Dog symptom
Vomiting in dogs
Bringing up stomach contents. A single episode in an otherwise bright pet may be minor, but repeated vomiting can cause dehydration and vomiting with pain, bloat, blood, toxin exposure, or a possible foreign object needs prompt veterinary care.
Common causes of vomiting in dogs
- Dietary indiscretion (eating garbage, table scraps, or a sudden food change)
- Intestinal parasites or a viral/bacterial infection
- Swallowed object causing a blockage
- Eating something toxic (plants, human food, chemicals, medications)
- Underlying disease (pancreatitis, kidney or liver disease, in cats hyperthyroidism)
Who's most at risk
- Puppies and kittens — they dehydrate and crash quickly
- Dogs that scavenge, raid bins, or get table scraps
- Pets with a sensitive stomach, pancreatitis, or chronic illness
- Unvaccinated young dogs (parvovirus risk)
What you can do at home
- If your adult pet vomited once and is otherwise bright, pause food briefly and offer small amounts of water often
- If vomiting stops, reintroduce small amounts of a bland, pet-safe diet and transition back slowly
- Do not fast puppies, kittens, diabetic pets, or cats that have already missed more than one meal without veterinary guidance
- Do not give human nausea, pain, or stomach medicines unless your veterinarian tells you to
When to see a vet
- Repeated or projectile vomiting, or it lasts more than 24 hours
- Blood in the vomit, or it looks like coffee grounds
- Also lethargic, painful, bloated, not drinking, or unable to keep water down
- You think they ate something toxic or a foreign object
When it's more serious
- Blood or coffee-ground vomit can signal bleeding, an ulcer, or a serious toxin — see a vet now.
- A swollen belly with unproductive retching can be bloat (GDV), a life-threatening emergency — go now.
- Possible poisoning or a swallowed object needs immediate care.
- Repeated or projectile vomiting risks dehydration and can mean a blockage — get them seen today.
- Vomiting plus lethargy or no water intake points to something more serious — see a vet today.
What your vet may do
- Physical exam plus a check for dehydration and belly pain
- Bloodwork, and often a fecal test, to look for a cause
- X-rays or ultrasound if a blockage or organ disease is suspected
- Anti-nausea medication, fluids, and a bland or prescription diet
Questions to ask your vet
- Could this be a blockage — does my pet need imaging?
- Is my pet dehydrated, and do they need fluids?
- What can I safely feed while the stomach settles?
- Which warning signs mean I should come straight back?
Frequently asked questions
What causes vomiting in dogs?
Bringing up stomach contents. A single episode in an otherwise bright pet may be minor, but repeated vomiting can cause dehydration and vomiting with pain, bloat, blood, toxin exposure, or a possible foreign object needs prompt veterinary care. Common causes include: Dietary indiscretion (eating garbage, table scraps, or a sudden food change); Intestinal parasites or a viral/bacterial infection; Swallowed object causing a blockage; Eating something toxic (plants, human food, chemicals, medications); Underlying disease (pancreatitis, kidney or liver disease, in cats hyperthyroidism).
Is vomiting in dogs an emergency?
See a vet today. See a vet right away if: Repeated or projectile vomiting, or it lasts more than 24 hours; Blood in the vomit, or it looks like coffee grounds; Also lethargic, painful, bloated, not drinking, or unable to keep water down; You think they ate something toxic or a foreign object.
What can I do at home for a dog with vomiting?
If your adult pet vomited once and is otherwise bright, pause food briefly and offer small amounts of water often If vomiting stops, reintroduce small amounts of a bland, pet-safe diet and transition back slowly Do not fast puppies, kittens, diabetic pets, or cats that have already missed more than one meal without veterinary guidance Do not give human nausea, pain, or stomach medicines unless your veterinarian tells you to
Sources
Reviewed by the Webvet Veterinarian Team
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis, and does not replace an exam by your veterinarian. If your pet is in distress, contact your vet or an emergency clinic right away.