"Max has been vomiting profusely since yesterday morning" said the 40-something year old man in front of me. I looked at Max, a beautiful but very sad 2 year-old Labrador Retriever. When I touched his abdomen, he cried in severe pain. "There might be something potentially serious going on", I said. The man looked at me, clearly worried. "I would like to perform some tests, starting with a blood test and an abdominal ultrasound". I continued. The man agreed.  One hour later,  after having performed the tests, I called the client "I suspect Max has an intestinal blockage, I can see a foreign body in the intestine, we need to operate now". The customer, very worried, agreed to go ahead with the surgery. After surgery, I called again. "You won't believe it. We found a bra! I have never seen this before. Anyway, the foreign body has been removed, everything went well and Max should make a full recovery". I hear some hesitation on the other side "W-w-what color was the bra?", he asked. "Mmmh, it was red", I replied. "That is not my wife's bra, if we come later could you tell her you found something else, please?"

As a veterinarian, I understand that it can be alarming to see your dog vomit. While occasional vomiting is not always  a cause for concern, frequent or severe episodes can indicate underlying health issues that require attention. The most important thing for you to know, as a pet parent, is to know when you can monitor your friend at home and when you should seek veterinary care.

Vomiting is a very non-specific symptom. This means that it can be caused by...just about everything!

The following are some of the most common causes of vomiting in dogs:

✅ Dietary Indiscretion – Dogs (*cough* Labradors *cough*) are known for eating things they shouldn’t (garbage, spoiled food, stools of other animals, and much more!). This can lead to an upset stomach and therefore vomiting.

✅ Eating too fast – Even something as simple as eating too quickly can cause digestive upset.

✅ Food Allergies or Intolerances – Some dogs are sensitive, or allergic, to certain ingredients (such as dairy, chicken, or grains), and this can lead to vomiting.

✅ Gastrointestinal Infections – Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause vomiting.

✅ Toxins and Poisoning – Certain foods that are absolutely safe for us (such as chocolate, grapes, or onions) can be toxic (and even life-threatening) to dogs and lead to vomiting. The same goes for certain human medications.

✅ Gastrointestinal Obstruction – If your dog swallows a foreign object (such as a toy or a sock) that becomes lodged in the gastrointestinal tract, they may vomit repeatedly. This is a medical emergency that can cause death if not treated appropriately.

✅ Underlying Health Conditions – Medical issues such as pancreatitis, kidney or liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or cancer.

Not all cases of vomiting require an urgent vet visit. Many cases are self-limiting, meaning they will resolve without medical intervention.

 However,  you should seek veterinary care if:

🚨 Your dog vomits several times in a day or over consecutive days.

🚨 Vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms, such as diarrhea, lethargy (low energy levels), weakness, or, even worse, a bloated abdomen.

🚨 There is blood in the vomit.

🚨 Your dog is not able to keep food or water down.

🚨 You suspect your dog might have eaten something toxic or a foreign body.

🚨 Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has an underlying health condition. In these cases, it is always wise to err on the cautious side because these animals are usually immune-compromised.

 

🐶 Withhold Food for 8-12 Hours (no longer) – This will give the stomach a "break." Vomiting can irritate the stomach lining, so a break from food will allow the inflammation to reduce.

🐶 Introduce a Bland Diet – After the fasting period, you can start feeding a bland diet. You can either cook some boiled chicken and plain white rice or get some Gastrointestinal food (available in wet or dry). If all is well, you can then gradually transition back to regular food.

🐶 Keep Your Dog Hydrated – Offer small amounts of water frequently rather than a big amount at once (which can cause further vomiting). You can also provide ice cubes to encourage slow hydration. If you are still worried about dehydration, you can always consider an electrolyte solution 

🐶 Consider a Slow Feeder if Your Dog is Eating Too Fast – A slow feeder is designed to prevent overeating and encourages slower eating habits,  therefore improving digestion. 

🐶 Monitor for Further Symptoms – Watch for any of the above-mentioned symptoms. If you see any of them, please seek veterinary advice.