How to Keep a Dog From Vomiting

There are various factors that will cause vomiting in dogs. Sometimes it may be a result of a medical condition such as colitis or kidney disease-other times it may be the pet has a food allergy-or simply put her mouth where it didn't belong. Here are some ways to control vomiting.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Feed at least two meals a day. Most dogs, especially smaller dogs, do better with more than one meal. Just like humans, once a day isn't enough and can cause nausea, which in turn can cause vomiting.

2. Don't allow your dog to drink a lot of water at once, especially before a meal or after coming in from the heat. Pick the bowl up before he drinks too much.

3. Don't let your dog run or engage in vigorous play for at least an hour after a meal.

4. Try to walk your dog during cooler weather, and if it's summertime, in the early morning or evening hours is best. Hot weather can sometimes cause a dog to vomit, especially on an empty stomach.

5. If your dog vomits more than once or twice in a day and it continues, feed a bland diet. Start off with white rice and mix in a couple of tbsp. of cottage cheese for the first day or two. You can also add a tsp. or two of canned pumpkin, which helps control vomiting. If your dog won't eat this meal, you can throw in some ground beef (but make sure to rinse it after cooking to get rid of the fat). You can also use low-fat chicken or turkey, but ground beef is actually softer on digestion. Continue with the rice, cottage cheese and beef (or chicken/turkey) for a few days to keep the vomiting under control. After a few days gradually wean your dog off of this food by mixing it in with her regular food.

6. If your dog is prone to vomiting it could be from food allergies. Feed a sensitive stomach formula dog food or one with no grain, which can often cause food allergies, and thus vomiting. Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance limited ingredient, allergy-formula line consists of only one protein source (meat) and one carb source (potato or brown rice), which decreases the chances of an allergic reaction.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't allow your dog to have water for at least 4 hours prior to anesthesia and within 3 hours after. If your dog seems parched after the anesthesia you can let him have an ice cube. Withhold food for at least 12 hours before surgery and wait at least four hours after.
• Reglan (Metoclopramide) is a common drug for controlling vomiting in dogs. If your dog is prone to vomiting due to a recurring condition such as colitis, it may be a good idea to keep some on hand. It's by prescription only, so you would need to consult with your vet first. If the vet prescribes it, you would normally give one tablet every 12 hours. Another medication that isn't as strong and can be given on an ongoing basis to dogs with sensitive stomachs is Famotidine. It can be purchased over the counter as an acid reducer or prescribed by your vet. But in either case, consult with your vet first.
• Never give a dog aspirin after surgery; it can cause vomiting. There are a variety of other medications to give for pain, but consult with your vet first.
• Don't feed treats to a dog that is vomiting.
• Many dogs are allergic to chicken, which can cause vomiting. Another type of dog food such as fish or vegetarian formula (or homemade diet consisting of only vegetables or fish and vegetables) may work better.
• If your dog vomits three or more times in 24 hours or for more than a day you should seek veterinary care, because your dog is likely dehydrated and could have a more serious condition that needs to be treated. The vet may choose to replenish your dog with fluids, which is a simple office procedure and not costly.

[diggitydogg]

on 11/18/2009 Hi Pushkina, twigs and wood should definitely be off limits. It can get stuck in the his gums or throat or get lodged in the intestines. Eating grass is normal behavior for dogs. Sometimes it could be attributed to a lack of vitamins in the diet; that's why it's best to feed a quality dog food or well-balanced homemade diet. Experts are split on whether the grass makes the dog throw up or the dogs eat grass in order to throw up. Many vets believe they eat the grass when they are ill for relief or to cure indigestion or a sour stomach. In any case, if you can't stop your dog from eating small amounts of grass, don't worry. Just make sure there are no harmful chemicals or fertilizer in it and he doesn't eat too much.

[reneeesposito]

on 10/2/2009 Great article! My Malamute has generalized demodex and I used a natural remedy and switched her to Natural Balance Fish Kibble and Chicken cans. For the first time in 8 years she's down to one spot on her foot! Been on NB for 2 months now plus she's growing in! (Check my for article for before and after pics) 5* and rec'd.

[pushkina]

on 10/2/2009 our dog likes to chew twigs and pieces of wood and munch of grass. even though i stop him as soon as i see him, not all of the other family members are as vigilant. so when he does vomit, it is usually green. any ideas as to why he feels he must eat grass?

[mooby18]

on 9/28/2009 How to Keep a Dog From Vomiting is a tricky topic! Thanks for the tips, I am a dog lover and my little shih tzu does her fair share! Five star article and highly recommended!

[alexew]

on 9/28/2009 This is all good information! Thanks for taking the time to write it all down!