Should You Be Concerned if Your Dog Is Vomiting?

When your pooch vomits (hopefully while outdoors), it's not necessarily a huge cause for concern. Of course, the frequency of vomit, along with the nature of vomit your dog has produced, can signify a problem. Read on to learn more about how to know when vomiting is no longer a casual symptom to ignore. 

Your Dog's Behaviour

Noting your dog's behavior before and after they vomit can be helpful in assessing the situation. If your dog doesn't seem troubled once they've finished, it's more likely that they've eaten something that didn't agree with them, and their body is now expelling the irritant. It's often just a matter of cleaning up their vomit, and then it's back to business as usual.

Signs of a Problem

Isolated, infrequent instances of vomiting can just be part of life when you're a dog parent. But when vomiting becomes frequent and occurs in conjunction with other symptoms, then it can be a sign that your dog needs veterinary assistance. What should you be looking for?

Blood in the Vomit

Yes, it's unpleasant, but it's wise to take a look at your dog's vomit. Blood in the vomit can indicate that they've swallowed a foreign object. Blood won't necessarily be bright red, and darker spots can be caused by internal bleeding, likely originating somewhere in your dog's gastrointestinal tract. Your dog is likely to show signs of distress and can require emergency veterinary services.

Frequency of Vomiting

Even when no blood is present in their vomit, the frequency of vomiting can demonstrate a deeper problem. Repeated, frequent vomiting should be assessed by a vet, as should projectile vomiting. Any changes to their defecation and urination that happen concurrently with vomiting can suggest a potential gastrointestinal disorder and should be checked by a vet immediately.

At the Veterinary Surgery

The vet will hydrate your dog to offset the dehydration caused by vomiting. It's often difficult to pinpoint the cause of vomiting in dogs without diagnostic testing, so your dog may require an x-ray, along with blood tests. An ultrasound might be performed if an abnormal growth is suspected. Many causes for increased vomiting are benign, but the vet will need to make a formal diagnosis before treatment can begin.

If your dog vomits, it should certainly be noted. If the vomit contains blood or begins to increase in intensity, take your dog to local emergency vet services.

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