Occasionally, dogs vomit, sometimes because they ate something they shouldn’t have or because they suffer from food sensitivities, but they recover quickly. However, persistent vomiting can signal that your pet needs immediate veterinary care, particularly if the vomiting is accompanied by other signs. Our Skyway Animal Hospital team explains vomiting causes and how to determine if your furry pal needs prompt veterinary intervention. 

What causes dogs to vomit?

Vomiting is often a side effect of something else. A queasy stomach can occur when your pet is unwell, has allergies, or has general gastrointestinal (GI) issues. The following are some of the most common reasons why dogs vomit:

  • Ingestion of foreign substances — Dogs, more than most pet species, are known for their indiscriminate palate and will often ingest items they shouldn’t. These items might include plants, garbage, toys, excrement from other animals, dirt, and just about anything they encounter. Because of this, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and other GI problems. Sometimes, dogs will eat something toxic or poisonous. If your pet displays other signs of poisoning, such as persistent vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, or seizures, treat it as an emergency that requires prompt medical care.
  • Food allergies or sensitivities — Some pets develop allergies to certain ingredients in food, including proteins and grains. Allergies can result in gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting. Additionally, changes in a pet’s diet can upset their stomach, so if you decide to change up your pet’s food, do so gradually to give them time to adjust and to avoid vomiting and diarrhea problems.
  • Gastrointestinal conditions — Certain conditions can cause vomiting, such as gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic GI condition that causes recurrent vomiting. Our Skyway Animal Hospital team should examine your pet if they continue to vomit to rule out any of these conditions.
  • Parasites — Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms or tapeworms, can cause vomiting in canines. They can also cause diarrhea, dull coat, anemia, weight loss, and other health problems, which is why annual screening is necessary to ensure your pet is parasite-free.
  • Viral or bacterial infections — Parvovirus, coronavirus, and canine distemper are examples of infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Bacterial infections, such as giardia and campylobacteriosis, can result in vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and fever. The best way to help your pet avoid viral or bacterial infections is to have them fully vaccinated by our team.
  • Organ dysfunction — The kidneys and liver play critical roles in detoxifying the body. When their function is disrupted by disease or infection, it can lead to nausea and vomiting, among other health effects. Your pet’s annual wellness exam includes essential laboratory testing to check how well their organs are functioning.
  • Motion sickness — Many pets experience motion sickness during car rides, which can cause them to vomit.
  • Stress and anxiety — Changes in the environment, new pets or people, and loud noises can all trigger stress in pets, sometimes causing gastrointestinal upset.

Is vomiting a veterinary emergency?

In most cases, your pet’s vomiting will subside, and they will go on without additional health complications. However, certain signs may indicate a more severe problem, such as:

  • Frequency and duration — Vomiting multiple times in a day or for more than 24 hours is a red flag.
  • Appearance of vomit — The presence of blood, either bright red or resembling coffee grounds, suggests internal bleeding.
  • Foreign objects — Pieces of toys, fabric, or other objects in your dog’s vomit can indicate a gastrointestinal obstruction.
  • Corresponding conditions — If the vomiting is accompanied by lethargy, diarrhea, weight loss, and pain, call our team.
  • Dehydration — Prolonged vomiting can lead to dehydration, which is indicated by sunken eyes, dry gums, and lethargy. Dehydration can be dangerous, so veterinary intervention is necessary.
  • Underlying medical issues — Dogs with known health conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease) who are vomiting frequently need immediate attention.

If your dog is vomiting, it can be understandably worrisome. Knowing the possible causes and what warning signs to look for will help you ensure your four-legged friend gets the treatment they need. When in doubt, promptly contact our Skyway Animal Hospital team to guide you to the best course of action.