Introduction
When a dog is throwing up and not eating, it can be concerning for pet owners. The main symptoms to look out for are vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy or weakness. There are several potential causes for these symptoms, including dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn’t have), infections, parasites, diseases, food allergies, motion sickness, and more serious conditions like gastrointestinal obstruction. While vomiting and loss of appetite may resolve on their own, it’s important to identify the underlying cause to properly treat your dog. This article will provide an overview of reasons your dog may be vomiting and not eating, home care tips, when to see the vet, and how to help your dog feel better.
When to See the Vet
If your dog is vomiting for more than 24 hours or has other concerning symptoms like diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, or weakness, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible (AKC). Prolonged vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances which can be dangerous if left untreated.
Some warning signs that warrant an immediate vet visit include (Paoli Vet):
- Vomiting more than 2-3 times in an hour
- Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds
- Severe abdominal pain or distension
- Difficulty breathing
- Very pale gums
- Inability to keep down liquids
- Lethargy, weakness, or collapse
If your dog shows any of these emergency symptoms in addition to vomiting, get them medical attention right away as it could be a life-threatening condition requiring hospitalization and intravenous fluids (Animerge Vets).
Dietary Changes
When a dog has an upset stomach, it’s important to avoid foods that may further irritate the GI tract. Fatty, spicy, or heavily processed foods should be avoided, as they can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues (source). Foods that are high in fiber like beans, cabbage, and bran may also irritate your dog’s stomach more.
A bland diet made up of gentle, low-fat foods may help soothe your dog’s stomach. Boiled potatoes, rice, cottage cheese, skinless chicken, eggs, and canned pumpkin are good options. It’s best to stick to smaller, more frequent meals and avoid sudden dietary changes. Only introduce bland foods gradually over 2-3 days. This gives your dog’s stomach time to adjust (source). Keeping your dog hydrated with water or unflavored electrolytes is also important.
Hydration
When your dog is vomiting and not eating, keeping them hydrated is extremely important. Dehydration can quickly become dangerous, so it’s essential to provide fluids. Focus on water and electrolyte solutions.
Give your dog small amounts of water frequently throughout the day. Start with just a teaspoon or two for small dogs or a tablespoon for larger dogs. Let them lick ice chips if they are refusing to drink. According to How to Rehydrate Your Dog After Vomiting, dogs who are dehydrated up to 5% can be rehydrated orally with water and electrolytes.
You can also provide an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte (unflavored), coconut water, or a pet-specific electrolyte supplement. Give 1 teaspoon for small dogs or 1 tablespoon for large dogs, as recommended by Vomiting Dogs: How to Help. Monitor to make sure your dog is tolerating the fluids.
The key is to give small amounts frequently to help replenish their fluids without overwhelming their stomach. Keep a close eye on their hydration level and contact your vet if they seem to be getting dehydrated.
Medication
If your dog is vomiting and not eating, there are some medications that may help settle their stomach. Some over-the-counter medications that are safe for dogs include:
- Pepcid (Famotidine) – This can help reduce stomach acid. Give 0.25-0.5 mg per pound every 12-24 hours. Check with your vet on the proper dosage for your dog’s weight.
- Pepto Bismol – Give 0.5-1 ml per pound every 6-8 hours. Do not exceed 2 tablespoons per dog.
- Imodium (Loperamide) – This can help stop diarrhea. Give 0.1-0.2 mg per pound every 8-12 hours. Get dosage recommendations from your vet.
Some prescription medications your vet may recommend include:
- Cerenia (Maropitant) – This prevents vomiting and nausea. Give 2 mg per pound once a day.
- Metoclopramide – This improves stomach emptying. The dosage is 0.2-0.4 mg per pound every 6-8 hours.
- Sucralfate – This medication coats and protects the GI tract. Give 0.5-1 gram per 10 pounds every 8 hours.
Always get dosage recommendations from your veterinarian before giving your dog any medications, even over-the-counter ones. Some dosages may need to be adjusted based on your dog’s specific condition.
Other Remedies
Two natural remedies that may help soothe an upset stomach and reduce vomiting in dogs are ginger and probiotics. Ginger has anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties and can be given to dogs in small amounts. A 2018 study found that ginger was effective at reducing vomiting in dogs undergoing chemotherapy treatment (1). Ginger can be given as a supplement or brewed into a tea using 1/4 tsp grated ginger root per cup of water.
Probiotics help replenish healthy gut bacteria, which can get depleted from vomiting and diarrhea. Giving dogs probiotic supplements or probiotic-rich foods like kefir or yogurt can help reduce stomach upset. According to Wag Walking, probiotics have been shown to reduce vomiting frequency in dogs by over 50% (2). When choosing a probiotic, look for one formulated specifically for dogs and follow dosage instructions.
Ensuring Comfort
If your dog is feeling sick, it’s important to ensure they are as comfortable as possible while they recover. Here are some tips for making sure your sick pup is cozy:
Provide a quiet space away from loud noises or household activity. Sick dogs need calm and rest [1]. Give them a comfortable area with soft bedding, cushions, or blankets. You can block off a room or corner of a room to give them some peace and quiet.
Offer calming toys for snuggling like stuffed animals or chew toys. These can help ease anxiety and give your dog something to curl up with [1]. Rotate toys to keep things interesting.
Spend calming time together like gentle petting, brushing, or massaging. Your presence can reassure them as they recover. Just be sure to avoid over-stimulation.
Cleaning Up
Dog vomit can be messy to clean up, especially if it has soaked into carpeting or furniture. When cleaning it up, be sure to act quickly to help reduce staining and odor.
For carpets, blot up excess vomit immediately with paper towels. Mix a carpet cleaner solution like BISSELL Pet Stain Eraser [1] or OxiClean [2] with water and apply it to the affected area. Use a scrub brush or cleaning cloth to work the solution deep into the fibers. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before blotting and rinsing with clean water. Finish by blotting dry.
For disinfection, use a pet-safe disinfectant like OdoBan [3] or Lysol [4]. Check the product label to make sure it kills viruses, bacteria, and odors. Follow instructions carefully. Ventilate the area during and after use.
Preventing Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when a dog loses more fluids than they take in. It’s important to prevent dehydration by ensuring your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. You can add an electrolyte solution like Pedialyte to their water to help replenish electrolytes and encourage drinking. According to the AKC, electrolyte supplements or drinks with sodium and potassium can help dogs retain fluids better. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/warning-signs-dehydration-dogs/
For dogs suffering from severe dehydration, intravenous (IV) fluid therapy may be necessary. Fluids and electrolytes can be administered directly into the bloodstream via IV to quickly rehydrate an animal. Memphis Veterinary Specialists states that aggressive IV fluid therapy is often used to treat dehydrated dogs in conjunction with medications. https://www.memphisveterinaryspecialists.com/site/blog-cordova/2020/08/14/dehydration-in-dogs-causes-symptoms-treatment
When to Be Concerned
Frequent vomiting is a warning sign that something more serious may be going on with your dog and warrants a vet visit. According to WebMD, if your dog vomits multiple times in one hour or more than two times in 24 hours, it’s time to call the vet [1]. Persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other issues that require medical attention.
Lethargy along with vomiting is also a concerning sign. PetHelpful states that if your dog is vomiting and also acting lethargic or weak, seems confused, has diarrhea, has a fever, or is breathing rapidly, you should take them to the vet right away [2]. Lethargy indicates your dog is feeling unwell and likely needs supportive care and treatment.
In summary, if your dog is vomiting frequently or exhibits lethargy along with vomiting, do not try to manage it at home. These signs indicate a potentially serious health issue, and your dog needs to see a vet promptly for evaluation and appropriate treatment.