There’s nothing that can get a pet parent moving quite like the sound of a dog vomiting or about to vomit. It’s a sound that all pet parents recognize and hate to hear.
So, what causes dog vomiting?
Dogs vomit for many reasons. Some of the reasons are nothing to worry about, but sometimes, vomiting is a sign of a serious health problem that needs immediate veterinary care.
Learning to tell the difference can be tricky, but it’s important to know why dogs vomit, when you should be concerned, and what you can do to help.
This guide will break down the causes of dog vomiting, help you identify dog vomit types, and explain what you should do and when it’s time to call a vet.
Jump to a section here:
Is It Dog Vomiting or Regurgitation?
What Does Your Dog’s Vomit Look Like?
Yellow Vomit
White, Foamy Vomit
Clear, Liquid Vomit
Mucus-Like, Slimy Vomit
Bloody Vomit (red or pink)
Brown Vomit
Green Vomit
Worms in Vomit
Grass in Vomit
Why Is My Dog Throwing Up?
Do You Need to Go to the Vet if Your Dog Is Vomiting?
What Can You Give a Dog to Stop Vomiting at Home?
Dog Vomiting Treatment at the Vet’s Office
How to Prevent Some Cases of Dog Vomiting.
How to Prevent Some Cases of Dog Vomiting
Many causes of dog vomiting cannot be prevented, but some can be if you follow these rules:
Don’t change your dog’s diet suddenly. Always use a gradual approach. Sudden dietary changes are a common cause of intestinal upset in dogs.
Don’t give your dog toys that can be swallowed or chewed into pieces, thereby causing GI irritation or blockage.
Don’t give your dog bones. These, too, are routinely implicated in vomiting episodes.
Avoid table scraps. Some human foods are downright dangerous for dogs (e.g., grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol, onions, garlic, chives, macadamia nuts, and high-fat items), but individuals with sensitive stomachs may not even be able to eat “safe” human foods without vomiting.
Don’t let your dog scavenge for food on walks or by having access to garbage cans. “Garbage gut” is what veterinarians commonly call the gastroenteritis caused by consuming scavenged items. Scavenging also increases the risk of foreign-body ingestion and toxin exposure.
Watch overly inquisitive dogs carefully. You might even want to try to use a muzzle to keep them from eating anything they might find along your walks.
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