Reviewed by Dr Katie DavisonBVMS MRCVS - RCVS Recognised Advanced Veterinarian
An occasional vomit isn't unusual in dogs - they're famous for eating things they shouldn't. But vomiting can also be the first sign of something serious, and it's not always easy to tell the difference from home.
This guide explains the common causes, what you can safely do, and - most importantly - the red flags that mean you should call us straight away.
Common reasons dogs vomit
- Dietary indiscretion - eating scraps, rubbish, grass or something off
- A sudden change of food, or eating too fast
- Intestinal worms or other parasites
- Infections, or eating a toxin (chocolate, rat bait, some plants)
- A swallowed object stuck in the stomach or gut
- Longer-term illness - kidney, liver, pancreatitis or other conditions
Call us now if your dog has any of these
Some situations can't wait. Phone us on 07 870 2696 straight away - day or night - if your dog is vomiting and also shows any of the following:
- Repeated vomiting, or can't keep water down
- A bloated, hard or painful belly, or is retching without bringing anything up
- Blood in the vomit, or it looks like coffee grounds
- Weakness, collapse, pale gums or laboured breathing
- You know or suspect they've eaten a toxin or a foreign object
- A puppy, a senior dog, or a dog with an existing health condition
What you can safely do at home
If your dog is otherwise bright, has vomited only once or twice, and none of the red flags above apply, it's reasonable to watch them closely for a few hours. Take away food for a short period, offer small amounts of water often, and then reintroduce small bland meals if they settle.
If the vomiting continues beyond that, keeps recurring, or you're at all unsure, it's always safer to call. We'd far rather talk it through than have you wait on something that matters.