There are many reasons why your dog may vomit, and also for wanting to induce vomiting. Today, our Los Angeles 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.
Although it is unpleasant and distressing to see a dog vomit, it is your pet's way of clearing their stomach of undigested matter to stop it from staying in their system or getting to other parts 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 dog consumed something that upset their stomach, ate too quickly, or ate too much grass. Only once may experience this type of vomiting, and no other symptoms are present. So, when a dog vomits, there is usually no reason to be concerned.
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
- Your dog is vomiting and having bloody diarrhea
- Seizures
Chronic Vomiting
You should be concerned if your dog has been vomiting frequently or has developed a long-term or chronic problem, especially if you've noticed symptoms like 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
Based on your pup's medical history and recent activities, your veterinarian will need your help determining the cause of his or her vomiting. For example, 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
Owners who are in a panic frequently Google "how to induce vomiting in dogs." Toxins not only cause gastrointestinal distress, but they can also cause significant harm when absorbed into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. Decontamination seeks to remove toxins from the body before they are absorbed. Toxicity may be avoided if vomiting is induced before the toxin is absorbed by the intestines.
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 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
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
When you bring your dog to Rancho Park Veterinary Clinic, 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
The best course of action after your pet consumes a toxin is to call your veterinarian or Poison Control right away. In this manner, our Los Angeles veterinarians will be able to provide you with prompt advice regarding 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.