Puppy Throwing Up & Seizures

Puppies get into everything, making it difficult to determine the cause of certain symptoms. Vomiting accompanied by seizures is a serious situation that requires immediate attention from a veterinarian. Vomiting is common with young dogs due to their delicate digestive systems. Seizures are much more critical, however, and can lead to neurological problems if left untreated. The leading cause of vomiting and seizures in puppies are poisons from such things as plants, foods and chemicals. Illness and disease may also be the reason behind vomiting and seizures, but they generally have a slower onset.

  1. Food Poisoning

    • Puppies have a delicate digestive system that's easily upset by rapid changes in diet or the ingestion of toxic foods. Foods such as chocolate, caffeine, gum or candy, grapes or raisins, mushrooms, onions, moldy/stale food and raw fish are dangerous to puppies and may cause vomiting and seizures. Keep pets on a strict diet and avoid feeding them table scraps.

    Plant Poisoning

    • There are numerous varieties of plants that are toxic to puppies. The ingestion of plants such as aloe vera, mistletoe, holly, periwinkle, bird of paradise and certain varieties of lilies may lead to the sudden onset of seizures. Whenever possible, keep all plants away from puppies. If your puppy has ingested a plant, call your veterinarian immediately.

    Heatstroke

    • Puppies that are outside for long periods, especially in the summer, may get heatstroke. Heatstroke results in a sudden onset of vomiting and seizures and may affect the puppy's brain. Apply a cool compress to your pet's back and face for heatstroke and call your veterinarian. Always have water available for your puppy when it's outside; avoid letting it out during the hottest part of the day.

    Disease

    • Canine distemper is a disease that affects the brain and is transmitted through saliva, body fluids, feces and human hands. Puppies are at increased risk due to the constant contact with other puppies, children and adults. Have your puppy vaccinated to avoid this disease. Heartworm affects the heart and lungs of puppies and is transmitted by mosquitoes. Give heartworm pills to puppies to prevent this disease. Diseases and conditions such as central nervous system dysfunctions, head injuries, liver disease and brain tumors generally have a slower onset. Visible signs such as weight loss and lethargy are usually present in these cases before vomiting and seizures begin.

    Epilepsy

    • Epilepsy generally doesn't present itself until the puppy is 1 year of age or older. Episodes begin and end suddenly, with the puppy behaving normally in between episodes. There's no known cause, although genetics may play a role. Symptoms of a seizure are excessive drooling, confusion, lethargy, muscle weakness, uneven dilated pupils, uncoordinated pupils and a paddle movement when the puppy is lying on the floor. Phenobarbital may be prescribed for this condition.