Dog owners might notice that, from time to time, their usually playful pup may feel under the weather and throw up. This is concerning for pet owners as nobody likes to see their dog get sick. You could wonder, why did my dog throw up yellow substances or why did my dog throw up foam. So, what can you do when your dog throws up? Well, that all depends on why they throw up and the resulting sickness that occurs.
Reasons a Dog Throws Up
Dogs get sick to their stomach for many reasons. The causes of your dog vomiting may range from anxiety to an actual illness. The list of reasons is wide and varied but these are some reasons a dog may throw up:
- GI tract bacterial infection
- Change in diet
- Food intolerance
- Bloatedness
- Car sickness
- Anxiety
- Viral infection
- Pancreatitis
- Ingestion of toxic substances
- Post-surgery nausea
- Foreign bodies, such as toys or bones, in the GI tract
- Gallbladder inflammation
- Acute liver failure
- Acute kidney failure
Besides your dog throwing up, see if they have other symptoms, such as diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, dehydration, or changes in appetite, to name a few. These symptoms will help when your veterinarian diagnoses your pet.
Type of Vomit Is Important
When you notice that your dog has thrown up, you want to keep track of how often your dog does so and what the substance is. For example, are the episodes occasional or frequent? And what does it consist of (such as why would my dog throw up blood, foam, or a yellowish substance)? Noting these factors will help your pet’s veterinarian properly evaluate your dog and diagnose any potential medical condition.
If you notice that your dog just chewed their toy apart and threw up small pieces, it’s likely your dog has ingested a foreign object they had to get out of their stomach. Making a note of these instances or any other factors can help get your furry family member back in tip-top shape.
Sometimes your dog may throw up water. So, why does my dog throw up water? Well, a few different reasons could be at play. Here are some reasons your dog may throw up water:
- Water intoxication
- Thyroid problems
- Kidney failure
- Digestive issues
- Parasites
These are some potential reasons your pup may throw up water soon after drinking it. Your dog’s veterinarian will provide a concrete diagnosis, treat your pet, and help them get back to optimal health.
Why Does My Dog Throw Up Food?
Besides your dog throwing up water, you might find that your pet is throwing up food instead. If you’re wondering why does my dog throw up after eating, your dog may be throwing up food because of one of the following issues:
- A change in dog food
- Grass ingestion
- Anxiety
- Eating too quickly
You can try to pinpoint the reason if you’re wondering why would my dog throw up, especially if you’ve just seen them eat grass or if your dog is trying a new food brand. Be aware of any changes in diet or mood.
When to See a Veterinarian
If your dog is vomiting frequently or even just now and again, you may wonder if a trip to the vet should be on your calendar. You should never hesitate to take your pet to the veterinarian if something seems off with your beloved family member. You won’t know the true cause unless they’re properly diagnosed.
If it’s just a one-time occurrence and you can identify the issue easily, you may be able to care for your pet at home. But, again, a trip to the vet is always recommended for proper diagnosis and care.
Treatment Options
If your dog is throwing up, there are various treatment options that provide relief. The treatment will depend on the reason for the vomiting. For example, if your dog is vomiting because of anxiety, you can calm your pet with a favorite toy or dog bone.
If your pup is throwing up because of an underlying medical condition, your dog’s veterinarian will treat that issue which will hopefully help with the stomach sickness. Your dog’s veterinarian will know the correct treatment methods to help your pet feel better, including pain relief and other solutions.
Keep Your Dog Healthy Year-Round
In addition to aiding your pet when they’re sick, you want to make sure you take the necessary steps to keep them healthy year-round. An inclusive pet insurance policy is one way to make sure your pet is properly cared for.
Prudent Pet is a pet insurance provider that offers many levels of pet insurance plans. By having an insurance policy, you can rest easy knowing your dog and other pets will have the medical treatments they need when necessary.
Learn more about your pet insurance options and see which pet insurance plan is the right one for your loving four-legged family member!