Watching your dog become ill can be distressing, but it doesn’t always mean that you have to rush into the animal hospital. While some causes of vomiting in dogs are serious and certainly require the attention of a veterinarian, others may simply be a result of ingesting something unsavory. Here to help you determine the seriousness of the situation is the caring team from Crescent Springs Animal Hospital. Based in Crescent Springs, KY, their friendly staff is committed to providing affordable, high-quality care for pets throughout the area.

Oftentimes, a dog may lick its lips, drool, or swallow excessively before vomiting. Keep in mind that throwing up should not be confused with regurgitation, which occurs when undigested food is spit out without any abdominal effort. While the former could have many different causes, the latter may be a result of an esophageal condition.

If your dog has vomited, the cause may be from eating something that didn’t agree with them or even something as simple as motion sickness. It could also point to an infection, exposure to toxins, parasites, an obstruction, or other potentially serious conditions. Should your dog appear lethargic, vomit frequently, or exhibit signs of dehydration such as decreased urination or diarrhea, seek help from your local animal hospital promptly. Additionally, swelling or pain in the abdominal region warrants immediate veterinarian attention as well as the presence of blood or bright green colors in vomit or stool.

On the other hand, if your dog has vomited one or two times but appears to be otherwise healthy, you can try taking away food or water for a period of up to eight hours. If your dog doesn’t vomit again in that time, you can gradually introduce small amounts of water, followed by a small meal after 12 hours. Consider offering your dog boiled chicken and white rice, which is easy on the stomach. After two days, you can begin mixing your pup’s regular food back into their diet with the chicken and rice mixture.

If your dog begins vomiting again or if you have any concerns about their health whatsoever, it’s best to rule out any serious issues and go straight to the animal hospital. If you have a pet emergency, call the attentive team at Crescent Springs Animal Hospital at (859) 331-6608 for prompt assistance. You can also learn more about their services by visiting the facility’s website.