Common Reasons for Dogs to Vomit

Dogs vomit. It's extremely common, and if it's an isolated incident then there is probably nothing to worry about. However, if the vomiting is persistent and is accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, pain or fever, then something is wrong. There are a myriad of causes for vomiting, so it's important that your veterinarian determine the underlying cause of the vomiting so that your dog can receive proper treatment.

Dietary Reasons

Your dog may vomit if there has been an abrupt change in her diet, if she has a food allergy or intolerance, or if she has indulged in something from the yard or the garbage.

Foreign Objects

If your dog ingests a foreign object such as a toy, string, article of clothing or plastic, that object can become lodged in his stomach or intestines and cause vomiting.

Intestinal Parasites

Parasitic infections such as hookworms and giardia can cause vomiting and a variety of other symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, weakness and dehydration.

Gastritis

Comparable to the human version of the stomach flu, your dog can contract gastroenteritis, characterized by a low grade fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting.

Bilious Vomiting Syndrome

If your dog vomits a foamy, yellow substance (bile) late at night or early in the morning, he may have a bilious stomach, which basically means he gets nauseated when his stomach is empty. Feeding a late night snack can help ease the problem.

Medication

Medications like digoxin, chemotherapy and some antibiotics can cause stomach upset and vomiting.

Resources

• Vomiting in Dogs
• Pet Health Topics: Vomiting
• Vomiting: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment