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A while back, we posted about dog poop, and it turned out, people really wanted to know about it! Today we want to talk to you about dog vomit – why it happens, what you can do, and when you should be concerned. Some dogs vomit more than others. It’s never a good thing, but it doesn’t always require rushing to the vet. Some common causes are exercising immediately after eating, food allergies, motion sickness, swimming, toxic or rancid food, behavioral issues, bloat, and other serious conditions.
If your dog is active and alert and just threw up one time, just monitor them. You don’t necessarily call your vet right away (unless this is really unusual for your dog). Keep an eye on them though – if they start to appear sick or vomit more than once it’s worth a call to see what your vet thinks. Call immediately your dog is acting strangely or if:
- The contents contain blood
- They are trying to vomit but nothing is expelled
- The gums are pale or yellow
- Your dog also has diarrhea
- You suspect your dog could have eaten something toxic
- The vomiting is recurring
Try to limit your dog’s play time or activity for an hour or so after eating a meal to prevent regurgitation or bloat (more serious). All dogs are different and may need longer or shorter. Some dogs may be able to handle treats or a snack on a long hike or run, it just depends. This is especially good to know at Leash Your Fitness where our dogs are very active! If you can, try to plan their meals around class and event times to prevent an uncomfortable situation for your pup.
If your dog throws up and it doesn’t appear to be serious, some remedies are to wait to feed them until they appear to be settled, give them some ginger or chamomile herbal tea to calm their stomach, give them a bland diet for a while, and keep them calm when they do eat. Your vet may have other remedies as well, so talk to them.
Why does my dog eat grass?
Most of us have heard that dogs eat grass to settle their stomachs. This is one possible reason, but did you know there are others?
Most pet experts believe this is not a harmful behavior, which is good news if you were worried about your dog’s grazing habits. If they do have an upset tummy, they may eat it to tickle the throat and induce vomiting. But sometimes they may graze to scavenge – it’s possible your dog could use more veggies or fiber in their diet. Or maybe they just like the texture, or are bored. It could also be associated with a compulsive/anxious behavior, in which case you may want to seek advice from a veterinary behaviorist. In general though, grass eating is not something to be too concerned about unless it’s an unusual behavior for your pet or they are acting strangely otherwise. So as long as there’s nothing toxic in the grass, let your pup eat their favorite salad now and then!
As a side note, here is a helpful infographic to remember what to NEVER feed your dog!
This blog is not meant to provide medical advice. If you have any concerns about your dog, always call your vet.
Sources: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2090&aid=3574
