Almost every dog or cat will vomit at some point. Most of the time it passes on its own. Sometimes it is the first sign of something serious. We at Veterinary Specialist Partners see both kinds of cases every day, and this guide shares how we think about vomiting so you can make a good call at home.
When should I bring my vomiting pet in right away?
Please come in if the vomiting is severe, if your pet looks ill, or if there have been several bouts. A pet that is quiet, weak or not acting like itself needs to be seen.
Look at what comes up. Blood in the vomit, or dark material that looks like coffee grounds, is more significant than food or yellow fluid. If you see either one, bring your pet in.
A few other signs are true red flags:
- Retching without bringing anything up, especially in a large dog. This can be a sign of bloat, which is life threatening and needs care right away.
- A belly that looks swollen or feels tight.
- A puppy that is not fully vaccinated. Vomiting in these puppies raises real concern for parvovirus.
Our Louisville hospital at 11600 Main St offers emergency and urgent care every day until 10 PM. If you are worried, you can come in or call us at (502) 901-7990.
Can I watch my pet at home if they only vomited once?
Often, yes. A dog or cat that vomits one time, still wants to eat and is acting normal can likely be watched at home. Keep a close eye on them over the next day. If the vomiting comes back, or your pet starts to seem unwell, that changes things and we would like to see them.
What should I feed my dog after vomiting?
For dogs, we usually recommend holding food for 12 to 24 hours. Do not hold water. Your dog should always have access to fresh water.
After that, offer small amounts of a bland diet. Good options are boiled chicken, rice, potato or sweet potato. Skip the chicken if your dog has a chicken allergy. If the bland food stays down, slowly mix in their regular diet over a few days until they are back to normal meals.
Is it different for cats?
Yes. Cats do not handle fasting the way dogs do, so we typically do not fast them at all, or we fast them only briefly. If your cat is vomiting and you are unsure about feeding, call us and we will help you decide.
Can I give my pet something for the vomiting?
Please do not give any medication or home remedy unless a veterinarian has recommended it. Some products that are safe for people can be harmful to pets, and treating at home can also hide signs we need to see. A quick phone call to us is always the safer step.
What causes vomiting in dogs and cats?
The most common causes we see are infections such as parvovirus, a swallowed foreign object, and general gastroenteritis. That last one simply means the stomach and intestines are irritated, and we often never find an exact cause. Many of these pets ate something they should not have.
When vomiting keeps happening, we look deeper. We sort the causes into two groups.
The first group is primary GI disease, meaning the problem starts in the stomach or intestines. This includes inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, food allergies, imbalances in the gut microbiome and infection.
The second group is secondary disease, where a problem elsewhere in the body causes vomiting. Significant liver disease and significant kidney disease both fall here, along with pancreatitis. In dogs, Addison’s disease is another cause on this list. In cats, we think about hyperthyroidism in its place.
How will our team find the cause?
Every workup starts with a full physical exam. From there, our first step is usually abdominal X rays and blood work, which includes a CBC and a chemistry panel with electrolytes. These tests tell us a great deal about hydration, organ function and whether something may be stuck in the stomach or intestines.
What comes next depends on your pet. Some pets need an abdominal ultrasound. A puppy may need a parvo test. A dog with certain blood work changes may need a screening test for Addison’s disease. We will talk with you about what we recommend and why before we move forward.
What if my pet keeps vomiting on and off?
Vomiting that lasts for weeks or keeps coming back is not something to live with. It usually has a cause we can find and treat. Our internal medicine service sees pets with chronic or recurring vomiting at both our Louisville and Evansville hospitals. Evansville specialty visits are by appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a dog to vomit once in a while?
A single episode in a pet that is eating and acting normal is often not serious. Vomiting that happens often, or keeps returning, should be checked by a veterinarian.
When is vomiting an emergency?
Come in if the vomiting is severe, if there is blood or coffee ground material, or if your pet looks ill. Retching without producing anything, a swollen belly, or vomiting in an unvaccinated puppy also need care right away.
How long should I hold food from my dog?
For dogs, we usually hold food for 12 to 24 hours while keeping water available, then start a bland diet. Cats are different, and we typically do not fast them or fast only briefly.
Can I give my pet human stomach medicine?
No. Please do not give any medication or home remedy unless your veterinarian recommends it.
What tests will my pet need?
Most pets start with a physical exam, abdominal X rays, a CBC and a chemistry panel with electrolytes. Further testing depends on what we find.
Need help tonight?
If your dog or cat is vomiting and you are concerned, come see us at VSP Louisville, 11600 Main St, before 10 PM, or call (502) 901-7990. For vomiting that keeps coming back, ask to book an internal medicine consult in Louisville or Evansville.
Reviewed by Scott Rizzo, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), MBA