Why is my dog vomiting? Causes, solutions and veterinary advice

Seeing your dog vomit can be frightening, even worrying. Sometimes benign, sometimes a sign of a more serious problem, vomiting should not be taken lightly, especially if it is repeated or accompanied by other symptoms. In this article, Televet's online veterinarians explain the main causes, when to worry, and how televeterinarian advice or an online veterinary teleconsultation can help you act quickly.

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1. Vomiting or Regurgitation: Knowing the Difference

Before looking for the cause, we must distinguish between two situations:

• Vomiting : Active expulsion of stomach contents, preceded by signs such as retching, excessive salivation, or agitation.

• Regurgitation : passive rejection of undigested food, often just after eating, without abdominal strain.

  
  

➡ Why is it important? The causes and severity vary: regurgitation is often related to a problem with the esophagus, while vomiting involves the stomach or other organs.

2. Benign causes of vomiting in dogs

Some vomiting is occasional and disappears without intervention, for example:

🍽 Overeating

Eating too large a meal or eating it too quickly can cause isolated vomiting.

🌿 Ingestion of grass

Many dogs eat grass to purge. This behavior is usually harmless as long as it is occasional.

😬 Stress or anxiety

A change of environment, a car ride, or a disturbing event can trigger a vomiting episode.

🍖 Sudden change in diet

Changing your diet without a gradual transition can irritate your stomach and cause digestive problems.

3. Medical causes requiring vigilance

Some situations require rapid consultation because they can put the dog's life in danger.

☠ Intoxication

Chocolate, grapes, xylitol, certain plants and household products can cause severe vomiting, accompanied by weakness, tremors or seizures. ⚠ Immediate veterinary emergency.

🦠 Gastroenteritis

Often viral or bacterial, it is accompanied by diarrhea, fever, and weakness. In puppies, it can quickly lead to severe dehydration.

🐛 Intestinal parasites

Worms can cause vomiting, weight loss and dull coat.

🔄 Intestinal obstruction

Caused by a foreign body (toy, bone, tissue), it causes repeated vomiting, abdominal pain and absence of stools. ⚠ Urgent surgery.

🧠 Systemic diseases

Liver, kidney, pancreatic or hormonal disorders can manifest as chronic vomiting.

4. When should you consult a veterinarian?

Consult quickly if:

• Vomiting persists for more than 24 hours.

• They are accompanied by blood, diarrhea, fever or lethargy.

• Your dog is very young, old or fragile.

• He ingested a potentially toxic product.

With Televet , you can:

• Obtain a veterinary teleconsultation to assess the emergency.

• Carry out a veterinary teleconsultation via our veterinary telemedicine service to obtain advice and treatment without having to travel.

• Be referred to a home veterinarian if a physical exam is needed but your pet cannot move.

  
  

5. What to do while waiting for the consultation?

• Remove food for 12 hours (but leave clean water available).

• Resume with a light diet (rice + boiled chicken) in small quantities.

• Monitor symptoms closely for progression.

• Do not give human medication without veterinary advice.

  
  

6. Prevent vomiting in dogs

• Introduce any dietary changes gradually.

• Avoid access to hazardous waste, plants or foods.

• Regularly administer appropriate antiparasitic treatment.

• Split meals for dogs that eat quickly.

  
  

✅ To remember

Vomiting in dogs can be benign or indicate a medical emergency. If in doubt, don't delay in seeking advice : a veterinary teleconsultation , a veterinary teleconsultation , or an appointment via our veterinary telemedicine service can allow you to act quickly and, if necessary, send a veterinarian to your home to treat your companion.

📞 Contact a Televet veterinarian now for a quick and personalized diagnosis.

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