There are many reasons why your dog may vomit, and also for wanting to induce vomiting. Today, our Statesboro vets share what you should know about vomiting in dogs, what to do if your dog is vomiting, and what to do to induce vomiting in dogs.
Reasons Why Dogs Vomit
In dogs, vomiting is a common symptom of an irritated stomach and inflamed intestines, also known as gastrointestinal upset.
Although seeing a dog vomit is unpleasant and distressing, it is your pet's way of clearing their stomach of undigested matter and preventing it from remaining in their system or reaching other parts of their body.
Causes of Vomiting in Dogs
A dog can vomit for a variety of reasons, and even healthy dogs can become ill for no apparent reason and recover quickly.
It's possible that your dog ate something that upset their stomach, that they ate too quickly, or that they ate too much grass. This type of vomiting may occur only once, and no other symptoms are present. When a dog vomits, there is usually no cause for concern.
However, potential causes of acute vomiting (sudden or severe) include the following diseases, disorders, or health complications:
- Heatstroke
- Ingestion of poisons, toxins, or food
- Bloat
- Reaction to medication
- Bacterial or viral infection
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Pancreatitis
- Change in diet
When To Worry About Vomiting in Dogs
Vomiting may be cause for some concern and constitute a serious veterinary emergency if you see any of these signs:
- Vomiting in conjunction with other symptoms such as lethargy, weight loss, fever, anemia, etc.
- Suspected ingestion of a foreign body (such as food, objects, children’s toy, etc.)
- Vomiting a lot at one time
- Vomiting with nothing coming up
- Vomiting blood
- Chronic vomiting
- Continuous vomiting
- Your dog is vomiting and having bloody diarrhea
- Seizures
Chronic Vomiting
If your dog has been vomiting frequently or has developed a long-term or chronic problem, you should be concerned, especially if you've noticed symptoms such as abdominal pain, depression, dehydration, blood, poor appetite, fever, weakness, or weight loss.
Recurrent vomiting over time can be caused by:
- Cancer
- Liver or kidney failure
- Uterine infection
- Constipation
- Intestinal obstruction
- Colitis
As a prudent pet owner, it's always best to put your pup's health first. Contacting your veterinarian is the best way to determine whether your dog's vomiting is normal or not.
What To Do If Your Dog Won't Stop Vomiting
Your veterinarian will need your assistance determining the cause of your puppy's vomiting based on his or her medical history and recent activities. For example, if your dog has been sniffing the refrigerator or curiously exploring the children's rooms, he may have gotten himself into something he shouldn't have.
How to Induce Vomiting in Dogs
In a panic, owners frequently Google "how to induce vomiting in dogs." Toxins can cause significant harm when absorbed into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, in addition to causing gastrointestinal distress. Toxins are removed from the body before they are absorbed through decontamination. Toxicity can be avoided by inducing vomiting before the toxin enters the intestines.
However, dog owners should be aware that inducing vomiting at home is only recommended in extreme cases!
Furthermore, this should always be done under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Before taking this action, seek advice from your primary veterinarian or a veterinary poison control center.
Whether or not your dog should be induced at home is determined by the substance and amount consumed, as well as the amount of time that has passed - there is a possibility that the substance or amount consumed was not toxic, in which case inducing vomiting would not be necessary.
While the majority of toxins can be safely excreted through vomiting, a few will cause additional damage when they pass through the esophagus a second time during their journey through the GI tract. Examples include bleach, cleaning products, caustic chemicals, and petroleum-based products.
Additionally, if 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (the only safe home remedy for inducing vomiting in dogs) is administered incorrectly, it can enter the lungs and cause serious problems such as pneumonia.
Inducing vomiting may result in additional health risks if your dog has a pre-existing health condition or exhibits other symptoms.
If induced vomiting is necessary, it is preferable to have it performed in-clinic by a qualified veterinarian.
When Not to Induce Vomiting
Vomiting should never be induced in a dog that is:
- Having a seizure or recently had a seizure
- Lethargic
- Unresponsive or unconscious
- Already vomiting
It should be noted that hydrogen peroxide should not be used to induce vomiting in cats because it is too irritating to their stomachs and can cause esophageal problems.
How Veterinarians Induce Vomiting in Dogs
When you bring your dog to Statesboro Bulloch Regional Veterinary Hospital, we thoroughly examine him to see if the vomiting is safe for him. In place of hydrogen peroxide, a specialized drug with few side effects is used if it is determined that this course of action is necessary. We are prepared to offer the right treatment and medication if your dog does experience any negative reactions.
What To Do If You Suspect Your Dog Has Ingested a Toxin
After your pet consumes a toxin, the best course of action is to contact your veterinarian or Poison Control immediately. As a result, our Statesboro veterinarians will be able to give you prompt advice on whether you should bring your pet in or whether you can or should induce vomiting at home.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
