Definition

Vomiting is the forcible ejection of stomach contents through the esophagus and out the mouth. It is medically referred to as “emesis.” Vomiting is a sign of something going wrong inside the animal; it is not a diagnosis or disorder in and of itself.

How Vomiting Affects Dogs

Vomiting is a common central nervous system reflex in dogs. It is not the same as regurgitation, which is the passive expulsion of undigested food. Vomiting, unlike regurgitation, requires active abdominal effort, usually described by owners as “retching” immediately before “throwing up.” Vomiting can cause dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, muscle weakness, tremors, inflammation of the esophagus, aspiration pneumonia and severe malnutrition. Vomiting often is preceded by nausea evidenced by profuse salivation, licking of lips, swallowing, retching and abdominal contractions. Dogs can vomit intermittently or fairly persistently. While occasional vomiting can be normal, frequent bouts of vomiting are not. Frequent vomiting, or vomiting that is accompanied by severe, bloody or mucoid diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, depression, pain, fever or confusion warrants an immediate examination by a veterinarian. If a dog is unable to hold down even small amounts of food or water, something serious is going on, which could be an intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, poisoning, bloat or an infectious disease.

Causes of Vomiting in Dogs

There are countless causes of vomiting in dogs. In most cases, canine vomiting is the result of dietary indiscretion. Dogs may vomit after eating rancid food, foreign bodies, trash, poisonous plants or other toxic or unpleasant substances. Dogs also may vomit because of an underlying disease or medical condition, including food or other allergies. Vomiting of undigested or partially digested food more than 12 hours after it was eaten suggests a delay in the normal emptying of stomach contents. Repeated vomiting, especially if accompanied by profuse diarrhea, is a serious condition that may be attributable to gastrointestinal disease, dietary conditions, adverse drug reactions, diseases not primarily of the gastrointestinal tract, ingestion of toxins or neurologic disease, among others.

Preventing Vomiting

There is no magical way to prevent a dog from vomiting. Prevention requires removing the underlying causes of vomiting; since those are so diverse, there is no one protocol to recommend. In general, dogs should be kept away from all potentially toxic substances. They also should have regular veterinary examinations to identify any diseases or conditions that might predispose them to vomiting and its adverse consequences. Good nutrition, a healthy lifestyle with moderate exercise, lots of fresh air, warm and comfortable housing and plenty of human companionship always contribute to good health in our beloved companions.

Special Notes

Treating recurrent vomiting in dogs requires identifying and removing the initiating cause and then providing the appropriate fluids, electrolytes and medications. Owners should not panic over an occasional episode of vomiting, but may want to contact their veterinarian to see if the particular episodes warrant a visit to the veterinary clinic.