Petting an ailing pup can make all the difference. A visit to the veterinarian will get them on the road to healing faster.
Treatment for dogs who vomit involves withholding food and water until their nausea subsides, then gradually giving small portions of meat or rice as treats.
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1. Rest
Dogs suffering from vomiting and/or diarrhea require rest in order to recover, so for 4-6 hours without food but with water feedings (to allow their stomach lining a break and prevent dehydration) restrict food consumption until their symptoms have subsided. This will allow their body to get back to normal while keeping dehydration at bay.
Provide small amounts of water every 20-30 minutes during this period. If the dog doesn’t vomit after this time has elapsed, you may slowly reintroduce food.
Avoid walks and strenuous play as this could further distress their stomachs. Instead, provide them with a quiet place where they can rest while giving lots of pats to make sure that they feel at ease.
If the nausea does not subside or other symptoms worsen, consult your veterinarian immediately. They will perform further testing and make treatment recommendations accordingly.
2. Food
Once your dog has vomited, avoid feeding him/her for 6-8 hours and give them only water as needed; start slowly adding one teaspoon per ten pounds of their bodyweight as fluid replacement therapy.
If your pet is vomiting bile, they will also require digestive enzymes. While most natural diets contain these components, most commercial pet foods lack them.
Your pets need help in order to thrive, so make sure that their trash receptacles are covered, any potential chompers like bones, socks or strings they might try chewing are removed and an inexpensive freeze-dried bland diet product kept on hand in your pantry is fed as an inexpensive supplement. Electrolyte rehydration sachets (available over-the-counter) should also be provided as electrolyte depletion from vomiting is very rapid; alternatively you could give some powered ginger or make tea from ground fennel in order to combat dehydration quickly after episodes like vomiting occur.
3. Water
Dogs that become sick to their stomach can quickly become dehydrated; to assist, make sure there is always plenty of fresh, clean water available at all times.
If your dog is vomiting frequently, it may be wise to withhold food temporarily (while still providing water bowl access). This will allow their stomach and digestive system to recover.
Vomiting is a natural part of digestion for dogs. Be sure to clean up their vomit as leaving it could result in them accidentally eating it again and becoming sick again. Additionally, try giving a dose of catnip tincture (combine 15 drops with small amount of filtered water and give 2-3 times per day). This should calm their stomachs and regulate digestion.
4. Medication
Veterinarians may prescribe ondansetron for severe nausea that involves vomiting or heaves, as this helps reduce nausea unlike other drugs that merely stop vomiting.
Your vet may also administer maropitant (Cerenia), which targets both central and peripheral pathways of nausea and vomiting induction for fast relief. This medicine starts working within an hour, only needing to be given once daily rather than twice or more often.
Pepto-Bismol or Pepcid may provide relief by helping regulate stomach acid, while Imodium will stop spasms. Homeopathic remedies like slippery elm can soothe an inflamed digestive tract while Nux Vomica and Arsenicum album may provide short-term solutions to address nausea.
5. Exercise
Pet owners don’t always know when their dog feels unwell, but some signs should indicate an issue and prompt a visit to a veterinarian:
Concerns may include changes in appetite or vomiting that seems to worsen over time, lethargy or weight loss and an unattractive coat.
Vomiting, also known as regurgitation, involves an abrupt surge of undigested food and fluids from the stomach into the mouth and throat. Regurgitation works similarly but with less force.
Dogs that are vomiting may benefit from receiving a solution of Pedialyte and water mixed together. To administer, fill a syringe without needle and give several drops every half hour until your dog drinks it all up. Over the course of 1-2 days gradually return them to their regular diet.
