Dogs are built to vomit—they can throw up at the drop of a hat. So when do you worry?
If my dog vomits just once, looks and acts normal, and I can put my finger on the cause, I don’t get overly worried. However, if your dog keeps vomiting and/or exhibits signs of distress, it’s time to be on your way to the vet.
Learn what questions to ask yourself when your dog throws up.
Why Is My Dog Vomiting? Potential Causes
While vomiting is often caused by a problem in the GI tract itself, the issue might be originating somewhere else altogether.
Vomiting versus Regurgitation
Regurgitation is not vomiting. What is the difference between the two and why does it matter?
Severe Vomiting in Dogs
We all know that vomiting is bad, but many dog owners don’t understand exactly how much damage severe or prolonged vomiting can do to a dog’s body.
Examining Your Dog’s Vomit
I get that nobody likes playing with puke. But if your dog does throw up, examining what came out can be quite useful.
What does your dog’s vomit content tell you?
Coffee Grounds Vomit
What appears like coffee grounds might not be coffee grounds at all but digested blood.
Blood in the Vomit
The appearance of the vomited blood depends on where it came from and how long it remained in the GI system.
My Dog’s Vomiting Worms
What if your dog’s vomit looks like they’ve just eaten spaghetti noodle soup?
Bilious Vomiting Syndrome
Morning stomach upset in dogs. The theory is that this happens from acid build up in the stomach.
Pancreatitis
Diagnosing pancreatitis is also not always easy. The symptoms are common to many other diseases. As well as not every dog with pancreatitis looks like this, so diagnostic tests are necessary.
Real-life Stories
Grocery Bag Is Not An Open Buffet: What Was In JD’s Vomit
Abdominal Pain & Vomiting in Dogs: What Would You Do If It Was Your Dog? Mort’s Story
Persistent Vomiting in Dogs: Stacey’s Persistent Vomiting
Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs: Duke’s Bloody Vomiting and Diarrhea
Persistent Vomiting in a Dog: Is It An Emergency When Your Dog Keeps Vomiting? Pirate’s Story
The Gross Factor: When A Dog Vomits In Your Hands
The Story Of Flossy And The Mystery Vomiting
Further reading:
Dog Vomiting: When Should You Be Concerned?
Different Types of Dog Vomit, and What They Indicate