Dog Vomiting After Eating

Vomiting after eating often means a dog has eaten too fast

Vomiting is common in dogs and usually does not suggest a medical problem. Note, however, the frequency of your dog's vomiting and watch your dog carefully after it vomits for any signs of illness.

Causes

Eating too quickly is often the cause of a dog vomiting after eating. Motion sickness can also cause a dog that has recently eaten to vomit. Other, more serious, causes can be stomach and upper intestinal tract diseases or the accumulation of toxic substances in the blood due to the disease of another internal organ.

Simple Solutions

To prevent a dog from eating its meal too quickly, place a tennis ball in the dog's bowl. The dog will have to eat around the tennis ball, which will slow it down. Feeding smaller meals more frequently will also help. Avoid feeding your dog before a car ride to prevent vomiting caused by motion sickness.

Concerns

Repeated vomiting after a meal suggests an underlying medical condition, such as gastritis. Cancer, an intestinal blockage, parasites or bloat can cause gastritis.

Medical Help

Vomiting after eating does not usually suggest the need for medical help. If the vomiting is repeated or severe--or is coupled with other symptoms like fever, seizures or lethargy--see a vet as soon as possible.

Cleaning

A dog that has regurgitated food will more than likely try to eat the vomit after it has come up. To prevent this, pick up the vomit and clean the area as soon as the dog has regurgitated the food.

References

• Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine: Vomiting
• Dog Owner's Guide: Intestinal Upsets