Vomiting isn’t uncommon in dogs, but it can be scary the first time you see it. There can be many causes, most of which aren’t serious, but it’s important to understand what they are. The staff at Wahiawa Pet Hospital on Oahu, HI, shares signs and symptoms to look for that might signal a more serious issue that requires emergency attention from a veterinarian. To prepare yourself, here are a few common causes of vomiting, as well as what you should do to handle the situation.

Common Reasons Dogs Vomit

Vomiting can be as simple as your dog eating too much to swallowing something that doesn’t agree with their stomach. These are known as benign episodes and are rarely serious unless the vomiting continues.

In more acute cases, causes can range from your dog ingesting something foreign, experiencing a medical issue like kidney failure, or dealing with bacterial infections in their intestines. In these, the vomiting is usually more frequent and might occur consistently over a period of time. These cases are also accompanied by symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, and blood in their vomit, all of which your veterinarian needs to know about.

How to Handle Vomiting

In benign, isolated cases of vomiting, your dog should recover quickly. To keep them from vomiting again, don’t let them immediately eat or drink large amounts of water, as it might upset their stomach right away. However, vomiting can cause dehydration, so provide small quantities of water shortly after.

For serious acute vomiting episodes accompanied by other symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately. It’s important that they determine the cause and begin treating it based on the diagnosis. This can have a significant effect on your pet’s health, so don’t delay seeking treatment.

Whether you need immediate care or want to keep your pet healthy for the long term, turn to a veterinarian at Wahiawa Pet Hospital for all of your pet care needs. They offer a variety of services ranging from pet boarding to dentistry and will help ensure your furry friend is in ideal health. Call (808) 621-7000 today to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about their services.