiotics
Besides avoiding harmful foods, you can also supplement your dog with pet probiotics to maintain a balanced gut flora, ensuring digestive health and improving digestion.