Like diarrhea, vomiting happens to almost every dog at some point. A dog that vomits once and then acts completely normal is usually not a cause for concern. A dog that can't stop, is vomiting blood, or is visibly unwell needs prompt attention.
Common causes:
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Eating too fast (regurgitation right after eating is common in fast eaters, a slow-feeder bowl helps)
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Dietary indiscretion, garbage, rich or fatty food, something from the ground
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Motion sickness
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Intestinal parasites
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Viral or bacterial infection
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Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by fatty foods
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Foreign body obstruction, a toy, sock, bone, or other object stuck in the stomach or intestines
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Toxin ingestion
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Kidney or liver disease, Addison's disease, or other systemic conditions
Home care for mild vomiting:
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Withhold food (but not water) for 12 hours
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Offer small amounts of water frequently, ice chips can help if they're vomiting water too
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After 12 hours without vomiting, offer a bland diet (boiled chicken and rice) in small portions
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If no further vomiting, gradually return to regular food over 2–3 days
Call your vet same-day if:
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Vomiting continues for more than 24 hours
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Your dog vomits more than 3–4 times in a day
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There is blood in the vomit (red) or digested blood (looks like coffee grounds)
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Vomiting is accompanied by lethargy, abdominal pain, or fever
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Your dog seems to be trying to vomit without bringing anything up (a sign of bloat, emergency)
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You know your dog ate something potentially toxic
Repeated, unproductive retching with a distended abdomen is a bloat emergency, go immediately.