Vomiting in mammals is controlled by part of the brain called the emetic center. Because dogs have well-developed emetic centers that respond to hormonal, neural and chemical stimuli, innumerable factors can cause them to vomit. The occasional bout of vomiting usually is no cause for concern, but immediate veterinary attention is prudent for dogs who vomit blood, have a fever, suffer from abdominal bloat or cannot stop vomiting.
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Vomiting vs. Regurgitation
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Although often used interchangeably, the terms ̶0;vomit̶1; and ̶0;regurgitation̶1; refer to different phenomena. Dogs who expel food shortly after eating usually are regurgitating their food. Regurgitated food appears undigested and often comes out as a single tubular mass -- sometimes dogs will eat the regurgitated food. Vomiting, as explained by veterinarian Becky Lundgren on VeterinaryPartner.com, is the forceful expulsion of food from the stomach or intestines. Unless they are projectile vomiting, which usually occurs without warning signs, dogs often exhibit signs that they are nauseous immediately before vomiting. Signs of nausea include drooling, standing stiffly or behaving anxiously. During the process, vomiting dogs often heave and emit coughing or gagging sounds.
Chronic, Frequent Vomiting vs. Short-Term, Sudden Vomiting
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Dogs who vomit once and quickly return to good health are said to exhibit acute vomiting. Acute vomiting can occur for a variety of reasons, including a minor stomach bug or a change in food, and most are no cause for concern. By contrast, chronic vomiting almost always indicates an underlying condition, such as bilious vomiting syndrome, which causes dogs to vomit when their stomach is empty. This is especially true when the vomit is solely composed of bile, phlegm or foam; a trip to the veterinarian is in order if your dog exhibits these symptoms.
Determining the Danger
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The potential causes of regurgitation and vomiting span from the relatively benign, such as eating too quickly or eating too much human food, to the very serious, including obstructions, kidney failure and poisoning. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, dogs who vomit once, and then eat and eliminate normally, are rarely cause for concern. However, consult your veterinarian if your dog vomits for longer than 24 hours. Additionally, if the vomiting is accompanied by shaking, weight loss, inappetence, diarrhea or a change in your dog̵7;s thirst or urination, have your veterinarian examine him to ensure he is not seriously ill. Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately whenever he vomits and is suffering from a fever, vomits blood or exhibits abdominal pain or bloating.
Potentially Serious Causes of Vomiting
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Parvovirus, distemper and coronavirus are all serious illnesses that can cause vomiting in dogs, although these are typically diseases of young puppies who have not been vaccinated yet or developed strong immune systems. Internal organ problems, such as those arising from liver disease, pancreatitis and diabetes also may cause vomiting. Some mature, unaltered female dogs develop an infection of the uterus, called pyometra, which can cause vomiting. While rare, cancer is another potential cause of vomiting. Although a common side effect of surgery, always consult with your vet if your dog exhibits postoperative vomiting. Any of these illnesses require veterinary attention.
Gobbling Grass
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Some dogs exhibit a tendency to eat grass and regurgitate or vomit shortly later. While veterinarians do not understand the reason dogs do this, it is unlikely to cause a problem in itself. It may be that dogs consume grass when they feel nauseous, or they may simply do it when they are bored or curious. Not all dogs who eat grass vomit afterward. According to WebMD, less than 25 percent of dogs vomit after eating grass.
Food Change
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While some dogs are able to digest nearly anything they put in their mouth, others experience gastrointestinal distress when their diet is not simple and consistent. This sometimes causes dogs to vomit after a change in food. Accordingly, it is advisable to transition your dog from one food to another slowly, by gradually mixing increasingly larger portions of the new food with the old food.
Post-Vomit Care
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Vomiting is hard on a dog̵7;s digestive system. You should withhold food for between six to 48 hours before feeding him again. Often, they are happy to oblige, as dogs sometimes lose their appetite for a few hours after vomiting. Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water after vomiting so he can rehydrate. Assuming your dog rebounds quickly and his appetite appears to have returned, offer him small meals of easily digested food. Boiled chicken and cooked rice makes a good first meal.
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