Dog vomiting can be caused by many different things. If your dog is vomiting, you might not be sure what is causing the issue. Sometimes vomiting can be a temporary thing that passes quickly, but when your dog is vomiting persistently, you will want to get to the bottom of the issue right away. Vomiting can lead to your dog getting very sick or having secondary health issues that you will want to prevent.
Knowing the common causes of dog vomiting and the treatments associated with these conditions can be very helpful as a dog owner. Your pet cannot talk to you, so sometimes, you need to help find out why your dog is vomiting. You might also need the help of your veterinarian if you cannot sort out why your dog is vomiting or if the vomiting is very severe.
What Causes Dog Vomiting?
If you are ready to learn some more about dog vomiting and its causes and treatments, you need to read on.
1. Toxins or Poisons
When your dog eats something that is poisonous or that cannot be digested properly, they might end up vomiting as the toxin or poison spreads throughout its body. Rat poison, rotting food or animals, or other toxic substances like antifreeze can be consumed by dogs who are looking for a snack. These kinds of toxic substances can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and, ultimately, organ failure. You will want to get a dog that has consumed something toxic to the vet right away.
2. Pancreatitis
When your dog eats something toxic, this can cause inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can also be linked to other health conditions. Severe and continuous vomiting is a key symptom of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is very serious, and your dog will need to see the vet right away if this is the reason for their vomiting.
3. Bloat
More common in larger dogs, bloat can lead to torsion of the intestines and stomach. This cannot usually be resolved without surgery.
4. Parasites
Worms and parasites can cause widespread GI tract inflammation that can lead to vomiting. Your dog might also have diarrhea and a lack of interest in food and water as tandem symptoms. When worms or parasites are the reason for your dog’s vomiting, you will want to take care of the parasites before they cause lasting damage to your dog’s GI tract.
5. Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a very life-threatening condition that can be linked to exertion in the heat without access to enough water. Dogs with heatstroke can die within a half hour of showing symptoms. Dogs with heatstroke will also pant heavily, appear confused, and might even collapse.
6. Bacterial or Viral Infection
Just like in people, dogs can get viral infections that can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. This can be mild, but there are also serious illnesses like Parvo that are caused by viruses. Bacterial infections can also cause vomiting, and there are many reasons that systemic infections might lead to vomiting as well as more serious symptoms.
7. Diet Changes
Sometimes your dog might not feel good due to a change of food. If you have rapidly changed your dog’s diet, they could react by vomiting or getting diarrhea. This is not usually accompanied by any more concerning symptoms, and your dog will probably act fine again after they vomit. If food is what is causing your dog to vomit, the vomiting might happen soon after eating.
8. Organ Failure
Due to various conditions, your dog could vomit as a sign of organ failure. When your dog gets heatstroke, and it goes untreated, or if your dog has cancer or other serious illnesses, organ failure can follow. Organ failure causes widespread symptoms of illness, so you will likely be able to identify this condition right away and get your dog to the veterinarian.
9. Blockages
If your dog has eaten something that is not digestible, this foreign body can block the GI tract. This leads to vomiting. This condition can be very dangerous, and usually, this condition cannot be rectified without surgery. Dog toys and items from around the house can be common causes of blockages in dogs.
How Can Dog Vomiting be Treated?
Dog vomiting can be treated in a variety of ways.
Take Your Dog to the Vet
The first order of business when your dog gets to the vet is to get your dog onto IV fluids. This helps protect the organs from being damaged due to your dog being dehydrated. Your vet will probably do this first before they start working on the reasons for your dog’s vomiting. If your dog has a fever, the vet will look into infections or potential viral conditions that have caused the fever.
Customized Care Plan for Their Needs
If your dog is suffering from heatstroke, they will be given electrolytes, and they might be kept cool with ice packs until they start to regulate their own temperature again. In cases like bloat, surgery will be done as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your dog’s intestines and stomach. This is also how blockages will be handled.
Your vet will be able to identify the reason for your dog’s vomiting and get your dog the treatment that it needs. You will be advised about changes to your dog’s care that can prevent more issues with vomiting, or surgery might be recommended to treat your dog’s condition.
Dog Vomiting Can be Very Serious
Vomiting in dogs can be related to something mild, but it is often linked with more serious conditions. Your dog might be vomiting related to a mild stomachache, but when vomiting is persistent, you need to be much more concerned. Your dog will need to get to the vet right away if they are vomiting without relief. There are many serious health conditions that can have vomiting as a symptom, and you should make sure that you get your dog to the vet right away for persistent vomiting.
Do you need to talk with a veterinarian about your dog’s vomiting? Call Country Club Animal Hospital at (305) 663-3300 or book an appointment online!