What To Do if Your Dog is Throwing Up
When your dog is throwing up, it’s hard not to feel a rush of worry. Vomiting can range from a mild response to something they ate to a sign of a more serious health problem. As a pet parent, you know your dog best and when something feels off, it’s important to pay attention. This blog will walk you through the possible reasons your dog is throwing up, what the vomiting might look like, when it’s time to call the vet, and what to expect at your emergency visit. If your dog is throwing up and you’re in the Prosper, TX area, Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital of Prosper and Frisco is here to help with 24/7 emergency and specialty care.
Why Your Dog is Throwing Up
Vomiting is a common issue in dogs and can happen for several reasons, some mild and others more serious. Understanding the potential cause can help you communicate clearly with your veterinarian and act quickly when needed.
Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs are known for eating things they shouldn’t. Trash, table scraps, spoiled food, or even unfamiliar treats can irritate their stomach and cause vomiting. This type of vomiting might be sudden, short-lived, and not accompanied by other symptoms. However, if your dog is throwing up repeatedly, it could indicate a deeper problem.
Gastrointestinal Illness
Viruses, bacterial infections, or parasites can upset your dog’s digestive system. In these cases, vomiting may be accompanied by diarrhea, lethargy, and a loss of appetite. If your dog is throwing up and seems unwell overall, it’s best to contact your veterinarian right away.
Ingestion of a Toxin or Foreign Object
Toxic substances like chocolate, certain plants, or human medications can cause vomiting and other dangerous symptoms. Foreign objects like toys, bones, or clothing can cause blockages in the digestive tract. If your dog is throwing up and you suspect they may have ingested something harmful, contact an emergency vet like Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital of Prosper and Frisco immediately.
Types of Vomit and What They Might Mean
If your dog is throwing up, pay close attention to the color, consistency, and frequency of the vomit. This information can help your vet narrow down the cause.
Yellow or Foamy Vomit
This often indicates bile and may be related to an empty stomach or mild stomach upset. Dogs that vomit yellow liquid once in the morning may just need more frequent meals, but repeated episodes should be evaluated.
White Foam
White, foamy vomit can suggest gastrointestinal irritation or reflux. It may also appear if your dog is retching without much coming up. In some cases, this can signal a more serious condition like bloat or pancreatitis.
Bloody Vomit
Blood in vomit, whether bright red or dark and coffee-ground in appearance, is always concerning. It could point to internal bleeding, stomach ulcers, or the ingestion of something toxic or sharp. If your dog is throwing up blood, seek emergency care immediately.
Partially Digested Food
This type of vomit might suggest your dog ate too quickly, or it could indicate delayed gastric emptying. Repeated vomiting of undigested food, especially hours after eating, could be a sign of a gastrointestinal obstruction.
Acute vs. Chronic Vomiting in Dogs
When a dog is throwing up, it’s helpful to determine whether it’s a sudden (acute) issue or a recurring (chronic) condition. Both require veterinary attention but may have different causes.
Acute Vomiting
Acute vomiting comes on suddenly and may resolve quickly, especially if caused by dietary indiscretion. However, if the vomiting continues, includes blood, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it could signal a more serious issue such as pancreatitis, toxin ingestion, or intestinal blockage.
Chronic Vomiting
Chronic vomiting, which happens regularly over time, may be related to food sensitivities, chronic illness, or metabolic disorders. Dogs with underlying conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, or inflammatory bowel disease may vomit on and off over several weeks or months.
When to Contact an Emergency Vet
Some signs mean it’s time to stop wondering and start acting. If your dog is throwing up and showing any of the following symptoms, contact Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital of Prosper and Frisco right away:
- Vomiting more than once in a 24-hour period
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Lethargy or weakness
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Collapse or difficulty breathing
- Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
- Vomiting combined with diarrhea
It’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you’re not sure whether your dog’s vomiting is serious, our emergency team can evaluate the situation and help guide your next steps.
What to Expect at the Emergency Vet
When your dog is throwing up and you arrive at Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital of Prosper and Frisco, our team will begin with a thorough exam and ask for a history of your dog’s symptoms. Be prepared to provide details such as when the vomiting started, what the vomit looked like, your dog’s diet, and any possible exposure to toxins or foreign objects.
Diagnostic Testing
To identify the cause of vomiting, your veterinarian may recommend one or more of the following:
- Bloodwork to check for infection, organ function, and dehydration
- X-rays or ultrasound to look for blockages, tumors, or foreign bodies
- Fecal testing to check for parasites or viruses
- Urinalysis to screen for underlying medical conditions
Supportive Care
Once a diagnosis is made, treatment may involve IV fluids to combat dehydration, anti-nausea medication, and pain relief. In more serious cases, surgery may be needed to remove a blockage or repair internal damage.
Common Misconceptions About Dog Vomiting
Pet owners often hear conflicting information about when to worry if their dog is throwing up. Let’s clear up a few common misunderstandings:
“It’s normal for dogs to vomit now and then.”
Occasional vomiting without other symptoms may not be a reason to panic, but it’s never something to ignore. Dogs don’t vomit as casually as some people think. Frequent or intense episodes usually signal a medical problem.
“If they’re still eating, they must be fine.”
Some dogs continue to eat or act normally even when they’re sick. Eating doesn’t rule out a serious issue, especially if vomiting is ongoing or paired with other symptoms.
“Home remedies are just as good.”
Online tips and home remedies can delay proper treatment and may even make your dog’s condition worse. If your dog is throwing up more than once, especially with other symptoms, contact your veterinarian for a proper assessment.
Taking the Next Step for Your Dog’s Health
If your dog is throwing up, don’t wait to see if the problem resolves on its own, especially if symptoms are worsening. Vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration or reveal an urgent condition that needs treatment. Our emergency team at Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital of Prosper and Frisco is here 24/7 to provide immediate support, diagnostics, and advanced care when your dog needs it most. We understand how stressful it can be when your pet is sick, and we’re committed to working with you to get them feeling better as quickly and safely as possible. If your dog is throwing up and you’re unsure what to do next, reach out to us right away.
