Dog Vomiting: What All Dog Owners Should Know

Dog vomiting is quite natural canine behavior. All dogs do it, and some do it frequently, and for a number of reasons.

So before you grab your car keys to rush the dog off to the vet, stop awhile! In most cases, there is no need for concern. Vomiting is just a natural way in which dogs remove unwanted matter from the body.

Of course, I'm not suggesting that you ignore it completely, because sometimes vomiting does suggest a more serious problem. But you'll need to observe the dog for other symptoms, for example, If the vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea, loss of appetite and general listlessness.

If these symptoms accompany the vomiting then the safest course is to take your dog to the vet. Most likely though, the problem will be something minor.

Here are the most common reasons why dog's throw up;

Eating too quickly – Let's be honest, some dogs eat as though they believe their food can still run away from them! If your dog does this, feed him smaller meals more often and it will probably sort out the problem.

Consuming Grass – Nobody really knows why dogs eat grass, but many of them seem to love it. Some experts believe they eat grass to induce vomiting, while others say that eating too much grass makes them vomit. Either way, eating grass often makes a dog throw up.

Eating the wrong foods – A dog will eat just about anything, so it's up to you to ensure that your dog gets a healthy diet. Dogs that live on junk food and table scraps are always going to throw up. Ditto, dogs that make a habit of raiding the trash.

When should I worry?

Usually, vomiting is down to one of the 3 reasons I mentioned above. But if it becomes a recurring problem, say once a day or more, you'd be well advised to make your dog checked by a vet.

Also look out for other symptoms, like those mentioned earlier, as well as other unusual signs. Be particularly watchful for blood in the vomit or any strange coloration. If you see this, get your dog to the vet right away.

Vomiting may also be due to a more serious cause, for example your dog may have eaten a household poison, like a pesticide, or even a poisonous plant. If you think this may be the case then immediate veterinary treatment is called for.

How To Stop Your Dog From Vomiting

Although you won't be able to stop your dog from vomiting entirely, a few simple steps will reduce the frequency of your dog throwing up.

For a start, you can feed your dog a healthy diet, and stop feeding him table scraps and junk food. You can ensure that your dog is not able to get at the trashcan. You can feed your dog smaller, more frequent meals, and you can limit (but not entirely eliminate), the amount of grass he is allowed to eat.

These simple measures are usually enough to reduce dog vomiting. However, if the problem persists, it is advisable to speak to your vet.

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