What Makes a Dog Vomit?

Vomiting causes run the gamut from annoying to life-threatening. Uncovering the cause requires examination of the timing, quantity and frequency with which your dog vomits. Sometimes you can determine the reason for the episode quickly. Other times, the vomiting cause may require more evaluation and assistance from your veterinarian. Finding the cause quickly can help prevent serious complications.

  1. Identification

    • According to Becky Lundgren, D.V.M. and writer for VeterinaryPartner, vomiting occurs when your dog throws up the contents of its stomach and upper intestines. Regurgitation, on the other hand, occurs when your dog brings up material from the mouth, pharynx or esophagus, often caused by esophagus issues. Vomiting symptoms include drooling and heaving stomach. Vomiting may occur at any time, while regurgitating usually occurs soon after eating. If unsure of which it is, give your veterinarian a sample for identification.

    Time Frame

    • Determining when your dog vomits helps in diagnosing the cause. Some dogs vomit after eating, after several hours without food, after eating certain foods or during or after automobile rides. Observe your dog for what it ate, how long since eating and activity prior to vomiting. Causes of your dog's vomiting after eating include allergies, overeating, sudden change in food, or reaction to spicy, greasy or stomach-upsetting foods. Dogs that vomit during or after being in the car may have motion sickness, anxiety or overstimulation. Reasons for your dog's vomiting long after the last meal include collection of digestion bile or irritable bowel disease (IBD), according to Marvista Animal Medical Center. Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract lining causes IBD.

    Other Causes

    • Other causes of vomiting include viruses such as parvovirus, parasites, chronic constipation, medication, poisoning, stomach ulcers, cancer of the stomach or intestines, kidney disease and liver disease, according to Vetinfo. Bacterial infections include uterine and prostate infections, spoiled food, salmonella and leptospirosis. Pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis), a potentially life-threatening disorder, often results in vomiting. Eating inappropriate items, a disorder called “pica,” may result in vomiting or intestinal blockage.

    Treatment

    • Treatment depends on the cause of the vomiting. Common treatments for less severe disorders include antacids, worming, diet control, frequent small meals and histamine blockers, such as cimetidine or famotidine. Disorders such as pancreatitis and IBD require medications to control inflammation and treat the disease, according to Marvista Animal Medical Center. Cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

    Warning

    • Vomiting creates more problems than throwing up material. According to Vetinfo, effects of vomiting include dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Your dog may require hospitalization for severe vomiting regardless of the cause. Vomiting blood, vomit with a fever or bloody diarrhea, seizures and the possibility of having swallowed foreign objects or poison indicate a possible medical emergency, according to Vetinfo.