Persistent Vomiting in Dogs

Symptoms may vary depending on the reason for the vomiting, age and health of the dog. Some of the most common signs include:

• Coughing up food or other partially digested substances
• Gagging or heaving
• Throwing up more than once in 24 hours
• Throwing up bile (yellow fluids)
• Throwing up white or clear foam
• Throwing up bloody substances
• Regurgitating food after eating, or water after drinking
• Vomiting that lasts more than one day
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Increased body temperature

Types

• Regurgitating - Throwing up food from the digestive tract before it gets to the stomach)

• Vomiting – Throwing up contents of the stomach

There are many causes of persistent vomiting in dogs. This is a list of the most commonly reported:

• Changes in diet
• Allergy to food
• Toxins such as medications, household products, and poisonous plants
• Eating spoiled or unprepared food such as beef, pork, or chicken (often from the trash can)
• Ingestion of bone or other indigestible materials
• Parasitic infestation
• Infection (bacterial or viral)
• Gastrointestinal blockage
• Ulcers
• Diabetes
• Peritonitis
• Kidney or liver failure
• Gastric dilation (bloat)
• Heart attack
• Parasitic infestation, infections, ulcers, diabetes, and peritonitis

Treatment for persistent vomiting depends on the cause.

Changes in diet/Allergy to food

This can be treated by changing back to the old food that you were already using. However, if you suspect your dog has a food allergy, the veterinarian will most likely prescribe a hypoallergenic food to feed your dog.

Toxin Ingestion

If your dog has eaten toxins, the veterinarian may hospitalize your dog for fluid therapy and medications, depending on the toxin your dog ingested.   

Ingesting A Bone or Another Foreign Object

Ingesting a bone or other foreign object may require surgery if it is a large or sharp object that may cause obstruction or damage to the intestines.

Parasitic Infestation, Infections, Ulcers, Diabetes, and Peritonitis

These illnesses all require certain medications and possible surgical procedures. The veterinarian will advise as to the best treatment for your dog, taking into account your pet’s current health status and whether there are concurrent illnesses present.

Kidney or Liver Failure, Gastric Dilation (Bloat), and Heart Attack

These are all serious and life-threatening situations that may require surgery immediately. Also, there are numerous medications and surgical procedures that can be utilized to help your dog through the issue.