Why is my dog throwing up? Do I need to call an emergency vet?

No one wants to see their pet feeling sick, and when your dog is throwing up it's usually a sign that something's not quite right in their body.

Everyone with a dog needs to know a little bit about the reasons why dogs throw up-it could be something as minor as eating too much or too quickly, or point to something more serious. Keep reading to learn more about dog vomiting and when it should be a cause for concern.

Most Common Reasons Why Dogs Throw Up

There are a lot of things that can cause a dog to throw up. One episode of vomiting usually isn't serious, but if your dog is vomiting repeatedly or on a regular basis, it could be from something more serious than a little indigestion.

Common reasons why dogs throw up include:

• Food allergies
• Diet change
• Heat stroke
• Ingested toys or other inedible objects
• GI tract infections
• Viral infection
• Medications
• Constipation
• Ingested Toxins
• Intestinal parasites
• Cancer
• Organ failure
• Bowel Obstruction
• Parvovirus
• Uterine Infection

What Does it Mean When My Dog Keeps Throwing Up?

If your dog has thrown up multiple times and the vomiting doesn't seem to be stopping, it could be a sign of a deeper, more serious medical condition. If you notice your dog's non-stop vomiting is combined with any of the symptoms below, it's best to call your vet immediately.

Symptoms of serious medical issues include vomiting along with:

• Weakness
• Blood in vomit
• Dehydration
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Depression

How Do I Treat Dog Vomiting?

If you know that the cause of the vomiting is not serious, you may be able to treat your dog at home. Here are a few ways you can offer your dog relief from common causes of vomiting.

Heatstroke

If you suspect your dog might be vomiting due to heatstroke, get them to a cool place, calm them down, and give them small amounts of water to drink. Too much water could make them vomit again, causing a never-ending thirst and vomiting cycle and severe dehydration. Another way to cool off a dog who may have heatstroke is by putting their paws in cool water.

Indigestion

Dogs eat all kinds of strange things! If your dog is vomiting because of something nasty they ate, it is typically best to let this vomiting run its course. Let your dog's body get rid of the carcass, garbage, or other offending substance naturally, then offer a small amount of water.

When Should I Call a Veterinarian about Dog Vomiting?

If the vomiting lasts longer than a couple of hours, if it gets more intense or has blood in it, call your emergency vet. Your dog could be suffering from poison, an allergy, or accidental ingestion of an object like a piece of a toy or a bone splinter.

If your dog's vomiting is combined with other symptoms, you should make an appointment to see a veterinarian. Many causes of vomiting, such as infections, parasites, organ failure, and cancer, need to be diagnosed and treated by a veterinary professional.

Vet in Castle Pines, Colorado

When left untreated, vomiting can be extremely dangerous to your dog's health. If your dog is vomiting up food, blood, or vomiting nonstop, call us as soon as possible so you can save your pet from any unnecessary discomfort or complications. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment at Animal Care Center Castle Pines.