Why is My Dog Being Sick?

There are many things that cause sickness in our canine companions. Some are temporary and short-lived, others are more serious chronic health issues.

If you are worried about your dog vomiting, contact your vet immediately to arrange to have your furry friend examined ASAP.

Common reasons your dog is vomiting may include:

Dietary indiscretion - If your dog has eaten something they shouldn't have done, this can easily cause an upset tummy and make them throw up. Dogs are notorious for picking things up on walks or scavenging out of bins. They often find foreign objects, toxic food, or plants or have gone off food. They can also gorge themselves on their regular food if they’re allowed to eat too much, or if they have access to another pet’s food in the household. An abrupt change in their regular diet can also cause gastrointestinal upset and result in vomiting.

Food allergies and sensitivities - Some dogs are allergic to certain ingredients in food or things in their environment. When they eat these things, it can cause an allergic reaction which can trigger vomiting in some cases.

Viral infections can make your dog sick. Viruses such as canine influenza, parvovirus, and canine distemper virus can all cause sickness in our furry pals. Bacterial infections such as salmonella, and E. coli cause abdominal pain and vomiting.

Intestinal worms including tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms can all cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other problems. Giardia is a protozoan parasite that can cause vomiting too.

If your dog has eaten something they shouldn't have, such as a sock or part of a toy, this could become lodged somewhere in their guts and get stuck. If the foreign body causes an obstruction or a partial obstruction, it can cause frequent episodes of vomiting.

Dogs can experience a life-threatening condition called Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus which is where the stomach twists on its axis and fills with gas. Dogs may start drooling, their stomach will become distended rapidly and they may struggle to breathe. Dogs with bloat will reach and try to vomit, but the vomiting will not be very productive.

If your dog is overheating, they can start to vomit, have diarrhoea, and possibly even have seizures. It’s very dangerous for dogs to overheat, they can die if they are too hot for too long.

Sadly, when a dog's kidneys don't work properly any longer, toxins such as nitrogen and ammonia can start to build up in their bodies. This causes nausea and vomiting.

Dogs with liver disease experience nausea and vomiting. If the liver is diseased, its ability to eliminate toxins decreases. Nausea and vomiting are reactions to the excess waste products building up in the body.

Inflammation of the pancreas can cause tummy aches and sickness in dogs. Dogs can often be off their food and vomit repeatedly with pancreatitis.

 

Certain types of cancer, particularly stomach cancer can cause sickness, diarrhoea, and weight loss too.

There are many other reasons why your dog may vomit, but the reasons listed above are the most common. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check with a vet.

 

When your dog is sick, it’s natural to want to help them in every way possible. Remember, there is no substitute for seeking advice from your vet, so this should always be your first port of call. This is especially important if you know your dog already has underlying health issues and starts vomiting.

●      Firstly remove any potential hazards from your dog's immediate environment. Make sure they don't have access to any toxins or poisons that may have made them sick in the first place.

●      Take note of all of your dog's clinical signs. This is so that you will be able to tell your vet all the details of what is happening and provide them with a full clinical history. Things like your dog's energy levels, their appetite, if they have diarrhoea, their breathing rate, and general demeanour are all relevant.

●      If at all possible, ensure your dog stays hydrated. Depending on the cause of their vomiting, they may not be able to keep water down. Offer small amounts of water frequently. Don't allow your dog to glug large amounts of water as this may make them vomit again.

●      Offer your dog bland food if they’ll tolerate it. Something plain and easily digestible such as boiled chicken and rice. Start with small amounts and monitor your dog after they have eaten. Increase the amount slowly if they can tolerate it.

●      Keep your dog comfortable. Ensure that they have a quiet space to rest in. Avoid any sort of vigorous physical activity.

There are many reasons your dog may be throwing up white foam. It could be that they have eaten something poisonous or toxic. They might have an intestinal blockage. They may have a serious condition called Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, Seek immediate veterinary advice if you see your dog throwing up white foam.

 

If your dog is sick in the morning, it may be a relatively minor issue such as acid reflux or dietary indiscretion, or it may be something more serious such as pancreatitis or kidney or liver disease.

It can be a distressing time for parents if their dog is sick. It is important to always consult your vet first if you have a vomiting dog on your hands. It may only be something minor, but it is always best to get your furry friend checked out and your vet will be happy to help.

Read more about your dog's digestive health here.