What is vomiting?
Vomiting is not a specific disease or diagnosis in itself. Rather it is a symptom of some other ailment or illness that your pet is facing, most often an upset stomach. The textbook definition of vomiting is the forceful ejection of contents from the stomach or the upper intestine and can occur for a variety of reasons that will be discussed here.
How do I recognize it?
Vomiting sometimes begins with nausea, so if you recall your pet having these symptoms vomiting can come next. However one of the most important distinctions to make is between vomiting and regurgitation. Vomiting typically involves the contraction of the abdomen , while regurgitation happens quicker and is far less painful.
Should I be concerned when my pet vomits?
Occasional vomiting is perfectly normal for pets and can be caused by small things like eating a piece of food that had fallen on the floor, undigested food in the intestines, or just an upset stomach in general. However, if you notice consistent vomiting there should be cause for concern and a veterinary appointment should be scheduled.
What are some causes of vomiting?
Vomiting can be caused by a variety of factors, some more serious than others. While it’s likely that your pet’s vomiting may have resulted from minor causes, such as eating table scraps or consuming a foreign object, it can also be a sign of more serious medical conditions (i.e. viral infections, intestinal parasites, or bacterial infection).
Viral infections – these diseases often occur when your pet comes into contact with other animals or objects that are carrying the virus. They can be transmitted through both air and direct contact. Some common viral infections in pets include the parvovirus, stomach virus, canine influenza, and many others. Infected pets experience symptoms, such as runny nose, diarrhea, seizures, and coughing.
Intestinal parasites – intestinal parasites are transmitted by consuming parasites (or parasite eggs) found in contaminated foods or objects. Dogs can also spread the virus through their feces. The most common symptoms of the virus are loose stool, weight loss, or even visible worms in the stool. The parasites can often steal the pet’s nutrients, which may lead to malnutrition and intestinal irritation.
Bacterial infection – these illnesses are often caused by a weak immune system and can be caused by numerous factors, including old age, lack of physical activity, and other illnesses can leave your pet vulnerable to diseases. Frequently occurring bacterial infections include skin infections, Lyme disease, bacterial eye infections, and bacterial ear infections. Certain diseases can be transmitted to humans, so it’s recommended to keep both you and your pet safe by receiving vaccinations and ensuring optimal health.
If your pet experiences chronic vomiting, it’s best to get it checked out before it leads to other health complications, such as kidney/liver failure, cancer, and possibly death.
Is there a treatment for it?
Vomiting in dogs is a common occurrence, but in serious cases, it may require veterinary attention. Oftentimes, the veterinarian may suggest implementing a bland diet treatment plan. They might also recommend making home-cooked meals for your pet or prescribing your dog with a prescription diet. However, it’s important to avoid feeding your pet human foods that may irritate your pet’s digestive system; instead, make sure they are drinking large amounts of water to reduce dehydration and vomiting. There are other common treatments to reduce vomiting, such as prescribing drugs that reduce nausea and relieve intestinal inflammation. Speak to a vet regarding the best medication for your pet. If effective, you should start to see improvement in your pet’s condition in about two to four days.
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