How to Treat a Vomiting Dog

Canines vomit more often than we'd like, usually due to the tasty treats they find in the garbage or lying about in the yard, but if your dog is vomiting repeatedly, he may need some help from you to sooth his stomach upset. Try a few of these techniques to ease his discomfort.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Pick up his food bowl and put it away for 12 to 24 hours to give his stomach a chance to recover from a vomiting spell. Often, an enforced food ‘fast’ will be all it takes to get his digestive system back on track. If he vomits when you reintroduce food, call your vet.
2. Close the lid on the toilet to prevent your dog from drinking during the first few hours of a food fast. After his heaving subsides, encourage him to drink, starting with small amounts at a time. Monitor his intake and don’t let him drink to excess.
3. Feed your dog bland food for the first few hours after his fast. Rice, white chicken meat with the skin removed and cottage cheese, in small amounts every hour will allow his stomach to adapt gradually to the reintroduction of food.
4. Give your pooch the same over-the-counter antacid you would take yourself. Ask your veterinarian if you can give your dog some Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate. The usual dose is one teaspoon per twenty pounds of body weight. Try letting him lick it out of a spoon.
5. Observe your dog’s vomit. No, it’s not appealing, but if you need to make a trip to the vet, he will want to know what the dog was throwing up. If stool material, blood or what looks like coffee grounds are present, call your vet immediately.
6. Soothe a dog with stomach upset by taking some time to gently pet and talk to him. Just like humans, dogs need tender loving care when they are feeling down.

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog is eating grass, he may be trying to vomit to relieve an upset stomach.
• Remember to reintroduce water after a few hours during a food fast. Your dog will need the liquids. Just start slowly.
• Vomiting after a food fast may indicate a serious disorder in your dog.
• Vomiting blood or feces is an emergency. Call your vet.
• Houseplants can be toxic to dogs. Keep them out of your dog's reach.