Identify the Cause
The first step is to determine if your dog is vomiting or regurgitating after drinking water. According to the American Kennel Club, vomiting is an active process that involves forceful abdominal contractions to expel stomach contents out of the mouth, while regurgitation is more passive and involves undigested food coming back up from the esophagus without abdominal contractions [1]. Regurgitation is often caused by issues like megaesophagus or acid reflux.
Note if your dog vomits or regurgitates right after drinking a lot of water at once. Consuming excessive amounts can lead to vomiting. Also look for triggers like vigorous exercise or play after drinking. This can cause the stomach contents to get agitated and come back up.
It’s important to identify and rule out any underlying illnesses that could be causing the vomiting episodes. Some possibilities include inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, viral infections, kidney disease, parasites, liver disease, or blockages. Get veterinary help to properly diagnose and treat any underlying condition.
Monitor Water Intake
It’s important to pay attention to how much water your dog is drinking throughout the day. Excessive drinking after meals or exercise can lead to vomiting and nausea. According to PetMD, the general rule is that dogs should drink approximately 1 ounce (1/8 cup) of water per pound of body weight per day.1 However, this amount can vary based on factors like size, age, activity level, and health conditions.
To help slow your dog’s water intake, use a slow feed bowl or puzzle feeder. This will force your dog to drink at a more gradual pace rather than gulping large amounts of water at once. Drinking too quickly can cause the stomach to expand and trigger vomiting. Pacing their water consumption over time allows for better digestion and absorption of fluids.
It’s also important to monitor how much water your dog drinks after exercise or play. Offer small amounts of water periodically rather than unlimited access. This will help prevent overdrinking. Pay attention to any changes in your dog’s water consumption as increased thirst may signal an underlying health issue.
Adjust Diet
One of the most common reasons dogs vomit after drinking water is because they have an upset stomach. Making some dietary adjustments can help settle their digestion and reduce vomiting episodes. Try feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals rather than one or two large meals per day. This puts less strain on the digestive system.
Temporarily switching to a bland diet may also help. A bland diet for dogs consists of a single source of lean protein and a single carbohydrate source. Common choices are boiled chicken or lean ground beef combined with white rice, sweet potato, or potatoes. Avoiding fatty meats and rich foods during stomach upsets can ease digestion.
Once the vomiting subsides, you can gradually transition back to your dog’s regular food. Take a few days to mix increasing amounts of the regular food into the bland diet. If your dog tolerates this transition, they likely don’t need a permanent diet change. But you may choose to permanently feed smaller, more frequent meals even after transitioning back to regular dog food.
Sources:
https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-nutrition/dog-food/bland-diet-for-dogs
Manage Mealtimes
One of the most effective ways to prevent vomiting after drinking is to separate your dog’s mealtime from water intake by 30 minutes to 1 hour. Eating and drinking too closely together can overwhelm the stomach and lead to regurgitation. Allow time for the food to begin digesting before allowing access to water again.
Additionally, elevating your dog’s food and water bowls can help. According to veterinarians, raising bowls 6-12 inches off the ground can use gravity to slow eating and drinking, while also reducing air intake1. This simple adjustment curbs speedy guzzling behaviors that can introduce excess air into the stomach and cause later vomiting.
By thoughtfully managing when and how your dog eats and drinks, you can promote healthier digestion. Separate mealtimes and water access, and elevate bowls to gently discourage overeager gulping.
1. https://www.thevet.co.uk/pet-advice/exercise-meal-can-really-bad-dog/
Add Probiotics
Giving your dog probiotics can help restore healthy gut flora and prevent vomiting after drinking water. Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide a health benefit when consumed. The 8 Best Probiotics for Dogs in 2023. Some options to try adding probiotics are:
– Plain yogurt or kefir – These contain live active cultures that can promote digestive health. Give your dog a small spoonful once or twice a day.
– Probiotic supplements – There are various veterinarian-recommended probiotic supplements for dogs that come in powder, chewable or paste forms. Follow dosage instructions and give with food. Some popular brands are Purina FortiFlora and Proviable DC.
Probiotics help restore the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This can improve digestion, nutrient absorption and immune function. Over time, regularly giving probiotics should help reduce instances of vomiting after drinking water.
Consider Medications
In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend trying over-the-counter medications on a short-term basis to help manage your dog’s vomiting after drinking water. According to PetMD, some human medications like famotidine (Pepcid) can be prescribed by vets to help with stomach issues like acid buildup and ulcers in dogs.
It’s important to consult your vet before giving any medication to your dog. Medications that may help include:
- Antacids like Pepcid or Zantac to reduce stomach acid
- Anti-nausea medications like Cerenia to control vomiting
These medications should only be used short-term and under the guidance of your vet, as overuse can cause negative side effects. According to VCA Hospitals, Kaopectate and Pepto-Bismol are also gentle stomach soothers, but call your vet if vomiting continues after administering.
Never give your dog any medication without first consulting your veterinarian. Only give OTC medications at the dose prescribed by your vet and stop use if side effects develop.
Avoid Vigorous Exercise
Vigorous exercise too soon after your dog eats or drinks can lead to vomiting. Activities like running, jumping, and rough play require a lot of movement and jostling of the stomach. This can cause the food to come back up before it has had a chance to properly digest. According to The Vet, vigorous exercise in the first 2 hours after a meal increases the risk of gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat (Source).
To prevent your dog from throwing up after eating or drinking, take them on shorter, slower paced walks for at least 30 minutes following meals and water. Avoid high-energy play like fetching or tug-of-war right after they eat. Let your dog’s stomach settle before engaging in vigorous exercise. Aim to wait at least 1-2 hours following meals before more intense activity, adjusting the time based on your individual dog’s needs.
Elevate Head
One way to help prevent your dog from vomiting after drinking water is to elevate their head and food bowls. This can be done by purchasing a stand or elevated feeding system to prop up their bowls. Some options for elevated dog bowls include:
The Y YHY Dog Food Bowl, which is a 7 inch tilted ceramic elevated dog bowl made to reduce vomiting and regurgitation.
The Super Design Elevated Dog Bowl, a non-skid and non-spill elevated stand and bowl set made to reduce neck strain and regurgitation.
Keeping your dog’s head elevated after meals and water breaks can allow gravity to help food and water move downwards through their digestive tract. Try to keep your dog upright, ideally with their head above their stomach, for at least 15 minutes after eating or drinking. This allows time for the food and water to begin digesting while minimizing the risk of it coming back up. Taking this preventative measure can stop your dog from throwing up after drinking water.
Train Slow Drinking
One of the best ways to prevent your dog from drinking too quickly and vomiting is to train them to drink water slowly. This involves rewarding your dog when they take their time and lap water gently rather than gulping large amounts at once.
You can use products like lick mats or puzzle bowls that require your dog to lick the water rather than lap it up in big mouthfuls. Make water drinking into a game by spreading lickable treats, peanut butter, or broth over the mat or bowl so your dog is focused on licking up the flavor. The more they have to work for the water, the slower they will drink.
You should also actively reward your dog during and after drinking sessions where they lap the water gently. Offer treats and praise while they drink slowly. This positive reinforcement helps cement the behavior. Over time, your dog will learn that slow lapping is what earns them rewards.
See the Vet
If your dog continues vomiting after drinking water even after trying the above suggestions, it’s important to schedule a veterinary visit. An underlying illness could be causing the vomiting, and a vet can help identify and properly treat the condition.
Some examples of illnesses that may lead to vomiting after drinking include:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Parasites
- Foreign body obstruction
The vet will likely perform a physical exam and ask about your dog’s symptoms. Diagnostic tests may include bloodwork, urinalysis, x-rays, or ultrasound imaging. These tests can help pinpoint any abnormalities and determine if illness is present.
Additionally, discuss any changes in diet or eating habits with your vet. Food allergies or intolerances can sometimes manifest as vomiting after meals or drinking. Your vet may suggest an elimination diet trial or other testing to identify problem ingredients.
By working with your veterinarian, you can get to the root cause of the vomiting and provide appropriate treatment. This will help resolve the issue and prevent ongoing discomfort for your dog.
