Dogs are beloved members of our family, and seeing them feeling sick can be distressing. Witnessing your dog vomiting is even worse! That’s why today we’re discussing the types of vomiting in dogs and their possible causes.
Vomiting vs. Regurgitation
Before diving into the types of vomiting, it’s important to differentiate between vomiting and regurgitation. Vomiting involves expelling contents from the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. In contrast, regurgitation involves expelling contents from the esophagus.
Vomiting usually consists of digested or partially digested food mixed with stomach liquids, often yellow or foamy, and may contain blood. The cleanup is quite challenging due to the awful smell.
Regurgitated contents, on the other hand, are usually undigested, dry, and easy to clean, with a distinct food smell. They may take the shape of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
Types of Vomiting and Possible Causes
Here are the most common forms of vomiting in dogs and their potential causes. This information will help you explain the situation to your veterinarian.
Yellow Vomit
If your dog is vomiting yellow, it’s most likely bile, a substance produced by the liver to aid in the digestion of fats. This type of vomiting often occurs when a dog has been fasting for a long time. For instance, if dinner is served too early and breakfast too late, your dog may vomit bile.
To prevent this, consider giving your pet a small meal before bedtime. If lack of appetite is the issue, consult your vet immediately, as it can indicate a range of possible illnesses.
Vomiting with White Foam
A dog vomiting white foam can be a sign of gastritis, worms, indigestion, poisoning, or ingestion of a foreign object like a toy piece, twig, sock, stone, or stuffing from a stuffed animal. This foam results from aeration of saliva when the stomach is empty.
Since lack of appetite can be due to various illnesses, it’s crucial to take your dog to the vet for a proper diagnosis.
Vomiting Blood
A dog vomiting blood is a serious concern and should be treated as an emergency. Bright red or black vomit indicates bleeding in the stomach, which could be due to severe gastritis, gastric perforation, ulcers, trauma, tick-borne diseases, parvovirus, or even cancer. Only a veterinarian can accurately assess and diagnose the severity of the situation.
Vomiting with Water
This type of vomiting, often referred to as “hit and run,” occurs right after drinking water. It means that giving your pet oral medication will likely induce more vomiting. Causes can include regional diseases, gastritis, acute renal failure, distemper, or parvovirus.
Immediate veterinary attention is necessary as your pet can become dehydrated quickly and will need injectable medications.
Vomiting with Food
Vomiting food shortly after meals usually occurs because the dog eats too fast, swallowing air along with the food. The stomach becomes overly dilated and expels its contents to return to normal size.
To address this, use slow feeders or serve smaller portions of food gradually. This will help your pet eat more slowly and reduce the chances of vomiting.
Vomiting in dogs can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from minor dietary issues to serious health conditions. Understanding the different types of vomiting and their potential causes can help you better communicate with your veterinarian and ensure your dog receives the appropriate care. Always consult with a vet if your dog exhibits signs of vomiting, especially if it is persistent or severe. Your veterinarian is best equipped to diagnose the underlying issue and provide the necessary treatment. By staying informed and vigilant, you can help keep your furry friend healthy and happy.