When you’re a first-time dog owner, watching your dog vomit can be shocking. Those resounding nauseas and violent spasms, the animal’s desire to swallow its own vomit again, clean it up… And, of course, the worry about what is happening to your pet.
The truth is that it is common for dogs to go through these episodes in a timely manner and it does not necessarily indicate that your best furry friend is sick. If it is isolated vomiting or spitting up, there is nothing to worry about. But if they are repeated throughout the day it is time to go to the vet. Whatever the case, you have to monitor why it happens and take care of his diet until he is recovered.
First of all, it is necessary to differentiate between vomiting and regurgitation, since both are common in dogs. Vomiting is accompanied by nausea and efforts to expel practically digested food or accompanied by bile and can occur several hours after the last intake. Instead, regurgitation is the expulsion of undigested food, with whole pieces of food, and it happens shortly after eating.
The causes for which a dog vomits are very varied. Maybe he’s sick, infected by some stomach virus. But it can also be due to having eaten more than necessary, eating too quickly without chewing, eating after running or playing and being nervous, or running and playing right after eating. Or by eating some food in poor condition or a toxic substance, grass, dirt… Anything can upset the sensitive stomach of your dog.
If you suspect that this vomiting is due to ingesting a toxic substance, you should go to the vet immediately. You also have to pay attention to other symptoms, such as apathy, discomfort, signs of pain, constant panting, etc.
If this is not the case, you can wait to see how your pet evolves. In any case, you must fast for about eight or 12 hours. During this time, try to get him to drink water to stay hydrated, but to take it little by little.
When that period of fasting has elapsed without vomiting again, you can start giving food progressively. You will have to offer him a very small amount first to see how he feels. You can give him a special can for dogs with stomach problems, or a homemade diet. Consult your vet to find out which is the most convenient.
If you opt for a homemade diet, you can give it cooked chicken or turkey without skin, bones or salt. Accompany the meat with a little boiled rice –also without salt or spices– and some vegetables suitable for dogs, such as carrots, zucchini or potatoes. Maintain this bland diet for a couple of days and, if he does not vomit during this period, you can gradually reintroduce his usual food.
