All dogs experience occasional upset stomachs or vomiting episodes during their lifespan. Many dogs are notorious for getting into trash cans, or other undesirable things indoors and out. Vomiting is the body's natural way of removing irritating substances that have been ingested. Several causes require veterinary intervention such as roundworm parasites, giardia protozoan, parvovirus or poisoning. However, dogs vomiting as a result of a food intolerance, eating too much food, eating too fast or eating grass are easily treated at home by following a few simple steps.
Things You'll Need
- Ice cubes
- Electrolyte solutions
- Boiled rice with boiled chicken or hamburger with the fat drained off
- Plain, unflavored yogurt
Instructions
Withhold all food. Dogs suffering from vomiting and or diarrhea should fast for 12 to 24 hours, allowing the digestive system a chance to recuperate. Young puppies and toy breeds should not be fasted longer than 12 hours.
Keep your dog hydrated. Continuous vomiting can result in dehydration especially if your dog's symptoms include frequent diarrhea. Offer ice cubes for your dog to lick, or keep minimal amounts of water in its bowl. This prevents your dog from drinking too much or too fast, which only increases vomiting episodes. Electrolyte solutions may also be offered such as unflavored Pedialyte or Gatorade. Check frequently for signs of dehydration by pinching the skin between the shoulder blades, and watching how quickly it snaps back into place. If skin is slow to return, or remains lifted, your dog is dehydrated and requires immediate veterinary attention. Subcutaneous fluids are required at that point.
Offer a bland diet. After the initial fasting period, and once the dog has quit vomiting, begin feeding small amounts of bland foods. Boiled rice with boiled chicken or hamburger with the fat drained off are good choices. Be sure the majority of the meal consists of rice. A small amount of plain, unflavored yogurt may be given to replace the good intestinal bacteria.
Monitor your dog's symptoms and behavior. In most cases rest, fluids and time are all you dog will need to recover. Mild stomach upsets generally resolve in a day or two and can be treated at home. Veterinary attention is immediately required if your dog become lethargic, is disoriented or stumbles when walking. These are signs of possible poisoning from toxic plants or chemicals, which are potentially fatal if not immediately treated. Veterinary attention is also required for dogs with symptoms lasting longer than 24 hours or showing signs of dehydration.