Vomiting in dogs

How do I stop my dog from vomiting?

• Fast your dog for a few hours
• Make sure your dog has free access to fluids
• Watch to see if your dog is drinking
• Start to give your dog small portions of soft dog food
• Note that a puppy should never be starved because they become dehydrated very quickly.

Give your dog soft food

If your dog vomits but is in a good general condition, you can try a soft diet. You can make your own dog food with, for example, boiled white fish or chicken and boiled white rice or potatoes. At clinics, pet stores and pharmacies there are also special feeds and supplements that can help.

Dehydration after vomiting

A dog that vomits can lose a lot of fluid, especially young or old dogs. Check if your dog is hydrated by feeling the gums, they should be smooth and not sticky. Lift the skin on the top of the head or in the neck. This skin should retract quickly, but when dehydrated, a residual skin fold is formed.

Stoppage in the intestine

A cause of vomiting could be that your dog has swallowed an object that is stuck in the stomach or intestine. Dogs can swallow anything from dog toys, to socks and shoelaces. There can also be damage to the intestinal mucosa and perforation of the intestine.

If your dog has an object lying and "sloshing around" in their stomach, it can have symptoms similar to chronic vomiting. If you suspect a blockage in your dog's gastrointestinal tract, it is important that you see a veterinarian.

Surgical intervention

To remove a foreign object, a surgical procedure is performed by opening the intestine or stomach to extract the object. Never try to make your dog vomit at home.

Other causes of vomiting

Vomiting is one of the most common dog health issues, however if your dog doesn't get better despite fasting and a special diet, or has constant relapses, you should seek help from a veterinarian. There may be an underlying cause for the stomach and intestinal problems that needs targeted treatment.

When should I see a vet?

• If your dog's general condition deteriorates (fever, very lethargic or dehydrated)
• If you suspect that your swallowed a foreign object
• If your dog vomits water even though it only receives small amounts
• If your dog is very young or old and quickly becomes dehydrated.
• If the vomit is mixed with blood
• If it does not go away despite fasting and a special diet or if the dog relapses.
• If you are unsure whether a visit to the vet is necessary, you can always use the Agria app for an initial assessment.
• Puppies may need veterinary care at an earlier stage than an adult dog.

Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime pet insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.