Is your dog vomiting? Find out more about the reasons for this!
Are you a proud pooch parent? If you are, then there is also a high chance you went downstairs at some point only to step into a pile of yellow dog vomit. Yeah, we know that this is an unpleasant sight (and smell), and generally no one worries about it if the dog seems to be fine. But should you be worried?
It is true that occasional vomiting might not be a cause for alarm, but when does it signal something more serious? There are many reasons behind this, and we are here to help you decide if there is something serious or not.
Dogs are vomiting for a variety of reasons, such as harmless food intolerances and stomach bugs, but there are also poisoning and life-threatening conditions, like bloating or organ failure, that are causing such symptoms.
Ignoring persistent vomiting could put your dog’s health at risk, and this is why you should be ready for it. In this article, we’ll break down some of the most alarming reasons your dog might be vomiting, and this will help you decide if you should take immediate action or not.
Gastritis or gastroenteritis
Dogs have a habit of eating things they shouldn’t. Be it leftovers from dinner that they found in the trash or a mysterious object they encountered on the ground, they are curious, and they will eat whatever they can find.
Unfortunately, something that might seem to be just a stomach upset can quickly turn into a more serious case of gastritis or gastroenteritis. This is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines and can lead to various symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
For example, viral and bacterial infections both can trigger vomiting in dogs, and if this keeps happening, it can lead to dehydration and major discomfort. When your pup is unable to hold on to water, this is the moment when you know things are getting dangerous. If they are also experiencing diarrhea and lethargy, it’s time for a vet visit.
Leaving gastroenteritis or gastritis untreated is not a good idea because the complications that can appear are many times life-threatening. It is true that some infections resolve on their own, but most of them don’t, and they require fluids, anti-nausea medication, and antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection.
Obstruction
As we already said, pups are incredibly curious, and they are eager to eat almost anything. Being curious is not bad, but this can make them swallow things they really shouldn’t. Socks, bones, stones, balls, and even children’s toys are just a few of the dangerous items that can end up in the stomach of your dog.
There are lucky dogs that manage to pass the foreign objects on their own, and nothing bad happens, but there are many cases when a hair tie creates too much trouble that the life of the dog is in danger.
When such an object gets stuck inside your pup’s intestines, it can create lots of pain and create a blockage. Vomiting is often the first warning sign, but there are also other indicators such as lethargy, whining or groaning, stretching out in discomfort, and regurgitating water after drinking.
For example, if the blockage is severe, you might notice that your pup is no longer defecating. Also, the object sometimes lingers in the stomach rather than passing through, and this will cause vomiting that doesn’t go away on its own.
Never let an obstruction go untreated because this can be incredibly dangerous. If you suspect that your pup has eaten something they shouldn’t have and this is causing problems, take them to the vet as fast as possible. X-rays or ultrasounds can help identify the problem, and then the doctor can treat them appropriately.
Liver disease
The liver is the one filtering toxins, aiding digestion, and supporting metabolism. But this powerful and important organ is also vulnerable, and when it is affected, the first warning signs tend to be subtle. This means there is more room for the problem to slowly develop.
As soon as things get serious, the first concerning symptom is probably vomiting, especially yellow bile. When your dog’s vomit has a yellowish color, you know that liver problems might be at play. If this happens only occasionally, then this is not that alarming, but if it keeps happening, you should take your dog to the vet.
Sometimes there are also symptoms that point to liver disease. You might notice your dog’s skin, gums, or even the whites of their eyes turning yellow. This is known as jaundice and is a clear sign that something is not working well and the liver is affected.
Liver disease can be caused by infections, toxins, genetic disorders, or even cancer, and without treatment, it can progress to liver failure. So, keep in mind that early diagnosis is essential if you want to keep your dog safe.
Bloat
This is also known as gastric dilation and is one of the most dangerous emergencies a dog can face. Why? It strikes suddenly, progresses rapidly, and, without immediate treatment, can be fatal.
This condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas, and if things are really bad, it can twist on itself. The breeds that are predisposed to this are large, deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, Dobermans, and German Shepherds. The risk is the highest right after they eat or when they exercise.
The stomach expands, and as this happens, it applies pressure on the blood vessels and the lungs. If the stomach twists, the blood supply to the stomach, spleen, and pancreas can be totally blocked, and this can easily lead to tissue death and toxic shock.
The good part is that bloat can be easily recognized because the symptoms are sudden and severe. The motion of vomiting without bringing anything up is also common. Other signs can be restlessness, excessive drooling, and signs of pain. Also, as soon as you notice any symptoms, you need to take caution because every second counts.
Poisoning
This is another reason the curiosity of your pup can be incredibly dangerous. When they eat random things, poisoning can be a real threat. Poisoning is one of the most common causes of vomiting in dogs. And many times the dangers that cause poisoning can be easily found in our homes and gardens.
For example, lilies and grapes are very toxic for dogs. Then human medication and common household products might seem harmless for us, but for our dogs, they are incredibly dangerous.
If your dog is vomiting yellow bile and you know they have a history of scavenging, you should be aware that poisoning can be a real threat. This is a clear sign that the water and food are rejected by the body due to poisoning.
There are some poisons, such as chocolate, xylitol, or antifreeze, that can cause very severe symptoms very quickly. Others, like plants or spoiled food, might lead to slower but still serious issues. The conclusion is that you should act rapidly no matter what.
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If you found this article useful you should also read: 3 Most Toxic Dog Food Brands… and What to Trust Instead!
