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Vomiting, similar to diarrhea, is a common concern that can adversely affect the health of dogs. Different situations and conditions can trigger the vomiting bouts of a dog. Vomiting is nature’s way of removing the objects or the substances ingested by the dog but does not sit well on the stomach. Pet dogs are highly valued and well loved. The vomiting episodes is simply the dog’s way of ridding the stomach of offending foreign objects but pet owners would still worry. A dog owner would always want to administer treatment but before it can be done the reasons why the dog is vomiting has to be ascertained. Life threatening dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are the concerns of vomiting dog owners.

There are two main categories of vomiting. Vomiting is categorized as acute if it is sudden and usually a one-time occurrence. Vomiting is chronic if the pet would throw up once or twice in a week. Acute vomiting is often ignored especially if the pet does not show any change in behavior.

The dog’s upset stomach can result from the introduction of a new food. Dogs are not only fast eaters, they also have the habit of ingesting spoiled food and non food items. Dogs are really fast eaters but the inclination to gobble food is more often seen in dogs that eat together. Because the dogs would instinctively eat fast, more kibble will be ingested. However, dry kibble that absorbs the moisture in the stomach will double in bulk and result to vomiting. Being voracious eaters; dogs will eat even non-food objects. Vomiting that is caused by eating toxic substances and inedible objects that can cause intestinal blockage would need immediate medical attention.

Chronic or intermittent and long term bouts of vomiting can be an indication of a medical concern. Food allergies can cause long term vomiting. Other diseases like pancreatitis, hepatitis, parvovirus, distemper and intestinal parasite infestation can make the dog vomit from time to time.

Vomiting in itself is not a disease; rather it is a symptom of a condition. A vomiting pet may not require any treatment. Except for the ingestion of poisonous substances, vomiting caused by the dog’s dietary indiscretion usually resolves by itself. Withholding food (but not water) for 24 hours is the common management for acute vomiting as this rests the stomach. After 24 hours the dog can already be given easy to digest food. Dogs with chronic vomiting must have a full clinical examination to diagnose the underlying condition.

Why do dogs vomit? Sarah’s Dogs has more answers to this question as well as first aid for dogs.

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