Detailed Explanation of the Causes of Vomiting in Dogs and Care Methods

Sometimes dogs vomit after eating something unclean or when their stomach is upset. This is a self-protective response, and once they have vomited, they are usually fine with no major issue. However, if the vomiting persists, you should take them to see a vet.

First, you need to observe exactly what they are vomiting. If it is freshly eaten food that has not been fully digested, then there are several possibilities: the food is hard to digest, too hard, too large, or too much; if it is food that was eaten a while ago and has already been digested, then there are several possibilities: the food is unhygienic, the food is unsuitable for dogs (for example, milk, as many substances contained in milk cannot be digested or accepted by a dog's stomach and will cause them to secrete too much stomach acid), the feeding utensils are unhygienic, the dog has problems with its digestive system, the dog has too many internal parasites, and so on.

Second, you need to carefully note the time of each vomiting episode. If it is too frequent (generally, more than twice within a month can be regarded as frequent), then there is definitely a problem, and it is recommended that you take them to the hospital for a careful examination, so that any problem can be treated as early as possible.

Third, it may be that they have been infected by pathogens, such as: parvovirus, canine distemper, enteritis, and so on.

In short, there are many causes of vomiting in dogs, and it is also very likely to be a precursor to illness.

However, as long as it is not frequent vomiting, you can largely relax, because dogs also have the habit of cleaning their own fur, and when they groom themselves they lick up some hair. Part of this hair will be excreted from the body, and part of it will accumulate in their stomach, and when the accumulated amount becomes large enough, it will form the cause of vomiting in dogs.

Finally, one more reminder: if you do not feed them at fixed times, and they have a relatively large appetite, then hunger can also cause vomiting in dogs. These are just my own experience and personal views, for reference only.

The causes of vomiting are mostly related to gastritis, while the causes of diarrhea are mostly related to enteritis. If left untreated, vomiting may lead to diarrhea, and vice versa. If the dog appears obviously ill or has a body temperature higher than normal (38.5C) by more than 1C, a veterinarian should be consulted as soon as possible.

Treatment of vomiting:

If there are no more serious symptoms, fast the dog for 24 hours (fast puppies for 12 hours). Water can continue to be provided, but not too much. For small dogs, 50-100 milliliters, and for large dogs, 200 milliliters. If the dog finishes the prescribed amount of water, then the same amount of water can be given after 30 minutes, but it must not be given immediately.

If the vomiting stops, then a small amount of easily digestible, light food can be given, such as scrambled eggs. If vomiting is frequent during the episode, mix a small amount of brandy into the first meal (one teaspoon for large dogs, with the amount reduced as appropriate for small dogs). If there is no more vomiting after eating, then chicken, lean meat, or white salmon can be cooked and fed with rice mixed with the cooking liquid.

You should feed three small meals a day, rather than giving one large meal a day. On the second day, if everything is going well, then more normal food can be fed, but still in small amounts. It is best to wait another one or two days before fully returning to a normal diet. During the first four days, you should feed only about two-thirds of the usual amount.

Medication

Generally, veterinarians will not use antibiotics to treat cases of simple gastroenteritis. Aluminum hydroxide suspension is a good stomach sedative for dogs that are vomiting: for small dogs, one teaspoon three times a day; for large dogs, one dessert spoon four times a day. For dogs that are vomiting or have diarrhea, kaolin, morphine, or a compound preparation of kaolin and pectin can also be given (refer to aluminum hydroxide for the dosage). It is best to have at least one of these medications on hand.