Dog Vomiting

Vomiting in dogs can range from a simple upset stomach to a sign of a serious medical condition. While an occasional vomit may not be dangerous, frequent or severe vomiting requires immediate veterinary attention. Knowing the types and symptoms helps you act quickly and protect your dog’s health.

Vomiting is a common symptom, not a disease on its own.
Causes range from dietary issues to life-threatening illnesses.
Dogs may vomit occasionally without concern, but persistent vomiting is a red flag.
Vomiting combined with diarrhea, lethargy, or blood needs urgent vet care.

Why Does My Dog Vomit?

Dog vomiting happens when the body forcefully expels stomach contents due to irritation, infection, or toxins. Common causes include eating spoiled food, sudden diet changes, parasites, or swallowing foreign objects. More serious causes include pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver disease, or parvovirus. Sometimes vomiting is triggered by motion sickness, stress, or even food allergies. The challenge is that vomiting looks the same regardless of cause, so veterinary diagnosis is often necessary.

Types of Dog Vomiting

Acute Vomiting

Sudden onset, often caused by eating something inappropriate, toxins, or infections. Needs immediate care if severe or persistent.

Chronic Vomiting

Lasts for weeks or recurs frequently. May indicate food intolerance, parasites, or chronic illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Bilious Vomiting Syndrome

Dogs vomit yellow bile, usually early in the morning or after long gaps without food. Caused by bile reflux irritating the stomach.

Projectile Vomiting

Forceful vomiting that shoots out. Often linked to blockages in the digestive system or severe disease.

Bloody Vomit (Hematemesis)

Vomit may look red (fresh blood) or dark coffee-colored (digested blood). Signals serious internal bleeding.

Foamy or Mucus Vomit

Clear foam or mucus suggests stomach irritation, acid buildup, or empty stomach vomiting.

Symptoms of Dog Vomiting

Frequent Vomiting

More than once in 24 hours is abnormal and should not be ignored.

Retching and Gagging

Dogs may heave, gag, or make choking sounds before expelling stomach contents.

Loss of Appetite

Vomiting often makes dogs refuse food or treats. Prolonged refusal can cause weakness.

Dehydration

Dry gums, sunken eyes, and lethargy are signs of fluid loss from repeated vomiting.

Abdominal Pain

Dogs may hunch, whine, or avoid being touched on the belly.

Blood in Vomit

Fresh red blood or coffee-ground material signals serious bleeding inside the digestive tract.

Diarrhea and Vomiting

A dangerous combination that may indicate infection, poisoning, or severe illness.

Excessive Drooling

Some dogs drool heavily before or during vomiting episodes, showing nausea.

Prevention & Dog Care

Prevention of Health Risks

Feed a consistent, high-quality diet and avoid giving table scraps or spoiled food. Keep harmful items and toxic plants out of reach.

Post-Vomiting Monitoring

After treatment, monitor for repeated vomiting, blood, or refusal to eat. If symptoms return, seek immediate vet care.

Dietary Support

Provide a bland diet (chicken, rice, or prescription food) for a few days. Slowly reintroduce regular food.

Limit Stress & Activity

Avoid stressful situations or travel right after illness. If your dog suffers motion sickness, discuss anti-nausea medication with your vet.

Long-Term Care

Dogs with chronic vomiting may need special diets, regular check-ups, and ongoing management for conditions like allergies or IBD.

Dog Vomiting FAQ

Anything from eating spoiled food to serious illnesses like parvovirus, pancreatitis, or kidney disease. Diagnosis is key.

If your dog vomits repeatedly, shows blood, refuses food, or seems weak, see a vet immediately.

Occasional bile vomiting may happen on an empty stomach, but frequent episodes need a vet check for underlying issues.

No. While poisoning is one cause, vomiting also results from diet changes, infections, or chronic disease.

Small portions of boiled chicken and rice, or a vet-prescribed gastrointestinal diet, are often recommended.

Vomiting is active, with retching and stomach involvement, while regurgitation is passive, with food coming up without effort.

Yes. You can explore more about dog problem and treatment on our dog page to stay informed and prepared.