You’re just dozing off when through the thick veil of sleep, you hear that familiar retching noise. “Yerk, yerk, yerk…!” Rover is about to vomit. Part of you hopes that it will hit the tile floor not the rug so you can deal with it in the morning. The other part wonders, has he gotten into the garbage can again? Is it the rawhide he was chewing? Bloat? Or just a tummy bug?

Sooner or later, most dogs will have a bout of vomiting. Most cases are mild and self-limiting. But when is it time to worry? What signs should you watch for, and when should you call the vet?

When to call the vet

Your dog may vomit once or twice, but then seem just fine, with normal behavior, energy, and appetite. The vomiting may be self-limiting and respond to home treatment (see below). However, prolonged vomiting may lead to dehydration or indicate a more serious problem. The following are reasons to call your veterinarian right away:

• If the vomit is bloody or accompanied by loss of appetite, lethargy, or diarrhea.
• If vomiting persists for over 24 hours.
• If vomiting is chronic, i.e., continues off and on for more than 1-2 weeks.
• If your dog shows repeated attempts to vomit (often unproductive) along with restlessness, agitation, and apparent abdominal distress. This may be a sign of bloat, a potentially life-threatening emergency. Seek veterinary care right away.
• If your dog is vomiting persistently and is either very young, very old, or in otherwise frail health.

If there is any doubt, consult your veterinarian. Persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. It can be the sign of a serious medical problem.

Causes

There are many causes of vomiting in dogs. Here are a few of the more common ones.

• Diet-related vomiting is all too common. This may result from a sudden change of diet, overly rich table scraps, or nasty unspeakables snarfed up from the woods or the trash. Keep trash can lids secured. If you share table scraps, stick to lean, cooked meats or vegetables (no onions or garlic) free of spices or sauces.
• Food allergies or IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) can lead to vomiting. In this case, the vomiting is chronic, and may be accompanied by diarrhea, flatulence, and weight loss.
• Certain prescribed drugs, such as antibiotics or pain medications, may irritate the stomach or trigger a vomiting reflex. If you suspect this is the case, stop the medication and consult your veterinarian promptly.
• A blockage anywhere along the intestinal tract can lead to vomiting. Blockage may be caused by a foreign body such as partially chewed toys, rawhide, bones, and corn cobs. It may also be caused by a tumor. Such problems can be surgical emergencies.
• Vomiting can result from systemic diseases such as pancreatitis, kidney failure, liver disease, pyometra (infection of the uterus), prostatitis, endocrine disorders, inner ear infections, and cancer.
• Toxins such as lead, household solvents, certain plants, antifreeze, or chocolate can cause vomiting as well. If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian right away.

What to do

When your otherwise healthy adult dog vomits but in all other respects seems fine, it’s often reasonable to start with simple home treatment. First, withhold all food and water for 2-4 hours. If all is quiet, start your dog on small sips of water or crushed ice. In another 2 hours, offer a larger drink of water. If this stays down for 2 hours, it’s time to try feeding. Begin with a spoonful of something bland, such as scrambled egg or boiled hamburger and rice. Gradually increase the ration, feeding small meals every few hours, until your dog is holding down regular portions. Wait 24 hours to reintroduce your dog’s normal food. If at any time the tummy troubles resume, it’s time to call the vet.

Never give any medications, including over-the-counter human medications, to your dog unless under strict instructions by your veterinarian. Inappropriate use of people medicine can make pets very sick.

If you go to the vet

The most important item (besides your dog) to bring to the veterinarian is a thorough history. This saves time and ultimately money. Your veterinarian will want to know: how long has the vomiting been going on, how frequent is it, does the vomit consist of food, clear liquid, bile or blood; were there any recent diet changes; are there other symptoms, and how is your dog’s attitude? Is it possible your dog ate anything (rawhides, pieces of a toy, fabric such as a sock) or got into something (household chemical, antifreeze, the garbage) that he shouldn’t have? There are so many causes that a thorough history is essential to help your veterinarian narrow down the search.

A complete physical exam is the next step. Sometimes the history and examination yield enough information and a treatment plan can be made. Other times, your veterinarian may need to gather more information. Tests may include:

• Bloodwork
• Urinalysis
• Xrays
• Ultrasound
• Endoscopy
• Exploratory surgery
• Surgical biopsy

Treatment depends on diagnostic findings and severity of symptoms. Dogs who are bright, alert, and have normal physical findings can be treated on an outpatient basis with subcutaneous fluids and injectable medications. Those presenting with fever, abdominal pain, or with abnormal test results, may need hospitalization and further intervention.

It’s the next morning, and there has been no more vomit. You’re exhausted, but Rover is bright, alert, and eager for his breakfast. From now on that trash can lid will have to stay tightly fastened!

Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at DogHealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.