Vomiting is common but can signal anything from a mild tummy upset to a serious emergency. Knowing when to act and what to watch for helps protect your dog’s health fast.
Why check out this article?
Our Top 10 must-knows about dog vomiting
One-off vomiting: Occasional vomiting, especially after eating grass, is often harmless but monitor for repeated episodes or worsening symptoms.
Grass Eating: Dogs may sometimes eat grass to induce vomiting or soothe their stomach (at times), which is usually normal if it happens infrequently.
Diet Change: Abrupt food changes/diet changes for your dog can upset digestion and can trigger vomiting; always switch diets gradually over 7–10 days.
Toxin Dangers: Chocolate, onions, grapes, and xylitol are highly toxic. Vomiting after ingestion requires immediate veterinary care. If your dog ingests any of these, text HELP to Max and call your vet.
Kidney Faliure: In older dogs, vomiting might signal renal issues. The body can’t filter waste properly, leading to nausea and even uremic ulcers in the stomach lining.
Blood in your dog's vomit: Presence of fresh or dark blood in vomit signals bleeding in the gut and requires emergency vet attention. If you see blood in your dog's vomit, text HELP to Max
Foreign Objects: Swallowing a toy, sock, or bone shard may cause your dog to vomit repeatedly. Blockages are surgical emergencies and can’t be diagnosed without imaging.
Motion Sickness: Dogs can vomit in cars or after boat trips due to balance system irritation. Travel sickness tablets for dogs can help, but check with your vet first.
Medications: NSAIDs, antibiotics, and dewormers can irritate the stomach lining or upset gut flora. Vomiting may start hours after administration and persist without food buffering.
Stress or anxiety: Some dogs vomit before vet visits or when left alone, driven by acute stress. Cortisol and adrenaline affect gut motility and acid, causing nausea or vomiting episodes.
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Summary of this article
Most vomiting is minor, but persistent or severe cases need urgent vet help.
From the experts: If your dog vomits more than twice in 12 hours or shows lethargy, pale gums, or a bloated belly, seek vet attention immediately and ask Max - delayed care can turn simple issues fatal.
Got questions? Max is hanging out on the right of your display - give him a shout!
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