Vomiting in Dogs: Causes, Diagnosis, Prevention, Treatment
Quite often, we have to deal with an unpleasant situation: a dog begins vomiting without apparent reason. Vomiting is an important defense mechanism, a reflex that helps the body quickly expel toxic substances or foreign objects. The same happens with dogs: when a certain level of stimulation is reached in a specific part of the brain (called the ‘area postrema’), this reflex triggers different phases. It involves the jaw, esophagus, diaphragm, abdomen, abdominal muscles, and breathing.
This is not always a cause for concern. It’s a temporary condition that often resolves on its own. However, if your furry friend vomits frequently, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian.
How vomiting starts in dogs:
- Nausea: In the first stage, the dog swallows frequently, whines, squirms, licks its lips, drools, and sometimes yawns. The increased salivation coats the esophagus walls, preparing them for the stomach’s acidic contents. During this phase, dogs often eat grass before the actual vomiting occurs.
- Retching movements: In the next stage, the dog’s abdominal muscles and diaphragm contract while the larynx and jaws stay closed. Pressure builds, forcing the stomach contents upward through the esophagus.
- Vomiting: At this point, the dog expels the contents of the stomach. The epiglottis closes the larynx to prevent the stomach’s contents from entering the airways. Vomit usually consists of partially digested food and gastric juices with traces of bile.
Causes of Vomiting in Dogs
The vomiting reflex is controlled by the area postrema in the brain, which can be triggered by various parts of the body. Receptors in almost every organ can stimulate this reflex.
Some of the most common causes of vomiting include:
- Overeating or eating too quickly
- Eating spoiled food or food intolerance
- Ingesting a foreign object
- Poisoning or intoxication
- Gastrointestinal inflammation
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
- Infectious diseases (parasites, viruses, bacteria)
- Liver disease
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Addison’s disease
- Tumors
It’s important to distinguish between sporadic vomiting, which usually isn’t a cause for worry, and recurrent vomiting. Additionally, acute vomiting occurs suddenly and lasts less than two weeks, often resolving on its own. Chronic vomiting, lasting more than two weeks, requires veterinary attention, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
Stimuli may also come from higher centers in the central nervous system (CNS). In such cases, vomiting can be triggered by conditions like encephalitis or CNS tumors. Even fear, extreme stress, and certain strong odors can have the same effect. Balance disturbances, such as middle or inner ear infections, can also stimulate the area postrema.
Other triggers include toxic substances that cause nausea or vomiting when ingested. Some substances produced by metabolic disorders or certain medications can also reach the area postrema through the blood and induce vomiting. In most cases, vomiting is a symptom of inflammation or over-expansion of internal organs, primarily affecting the digestive system.
If vomiting attempts are unsuccessful, it may indicate a foreign body in the larynx. If blood is visible in the vomit, immediate veterinary care is crucial.
Diagnosing the Causes of Vomiting in Dogs
Since vomiting can be caused by various factors, multiple tests may be necessary to determine the cause. Discussing your dog’s diet and the time between eating and vomiting with a veterinarian is essential. It’s also important to differentiate between vomiting and regurgitation, the latter being a passive reflux of food.
After this preliminary discussion, the vet will conduct a clinical examination. If abnormalities are found, additional tests such as blood tests, stool analysis, x-rays, or ultrasounds may be required. In cases of chronic vomiting, endoscopy or diagnostic surgery may also be indicated.
Treatment: What to Do When Your Dog Vomits
Occasional vomiting without other symptoms usually doesn’t require treatment. It’s advised to withhold food for 12-24 hours, ensuring your dog has access to fresh water to stay hydrated. If the vomiting persists, but the dog is otherwise healthy, a veterinarian may prescribe antiemetics. The vet may also suggest a diet based on light foods.
However, if symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or abdominal pain are present, further investigation is required to treat these symptoms and identify the underlying cause. Chronic vomiting is often a sign of a serious illness, which will need to be addressed by a professional.
Preventing Vomiting in Dogs
Dogs sometimes eat questionable substances from the street or quickly gulp down food. It’s essential to prevent the ingestion of foreign objects or potentially toxic materials. Many dogs don’t tolerate sudden changes in diet or food types well, so avoid switching food too quickly.
If you decide to change your dog’s diet, transition gradually over a couple of weeks. Be cautious in winter as dogs can’t resist eating snow, which may cause gastrointestinal problems.
