Sudden Vomiting in Dogs

Sudden vomiting in dogs needs to be addressed right away. It is important to figure out the cause of the vomiting in order to best treat the dog. There are signs to watch for, and treatments that can be given to help the dog feel better and stop vomiting. Vomiting can lead to other problems, such as dehydration, which can cause serious complications, and in severe cases can be fatal.

  1. Illness

    • Dogs may vomit because of an illness. This illness can be something hereditary, such as heart disease or liver failure, or it can be a contracted disease such as parvovirus or distemper. Both cases of illnesses are severe and life-threatening, and the dog should be taken to a vet immediately. If the sudden vomiting in your dog is causing your dog to be lethargic, or is accompanied by a foul-smelling odor and diarrhea, it is crucial for your dog to see a veterinarian immediately.

    Environment

    • Environment-related vomiting can be caused by the dog getting into something it shouldn't have, such as trash, cat food or spoiled dog food. This can cause the dog's stomach to be upset and the dog to vomit. These instances are generally less severe than illness-related vomiting, but should still be monitored closely. Inspect the environment the dog is in, or has been in, to find the cause of the sudden vomiting.

    What to Look For

    • There are some things to watch for when your dog has begun vomiting. Is it acting differently or becoming lethargic? Is there blood in the vomit? Has it stopped eating and drinking? These are all things your veterinarian will be asking you. If you are not sure if your dog's behavior is worthy of a trip to the vet, remember that it is always better to be safe than sorry. You may also consider calling your vet first to go over the symptoms on the phone.

    Treatments

    • There are some things you can do to treat your dog's vomiting. First, it is important to keep the dog hydrated. If the dog is not drinking and is vomiting, it need fluids. Fill an eye dropper or syringe with Pedialyte and give it to your dog every 15 to 30 minutes. The bigger the dog, the more fluids it will need. Also, you may give your dog Pepto-Bismol to help coat its stomach and stop the vomiting. Another tip is to remove all food from your dog and give its stomach a chance to rest, though make sure that the dog does not become hypoglycemic from low blood sugar. Check its gums to be sure they are pink, and make sure the dog is not shivering; if it is, a dose of honey or maple syrup can be rubbed on its gums to encourage the dog to swallow.

    When to Contact a Vet

    • Contact a veterinarian immediately if your dog is under a year or over eight years old. These age groups are more susceptible to many problems and less apt to combat illnesses on their own. Contact a veterinarian immediately if there is blood in the vomit or stool. If the dog has become lethargic, is shivering and the eyes become cloudy, call the vet. Remember, when in doubt, call the veterinarian anyway. Early detection is key to treating illnesses in dogs. Sudden vomiting in dogs can be a serious or a passing issue, but unless you are a vet, you may not be able to make that determination.