Digestive problems and upsets are common in dogs. Although vomiting can signify serious illness, it isn't necessarily a reason to take your dog to a veterinarian. "If your dog's vomiting lasts less than 24 hours and is not accompanied by other symptoms, you can try to treat your pet at home," according to the website Professor's House. Dogs instinctively try to ease their upset stomachs, often by inducing vomiting. If your dog attempts to eat grass, let him. This will enable him to vomit and ease his discomfort.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Ice cubes
- Chicken
- Rice
- Kaopectate
Instructions
Bring your dog indoors, even if he's an outdoor dog. This is especially important when it's very hot outside. Heat can increase nausea. If you have air conditioning, turn it on. If not, you may want to have your dog lie in a cool, comfortable spot, preferably at least six feet or so from a fan that isn't aimed directly at her.
Close all your toilet lids. Your dog may be dehydrated from vomiting and the last thing he needs is the toilet's cold water, replete with bacteria.
Give your dog fresh, clean water. It will help alleviate her dehydration and may help settle her stomach. Ensure you give her enough to satisfy her thirst, but don't give her too much too fast, as this may increase her nausea.
Give your dog an ice cube or two about every four hours if he's not drinking water. This may prevent dehydration and since he's taking moisture in more slowly, he'll be more likely to keep it down.
Fast your dog for up to 24 hours. "When your pet is vomiting, his stomach needs a time-out," says Colorado State University veterinarian Martin J. Fettman. Fasting may be all it takes to ease your dog's stomach.
Give your dog a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice for a day or two following her fasting. This gently works her system back into digesting.
Feed your dog smaller meals more often when reintroducing him to his regular diet. You can start this by mixing small amounts of kibble to his chicken and rice on the third day or so.
Give your dog Kaopectate, after speaking with your veterinarian, if all else fails. One teaspoon for every 10 pounds of your dog's bodyweight should ease her vomiting, according to the website Puppies and Dogs.