What To Do When Your Dog Is Throwing Up
Watching your dog vomit can be one of the most stressful moments as a pet owner. You see your furry friend gag, retch, or hurl, and your first instinct is to panic. It’s completely normal to feel worried—it’s not exactly a pleasant sight. But the key here is to stay composed and think clearly. Panicking won’t help your dog, and catching the mess with your bare hands is just going to make you feel worse. Take a deep breath and remember that vomiting is a symptom, not always an emergency, though sometimes it can be serious.
Stay Calm, Your Dog Needs You!
It might be easier said than done, but staying calm is the first step. Your dog can pick up on your energy, and if you’re panicking, it can make them more anxious too. Take a moment to pause and assess the situation. Ask yourself: is this a one-off incident, or is it something that has been happening repeatedly? Sometimes, dogs vomit just because they ate too fast or tried something new, but other times, it can indicate illness.
Check the Vomit (Yes, You Really Need to!)
I know it sounds gross, but you have to look. Think of it like being a detective. Checking your dog’s vomit can give you clues about what’s going on. Was it just their food, or did you spot something unusual like hair, grass, or even a sock they shouldn’t have eaten? Noting these details can be really helpful when you speak to your vet later. Keep a small notebook or your phone handy to jot down what you see—it can save a lot of back-and-forth later.
When to Call the Vet
Not every vomiting episode is a cause for panic, but there are certain situations where you shouldn’t hesitate to call the vet.
- Repeated Vomiting: If your dog keeps vomiting more than once, it’s time to get professional advice.
- Vomiting with Blood: Any blood in the vomit is a red flag and requires immediate attention.
- Abdominal Pain: If your dog seems uncomfortable, whines, or shows signs of stomach pain, don’t wait.
- Additional Symptoms: Watch for lethargy, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. If these appear alongside vomiting, it’s a serious concern.
Trust your instincts—if your dog seems off, it’s better to call than risk waiting too long.
What to Do Next
If the vomiting seems mild and there are no alarming signs, there are a few things you can do at home to help your pup feel better.
- Fasting: Give your dog a break from food for around 12 hours. It’s tough to resist those pleading puppy eyes, but this rest helps their stomach settle.
- Introduce Bland Food: After fasting, offer small amounts of simple, easy-to-digest food. Boiled chicken and rice is a classic choice that most dogs tolerate well. Keep portions small at first and gradually increase if they handle it.
- Hydration is Key: Make sure fresh water is available, but offer it in small amounts frequently rather than letting them gulp a lot at once. Staying hydrated is essential for recovery.
Keep an Eye Out!
After taking these steps, observation is critical. Watch your dog closely over the next 24 hours. Are they keeping food and water down? Are they returning to their normal playful, happy self? If everything seems back to normal, you’re likely in the clear. But if vomiting continues or they show other worrying symptoms, it’s time to call the vet again. Being attentive during this period can make a big difference in catching problems early.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
Once your dog has recovered, it’s a good idea to focus on prevention to avoid future vomiting incidents.
- Watch Their Diet: Make sure your dog isn’t getting into things they shouldn’t—human food, trash, or items that could upset their stomach.
- Regular Vet Visits: Routine check-ups help catch any underlying issues before they become serious.
- Limit Access to Hazardous Materials: Keep cleaning supplies, medications, and certain human foods out of reach. Puppy-proofing your home helps prevent accidents and keeps their digestive system happy.
By keeping an eye on what your dog eats, maintaining regular vet care, and making your home safe, you can significantly reduce the chances of another messy episode.
Final Thoughts of What To Do When Your Dog Is Throwing Up
Vomiting can be stressful for both you and your dog, but staying calm, observing carefully, and knowing when to act can make the situation manageable. Every dog is different, so paying attention to their behavior and keeping them safe, hydrated, and comfortable is the best approach. And remember, even with all the messes and worries, the bond you share with your dog makes every challenge worth it.
