Treatment of Vomiting in Dogs and Puppies
Caring for a Vomiting Dog or Puppy - Home Treatment Versus Vet Care
Apr 29, 2009
Most dogs will experience vomiting at one time or another. Vomiting can have various causes and can be transient and mild or serious and even life-threatening.
What is Vomiting?
Vomiting is defined as the forceful expulsion of the contents of the stomach and upper part of the small intestinal tract. These contents travel up through the esophagus and out of the mouth when a dog or puppy vomits. Vomiting may be accompanied by nausea, excess drooling and apprehension on the part of the dog.
Treating Vomiting in a Dog or Puppy - When to Contact the Veterinarian
If vomiting in a dog or puppy is mild and the pet is still active, bright and alert and seems to be feeling well otherwise, it may be possible to treat the vomiting at home. However, some causes of vomiting can be quite serious and even potentially life-threatening. If a pet is lethargic, depressed or showing signs of dehydration, veterinary care is recommended for the dog or puppy. If the vomiting is persistent or is accompanied by severe diarrhea, veterinary care should sought.
Home Treatment for a Vomiting Dog or Puppy
If a dog or puppy is vomiting and it has been determined that the symptoms are mild and do not require veterinary care, the first thing to do is to take all food and water away from the vomiting dog or puppy. This will allow the dog's stomach and intestinal tract time to recover from the insult which caused the vomiting. Allow at least six to eight hours without offering food or water to the dog or puppy.
If the vomiting is still persistent after the initial six to eight hour fasting period is complete, it is time to contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment for your dog or puppy. Your dog or puppy requires veterinary intervention if the vomiting has not stopped after this length of time.
If the dog or puppy has gone six to eight hours without vomiting and is still acting normally otherwise, it is time to introduce a small amount of fluid to the dog or puppy. The fluid should be in the form of a clear liquid such as:
- water (ice cubes can be used as well)
- Gatorade
- Pedialyte
- other electrolyte solution
Offer the clear fluids in small quantities every two to three hours over the course of the next 12-24 hours. Do not allow the dog or puppy to gulp large amounts of the water or other clear liquids at one time. This will promote further vomiting. Small amounts of clear fluids given frequently will keep your dog or puppy hydrated and help return him to normal health.
If your dog or puppy has held down the fluids and has not vomited for 12-24 hours, it is time to introduce a small amount of a bland food. As with the fluids, offer small amounts frequently at 2-3 hour intervals. Do not allow the dog or puppy to ingest a large meal all at one time.
Once the dog or puppy has recovered from the vomiting, he can be slowly transitioned back to the regular diet and feeding schedule.
What Should Not be Done for the Vomiting Dog or Puppy
Never administer any over-the-counter medications to your dog or puppy without seeking advice from your veterinarian. Though there are over-the-counter medications which are safe for dogs and puppies, there are some which can be harmful. Doses for dogs and puppies are usually different than dosages used in people as well. In addition, a vomiting dog or puppy may not be able to hold down oral medications.
Following these steps is often all that is necessary to help a dog or puppy recover from common, minor causes of vomiting. However, if vomiting continues or other symptoms appear, veterinary care should be obtained for the dog or puppy.
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