Have you been through days when your canine friend throws up? Can you recall a time when your dog vomited got you worried? Do not worry. It is common for dogs to puke. Overeating and unhealthy human food are some of the reasons that cause dogs to vomit. However, as a pet parent, you must not ignore the signs of acute vomiting in dogs that can lead to serious health issues that require medical attention.
We bring you an essential guide to help you understand your dog’s health so that you can investigate and get the vet’s suggestions when needed. Learn more about the causes of vomiting in dogs and home remedies to relieve dog vomit:
Causes of Vomiting: Unhealthy human food, overeating, eating toxic substances are some of the causes that make dogs sick and throw up. Nevertheless, there are times when dogs may vomit without any apparent reason and this is a call for concern. Therefore, it is highly suggested to the pet parents to distinctly analyze the dog vomit before cleaning it up.
Now let’s discuss some major reasons that lead dogs to throw up.
Dietary causes Dietary indiscretion is one of the common causes of dogs to vomit. Changes in the diet plan or eating from the trash can make dogs vomit. However, you must pay attention to your dog’s behavior after puking to check whether he or she feels fine or not. Mostly, it is indigestion that can cause dogs to vomit and dogs certainly feel better after throwing up all the dirt. Nevertheless, observe your dog for two to three days for more vomiting or any other illness.
Health issues Ingestion, gastrointestinal obstruction, toxin, pancreatitis are some of the health issues that can make dogs vomit. Not just this, but vomit can also be caused by lethargy, diarrhea, or loss of appetite in dogs. Therefore, it becomes utmost important for pet parents to understand and examine the reasons behind their dog's vomit.
Motion Sickness Yes, motion sickness can make dogs vomit too. Therefore, it would be appropriate for you to consult your vet about the medicine before taking your dog on a trip to reduce motion sickness. It is suggested to feed your dog a little less before travelling. You can also try the old school method as humans do. Roll down the windows and make your dog feel the fresh air. You can also try giving your dog some powdered ginger to ease the gut. Use vegetable capsules instead of gelatin capsules or the pill may not dissolve quickly enough.
Options for treating dog vomit There are two options for treating dog vomit. Some home remedies have proven to be beneficial in curing dog’s vomit. However, some conditions that require professional help and thus it becomes imperative for pet parents to consult vets.
Below are the mentioned conditions that showcase when home remedies and consulting a vet are beneficial:
Conditions in which home remedies are sufficient –
- Dog vomited once or twice
- The dog is still bright and cheerful after vomiting
- Dog vomit is not progressing quickly
Conditions in which you go straight to the vet –
- Excessive drooling after vomiting
- Blood in stool or watery diarrhoea
- Aged dog
- Dog acting lethargic after vomiting
- Lack of appetite after vomiting
- Your dog is vomiting repeatedly
- Already sick dog who doesn't have the strength to handle even a normal bout of vomiting
Ways to help your dog to get through the vomiting phase
There are ways to provide relief to vomiting dogs. These steps are proven to be useful in most of the dogs. Nevertheless, they might not work for all dogs. For such instances, seek your vet’s help immediately.
Below are the steps for treating vomiting dog –
Fasting Make your dog fast for some time to give his gastrointestinal tract (GI) some rest and time to recover after vomiting. Without food in the stomach, there would be fewer chances of vomiting. In case your dog vomits yellow bile during fasting, it means the dog is throwing up on an empty stomach. The fasting time for an adult dog is 24 hours while it is not more than 12 hours for puppies.
Feeding After the fasting period, allow your dog to have a meal. The meal must include rice with boiled chicken or boiled ground beef. Ensure you give your dogs skinless and boneless chicken to ease their stomach. Rice must be a larger part of either of the meals. You must keep your dog on this bland diet until he is healthy, active and happy. Gradually reintroduce your dog to his regular diet.
Ice chips It is highly vital to keep your dog hydrated once they have thrown up. If your dog is not able to drink the water, offer ice chips. Ice chips are less likely to trigger vomiting.
NOTE – In case your dog goes 24 hours without eating or drinking after vomiting, you must immediately seek a veterinarian.
Examining the gums In case your dog's gums have turned pale, grayish, whitish, or purple, then you must immediately take him to the vet. However, the color of a normal healthy gum is bubble pink. To check whether your friend needs a vet or not, you must press your finger on his gums. If it quickly turns whitish and then pink again, it is fine, but if it takes a few seconds to turn it back to pink, you must make him see a vet. It could be a sign of bloating, poison, or anemia.
What are the home remedies for treating vomiting in dogs? You must be wondering what you can give your dog so that he stops vomiting and feels better. Fret not! Following is the remedies or list of dog food and snacks that can relieve your furry friend from vomiting. In case your dog is still unwell, you must discontinue these remedies and make him see a vet.
Electrolytes In case your dog is unable to take down liquids, you must ask for a professional vet's recommendations for rehydration. Also, make sure that the electrolyte which you provide to your dog doesn't have artificial sweeteners like xylitol.
Ginger You can opt for dog food and snacks or tea that incorporates ginger. Ginger has an antiemetic effect that blocks the effect of serotonin receptors in the gut that causes a feeling of nausea. In case you are opting for feeling raw ginger or powdered ginger, you must first ensure the amount that is optimal for your dog.
Probiotics Adding probiotics to your dog's diet is a great option. Apart from soothing the dog's tummy in nausea, probiotics also help promote a healthy gut. Purina Fortiflora is the most recommended probiotics by the vet, which you must include in your furry friend's regular diet.
Pepto-Bismol There are various controversial theories regarding giving Pepto-Bismol to dogs. Some say it is beneficial and others say it is lethal. However, the answer is you can give your dog Pepto-Bismol but only after consulting a vet. The vet would let you know the right dosage of the medicine to treat your dog. Now Pepto-Bismol is used to treat minor cases of upset stomach, diarrhoea, nausea, and digestion-related issues. The active ingredient in the medication is bismuth subsalicylate that has antibacterial and antacid properties. This ingredient quells a hormone that causes diarrhea and layers the digestive tract to reduce the irritation that can be caused by diarrhoea and vomiting.
This over-the-counter medication is not a long-term solution for chronic digestion problems. In case, your dog experiences extreme chronic symptoms that last longer than 24 hours, do not go for Pepto-Bismol and see your veterinarian immediately.
Massage Just like humans, dogs also enjoy a relaxing massage session. Try gently rubbing his stomach, but make sure not to press. Discontinue the practice if it is causing him to throw up.
Slippery Elm Bark Slippery Elm Bark is a non-toxic herb that can be used for dogs in various scenarios. From treating indigestion to wounds, the use of slippery elm bark is safe for dogs. It is the soft part of the inner bark of a slippery elm tree. It can be given to dogs in a capsule form or can be crushed into a fine powder and mixed into food for easy ingestion. Slippery elm is a natural type of Kaopectate that works as a stomach soother. It contains a mucilage content that coats and lubricates the stomach lining. Slippery elm is often used to treat canine ulcers, colitis, and other inflammatory bowel disorders. Slippery elm has a higher content of fiber, it helps relieve both constipation and diarrhea in dogs. It reduces vomiting and nausea in dogs who may be suffering from non-gastrointestinal diseases and ailments.
Hopefully, the information is helpful to guide you when your dog is vomiting. For all interventions, check with your local veterinarian to make sure it is safe for your dog. Connect with Nibbs Club to bring happiness in your pet’s life. Order healthy and delicious treats for your dog and cats and keep them healthy and happy longer!