There are many reasons why your dog may vomit, and also for wanting to induce vomiting. Today, our Ocala 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
Vomiting is a common sign of an irritated stomach and inflamed intestines, or gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
While vomiting in dogs is an unpleasant and distressing sight to witness, it is your pet's way of emptying their stomach of indigestible material to prevent it from remaining in their system or reaching other areas of their body.
Causes of Vomiting in Dogs
Several things can cause a dog to vomit, and sometimes even healthy dogs will fall ill for no apparent reason and recover quickly.
It's possible that your pooch ate too quickly, consumed an excessive amount of grass, or consumed something their stomach does not agree with. This type of vomiting may occur only once and is not associated with any other symptoms. Thus, vomiting in dogs is not always caused for alarm.
That said, potential causes of acute vomiting (sudden or severe) can be related to diseases, disorders, or health complications such as:
- 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
- Vomiting and bloody diarrhea in your dog
- Seizures
Chronic Vomiting
If your dog has been vomiting frequently or has developed a long-term or chronic issue, you should be concerned, especially if you've noticed symptoms such as abdominal pain, depression, dehydration, blood, poor appetite, fever, weakness, or weight loss.
Long term, recurrent vomiting 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 require your assistance in determining the cause of your pup's vomiting based on his or her medical history and recent activities. For instance, if your dog has been curiously exploring the children's rooms or has been caught sniffing the refrigerator, he may have gotten himself into something he shouldn't have.
How to Induce Vomiting in Dogs
Panicked owners frequently Google "how to induce vomiting in dogs." Toxins not only cause gastrointestinal distress, but they can also cause serious damage when they are absorbed into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. The goal of decontamination is to remove the toxin from the body before it is absorbed. If vomiting can be induced before the toxin being absorbed by the intestines, toxicity may be avoided.
That said, dog owners should know that inducing vomiting at home is not advised except under extreme circumstances!
In addition, this should always be done under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian. Before taking this action, call your primary veterinarian or a veterinary poison control center for advice.
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 vomiting can safely bring up the majority of toxins, a few will cause additional damage when they pass through the esophagus a second time during their journey through the GI tract. Bleach, cleaning products, and other caustic chemicals, as well as petroleum-based products, are examples.
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
Note: Hydrogen peroxide should not be used to induce vomiting in cats, as it is too irritating to kitties' stomachs and can cause issues with the esophagus.
How Veterinarians Induce Vomiting in Dogs
At Paddock Park Animal Care Center, we conduct a thorough examination of your dog to determine whether the vomiting is safe for him. If it is determined that this course of action is necessary, a special medication with few side effects is used (as opposed to hydrogen peroxide). If your dog does develop any adverse reactions, we are equipped to provide appropriate care and medication.
What To Do If You Suspect Your Dog Has Ingested a Toxin
Contacting your veterinarian or Poison Control immediately after your pet consumes a toxin is the best course of action. This way, our Ocala emergency veterinarians can advise you immediately on whether to 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.
