Vomiting in dogs: causes and tips for dealing with it

For our dogs, vomiting up the contents of their stomach is often a protective reaction. It is the body's attempt to get rid of something harmful. Similar to diarrhoea, vomiting itself is not an illness, but an indication that there is a problem somewhere in the body. A single episode of vomiting the contents of the stomach is not a reason to panic. However, it is important that you determine what triggered the vomiting. Only then can you decide whether your dog needs veterinary assistance.

My dog has been vomiting – do I need to take him to the vet?

In general, a distinction is made between acute and chronic vomiting. Acute vomiting occurs suddenly and lasts for a few days at most. If your dog vomits regularly over a longer period of time, you should definitely contact your trusted veterinarian. Additional symptoms such as diarrhoea, itching, increased temperature or apathetic behaviour also indicate a more serious problem.

Particular caution is advised with puppies, immunocompromised seniors and dogs with corresponding pre-existing conditions. The risk of dehydration increases due to fluid loss. As a first step, always make sure that enough fresh water is available.

Possible causes and triggers of vomiting in dogs

There can be many causes of vomiting. Here are some of the most common triggers:

  • Dog eats grass (especially on an empty stomach)
  • Too much food or water
  • Chewed insufficiently
  • Eats the wrong thing – some foods are even toxic to dogs!
  • Stress and motion sickness
  • Food allergy or intolerance
  • Side effect or intolerance of medication
  • Parasite infestation
  • Virus or bacteria infection
  • Foreign body ingestion
  • Poisoning
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Stomach torsion
  • Physical illness (e.g. inflammation of the kidneys, liver, etc.)

When should you call the vet immediately?

  • If a dog suddenly vomits faeces, all alarm bells should ring. This can indicate a bowel obstruction that requires immediate veterinary attention!
  • Repeated vomiting: If your dog tries to vomit convulsively, without success, about 1-2 hours after eating and his stomach is bloated, this could indicate a life-threatening stomach torsion.

In such cases, it is better to be safe than sorry! Do not hesitate to consult a vet immediately.

What exactly happens when a dog vomits?

Every dog owner is familiar with the typical sound – the gurgling and retching – and you know it's about to happen. Over time, you learn to recognise the subtle signs that your dog shows before vomiting. Many animals become restless, smacking their lips and licking their chaps while lowering their heads and arching their backs. This process is physically very demanding for the animals and can put a lot of strain on them.

During vomiting, your dog also loses a significant amount of fluids, which must be replaced urgently. A look at the vomit can provide valuable clues as to the cause. Can you see any undigested food? What colour is it? Is there perhaps a foreign body or a noticeable smell?

Tip: Note when your dog has vomited and what he has eaten or done before. This documentation not only helps to identify patterns, but can also help you to identify possible triggers. You may find that your dog tends to vomit after certain types of food or activities. With this knowledge, you can take targeted action to prevent vomiting in the future and promote your dog's health.

What are some common digestive problems in dogs?

Dogs can suffer from digestive problems for a number of reasons. Common symptoms include nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and flatulence. Possible causes include:

  • Food intolerance: Some dogs are sensitive or allergic to certain ingredients in their food. Changing to a high-quality, easily digestible food can often help.
  • Parasites: Worms and other parasites can disrupt your dog's digestion and cause vomiting or diarrhoea.
  • Stress: Similar to humans, stress can also upset a dog's stomach and, in addition to diarrhoea, can also lead to nausea and vomiting.
  • Foreign bodies: If your dog has swallowed a foreign body, this can cause serious health problems.

How can I help my dog with vomiting?

If your dog shows signs of nausea or vomiting, there are some helpful measures you can take:

  • Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water. Vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration. In severe cases, electrolyte solutions specially developed for dogs can help.
  • A food break of 12 to 24 hours can help to settle the stomach. Make sure that your dog can continue to drink water during this time.
  • Easily digestible foods such as boiled rice with chicken can help to settle the stomach. Our Intestinal Light Chicken is an especially light and easily digestible food.
  • Valuable supplements such as DOG'S LOVE VITAL STOMACH and the herbal mixture Super Digest can support your dog's digestion and microbiome and soothe his gastrointestinal tract. In addition, specially developed treats, such as the Smart Snacks BELLY, are a tasty way to do something good for your dog every day with natural ingredients such as camomile blossoms, pineapple and papaya.
  • Make sure your dog eats in a calm and relaxed environment. Stress can increase the risk of vomiting.
  • Regular walks not only help to promote digestion, but also to reduce stress. An active dog is often a healthy dog.
  • If in doubt, don't hesitate to consult your veterinary surgeon, especially if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or if other signs such as diarrhoea or abdominal pain develop.

Which home remedies help with gastrointestinal problems?

In addition to the tips above, there are some home remedies you can consider:

  • Chamomile tea: cooled chamomile tea can help to soothe the stomach wall and reduce inflammation. Offer your dog small amounts.
  • Pumpkin: pureed, cooked pumpkin is high in fibre and can help regulate digestion. It can be added to food in small amounts.
  • Carrot soup: Morosche carrot soup has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Due to its high pectin content, it can help regulate bowel movements and is particularly helpful for acute diarrhoea.

Conclusion

Vomiting in dogs can have many causes and is often a sign that something is wrong in the gastrointestinal tract. With careful observation and appropriate action, you can help your dog alleviate the symptoms and return to a healthy life. Remember to always consult your vet if symptoms persist.

Do you want to support your dog's well-being holistically? Then try Smart Snacks BELLY – for belly comfort in a treat!