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Step 1
Remove your dog's food bowl for a few hours to give his or her stomach a chance to calm down from a vomiting spell, as a short fast is ordinarily all it takes to get his or her digestive system back on track. If the dog throws up when you reintroduce food call your vet, because this could be sign of a more serious problem.
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Step 2
Restrict access to the bathroom or keep the toilet lid closed to prevent your dog from drinking from it---it's important to prevent the reintroduction of germs into the dog's system in the first few hours of fasting. After the dog's vomiting subsides, encourage him or her to drink water, a little at a time, until he or she builds a tolerance. Excessive drinking can trigger vomiting, so be careful to not allow the dog to overconsume water.
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Step 3
Begin feeding your dog bland food for the first few hours after the fast---rice, white skinless chicken meat and cottage cheese work well. These should be given in small amounts every hour to allow the dog's stomach to adjust and to determine if he or she is able to digest the food. Again, if vomiting recurs contact your vet immediately.
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Step 4
Giving an over-the-counter antacid meant for humans may help, but consult with the vet before administering any medicine, as some over-the-counter medications are highly toxic to a domestic pet's sensitive system.
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Step 5
Inspect your dog's vomit---no, it is not pleasant to do, but if you need to make a fast trip to the vet, he or she will want to know exactly what the dog was throwing up. Also, check the dog's stool to see if it looks bloody, runny or has the consistency of finely ground dirt or coffee grounds. In any of those cases, notify your vet immediately, because normal stool should look firm and solid and light in color. Also, a strong or unnatural smell can indicate a more serious problem. Tell the veterinarian about all of the symptoms so you are sure to get a proper diagnosis and ensure a speedy recovery.
