Dog Vomiting Types, Causes and Treatment

Reasons why a dog vomits

As a dog parent, you would definitely want to protect your new furry friend from diseases. Dog vomiting is one of the most common concerns that pet owners face. If you notice that your dog is vomiting or feeling nauseous, try to find out what has been fed recently or the day before. It will also be helpful to the vet if you notice the colour of the vomit, frequency of vomiting, and when your dog vomited. There are several reasons why your dog may vomit, including parasitism, ingestion of toxins, sudden diet change, viral, or bacterial infection

Types of dog vomit and their significance

There are three types of dog vomit, and you can easily identify what type the vomit is by simply looking at it. Look at the table below for more information:

Medical issues related to vomiting

Dog vomiting could also be an indication of a serious underlying medical condition. Make sure you check with your vet if you observe symptoms such as:

• Weakness
• Abdominal pain 
• Fever
• Depression 
• Weight loss
• Dehydration 
• Vomiting blood

Common causes of dog vomiting

There could be a lot of reasons why your dog is vomiting. Vomiting can either occur due to an internal infection or due to external factors. Here are some common reasons why dogs vomit: 

• Sudden change in diet
• Constipation
• Drinking polluted water
• Food allergies
• Eating spoiled food
• Intestinal parasites
• Motion sickness after a ride in a car
• Bacterial or viral infection

Diagnosis and treatment

Sometimes the answer to why your dog is vomiting might be quite straightforward especially if you noticed your pet eating something it normally does not. But at other times, the vet may have to run a few tests to know why the dog is vomiting. The treatment is then modified according to the diagnosis as there is no set treatment plan. Your vet may administer an anti-nausea or an antacid medicine to your dog to provide interim relief. 

Colours of dog vomit

The colour of your dog’s vomit tells you a lot. It also narrows down the causes of vomiting. Given below are the different types of vomits that may help you identify what is wrong with your dog:

• Yellow vomit:

  Your dog may belch yellow vomit when it has an empty stomach, and it looks yellow because of the bile in it. Yellow vomit is caused because of acid buildup, reflux, or any other substance that may cause nausea to your dog. 

• Foamy, white vomit:

  Your dog may belch a foamy white vomit due to a build-up of stomach acid. The foam appears because the vomit splashes around in the stomach before coming out.

• Liquid clear vomit:

  Your dog’s vomit can be liquid and clear when there are stomach secretions or water pooling in the tummy. This often happens when your dog drinks water when it is already feeling nauseous.

• Mucous vomit:

  Your dog’s vomit looks slimy since it also carries mucous. This type of vomit generally happens due to some irritant; hence, your dog gets out it out of the system through vomiting. 

• Bloody vomit:

  Your dog’s bloody vomit is a sign of serious concern and may indicate internal bleeding. It is always advisable to rush to the doctor immediately at this stage. 

• Brown vomit:

  Your dog may eject brown vomit when it has eaten something too fast. The colour of the vomit appears brownish because the food that is thrown out may not be fully digested. Your dog’s vomit may also look brown after it may have accidentally consumed poop. This is called coprophagia. 

• Green Vomit:

  Your dog will belch green vomit if it has consumed grass. It may also be because of the contraction of the gall bladder before your dog vomits.

Vomiting vs regurgitation

Dog parents often get confused between vomiting and regurgitation. These two actions look quite similar but are very different fundamentally. Here’s how you can differentiate whether your dog is vomiting or regurgitating:

Possible treatments for dog vomiting

Medicines to be given 

The proper treatment for dog vomiting is ideally prescribed by the vets. Some of the medicines that are often given to the dog to control its vomiting are antiemetics and metoclopramide. 

Natural remedies

Here are some safe home remedies that can provide relief to your dog from vomiting:

• Electrolyte powder:

  When dogs vomit, they eject food that gives them the necessary strength. And since your dog cannot keep the food down, it is important to provide an alternate source of energy, and this is when electrolytes come in handy. Switching to electrolytes will also ensure your dog will not dehydrate. You can add one teaspoon of Glucose Monohydrate to your dog’s water. 

• Fasting:

  Fasting provides rest to your dog’s stomach and intestines. It also gives your fur baby the time to recover from vomiting. You must consult the vet to know how long you should keep your dog fasting. 

• Ginger:

  Ginger has carminative properties which help prevent the formation of gas in the gastronomical tract or facilitates the passing of the gas. Given the astringent taste of ginger, your dog might not readily eat it. You may sprinkle some ginger powder on a slice of bread with a little honey on top of it to disguise the astringent taste. 

• Ice chips:

  Dehydration is a common symptom post vomiting in dogs. You can plop a few ice chips in your dog’s mouth. This will replace the need for water. The cold feeling of ice chips can help your dog feel better. 

• Plain rice:

  If fasting suits your dog, it is time to let some food into its system. There’s nothing more soothing than plain rice for an upset stomach, right? Well, this is applicable for dogs as well. You can feed your nauseated dog plain rice a few times a day in little quantities. 

• Baby food:

  Baby food is another option to feed a dog that is recovering from an upset stomach. The composition of this food is light and will help your dog recover faster. 

• Chicken broth:

  The chicken broth is high in nutritional value and helps with dehydration. Since packaged chicken broth can contain preservatives, it is best to make the broth at home.