Sometimes dogs are sick for no real reason. It can be that they eat their food fast or just vomit up water after drinking. In many of these cases there is no need to consult your vet unless it becomes a regular problem.
If your pet consumes something toxic, vomiting can help to ensure it leaves the body before further illness. However there are many reasons as to why pet vomit, for example; a medical condition, an allergy, consuming solid objects or a harmful plant or food. Some can be more serious than others.
How do you know if it is serious enough to take a trip to the vets? If you are concerned, call your local vet to be sure. If the vomiting is minor you can monitor your pet at home in circumstances like:
· The illness is associated with eating grass or a non toxic plant and the animal is eating, drinking and behaving ordinarily;
· The vomiting is due to retching or gagging to produce a hairball. The vomiting should stop once it is clear. If vomiting doesn’t stop, contact your vet to discuss the symptoms further and what action you need to take;
· And finally, if the illness is due to a known food allergy, where you know what to do in this case.
Vomiting can be a sign of a serious medical issue and you should take your animal to the local vets to be certain that the illness is not life threatening. If your pet is experiencing any of the points below, a trip to the vets is advisable;
· Your pet is vomiting frequently. It is not normal for pets to be vomiting everyday and is still proceeding to consume a normal diet;
· Vomiting is associated with your pet losing weight;
· Blood is visible when vomiting. This could be a sign of stomach ulcers/stomach alteration;
· Vomiting is also associated with diarrhoea, especially when your pet is not eating or drinking. It is possible for your pet to become dehydrated very quickly when vomiting and diarrhoea are present as the body looses a lot of fluid;
· And finally if your pet is retching or gagging but no vomit is being produced and is experiencing abdominal pain, struggling to lie down or panting heavily.
One thing that can be recommended is the removal of food and for a short period, water from your pet after they have vomited. If this doesn’t help, contact the local vets.
Once the vomiting is over, giving your pet bland goods like cooked rice and chicken can help settle their stomach.