Veterinarians use various diagnostic tests to pinpoint the source of canine vomiting. This may include blood work, stool analysis and x-rays.
Vets may also prescribe antiemetics such as Cerenia (maropitant citrate) and Reglan to help your dog regain control of his stomach. These antiemetics help pets find relief.
Regurgitation differs from vomiting in that vomiting involves forcefully expelling contents while regurgitation involves passive passage of gastric contents backwards through the digestive system.
Contents
Injections
Cerenia is a fast-acting antiemetic medication prescribed by veterinarians that can quickly get your pet feeling better, acting by blocking brain signals responsible for nausea and vomiting. While Cerenia can help your pup feel better faster, working closely with a vet is still vital in order to identify its source and address acute episodes of vomiting as quickly as possible.
Vomit that is white and foamy could indicate an accumulation of stomach acid; brown vomit may indicate regurgitation of undigested food from the esophagus that never made its way to the stomach.
Blood in a dog’s vomit should be taken seriously, as it could indicate ruptured ulcers, intestinal tumors or ingestion of poisonous substances such as rats. Your veterinarian will likely examine and take blood samples for analysis to assess bleeding.
Medications
Veterinarians may prescribe antiemetics like Cerenia (maropitant citrate) or Reglan (metoclopramide). These medicines work by blocking the trigger zone in a dog’s brain that leads to vomiting.
If your dog has experienced vomiting and diarrhea, offering fluids is vital in maintaining his/her hydration level – particularly with smaller breeds who dehydrate more rapidly than larger dogs. Vet clinics or pet stores sell special fluid sachets designed specifically for dogs which contain electrolytes.
Your veterinarian will conduct several diagnostic tests to diagnose the cause of your dog’s vomiting. These may include blood/fecal/urine analysis, x-rays and ultrasound of the abdomen. Many dogs who vomit chronically may have low levels of hydrochloric acid which means they’re absorbing nutrients poorly.
Diet Changes
If your dog is vomiting due to anxiety, using probiotic treatments such as food sensitivities can help treat and calm his stomach. Catnip tincture may also help ease nervous stomachs while improving digestive health.
If the dog has not become dehydrated and the vomiting has continued for more than several days, a veterinarian may suggest changing his/her diet by eliminating items that contain human foods, such as chocolate, garlic or onions.
Sheen suggests offering a 24-hour test diet of boiled chicken and white rice to determine whether your dog can maintain stable blood sugar levels with this strategy, but advising against withholding food from puppies or small dogs who need regular meals to help regulate their blood sugar.
IV Fluids
In severe cases of vomiting, dogs may need IV fluid therapy from a veterinarian.
Fluid replacement should be administered over four hours to replenish fluid losses from vomiting and diarrhea, given either subcutaneously (subcutaneous) or directly into blood vessels (intravenously). It’s normal for your pet to release some of the fluid injected at their injection site from subcutaneously administered injections – whether clear or blood-tinged in color.
Home remedies such as ginger, fennel and chamomile may provide relief for nausea in dogs at home. If your canine vomits bile, try infusing 1 tbsp in 1 cup of boiling water until cool; strain and give by teaspoonfuls.
Emotional Support
Though treating the source of your dog’s vomiting is essential, emotional support can often make a tremendous difference when dealing with chronic and painful episodes. This is particularly applicable to dogs whose vomiting has become chronic or intractable.
General rule dictates that dogs should see a vet whenever they experience severe or repeated vomiting. Bright red, fresh blood in vomit should always be cause for alarm as should unproductive vomiting which could indicate stomach bloat or dilatation volvulus in some pets. Pets exhibiting signs such as dehydration and inappetence should also be seen immediately by their veterinarian.
