How to Help My Dog When He Is Vomiting

It's never any fun to vomit, no matter what your species may be. Perhaps it is even worse to watch your own pooch become ill and vomit. There are a few things you can do in order to help ease your dog's tummy upset; however, it is important to know when your dog's sickness is something you can take care of yourself, and when your dog needs medical help.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine if your dog ingested something toxic or poisonous that is causing him to vomit. This is done by searching through your house, yard or wherever your dog has recently spent time and looking for broken medicine or cleaning bottles or rummaged trash that has dangerous substances in it, such as small bones, which can cause intestinal tears or blockages. If you suspect your dog has ingested poison or medication, call your veterinarian, who might instruct you to induce vomiting, depending upon what was ingested.

    • 2

      Withhold food or water until the vomiting stops. While your dog may become thirsty, water in her stomach will likely cause more stomach upset and vomiting. Do not keep food or water away for more than 24 hours. If vomiting persists for longer than a day, call your veterinarian, as treatment is likely required.

    • 3

      Monitor your dog's hydration level. Vomiting can cause a dog to become dehydrated rather quickly, especially if he is small. Look at your dog's gums and observe how they feel when you touch them with your finger. If the gums feel tacky, the dog is likely dehydrated. In addition, lift the skin on your dog's back around its shoulder blades. The skin should fall back into place quickly---if it is slow to fall back down, your dog is dehydrated and is likely in need of fluid therapy, which should be given by a vet.

    • 4

      Take your dog to the veterinarian if there is blood in the vomit, if the vomit looks or smells like stool or the stomach is bloated and the dog is trying to vomit but is unable. In addition, if the dog is in pain, has labored breathing, has diarrhea, has projectile vomit or becomes extremely ill, she should receive medical care. A vomiting dog is typically lethargic; however, if your dog refuses to move or is non-responsive, he should be rushed to a veterinarian, as these are signs of a medical emergency.