Top reasons pets vomit
You hear the telltale sound of heaving, and you race to where your pet is and find that, yes, they’ve been sick on the carpet. But what caused the vomiting and what should you do? Here are some of the top reasons that could be the culprit:
- Dietary indiscretion. Most dogs like to nose or eat almost anything, whether it’s sticks, mulch, feces, discarded food or food wrappers, cigarette butts or foul-tasting insects. Stomach upset caused by dietary indiscretion is often short-lived and ends after one or two episodes of vomiting.
- Intestinal parasites can be the source of both vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. You may even see worms in the vomit. Your veterinarian can test for parasites and provide dewormers.
- A change in diet can be enough to upset a pet’s tummy. When making a switch, do it gradually.
- Medication reactions can cause vomiting. So if your pet has switched to a new medication and regurgitates it, contact your veterinarian.
- Bacterial or viral infections are often a cause for vomiting and usually need antibiotics or antivirals to clear the infection.
- Cats often vomit hairballs. It’s a normal process for cats to swallow hair while grooming and they will periodically vomit hairballs. But if this occurs more than about once a month, contact your veterinarian.
- Ingesting toxins or poisonous substances such as plant material, chocolate or other foods. If you know your pet has eaten something toxic and is vomiting, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control (1-888-426-4435).
- Pancreatitis, or painful inflammation of the pancreas, can occur after a pet eats fatty foods such as table scraps. Pancreatitis needs immediate intervention by your veterinarian to prevent further complications, and pain relief is needed to help make your pet comfortable.
- An intestinal obstruction can lead to vomiting and/or non-productive heaving. If you think your pet ate a toy, corn cob, fruit pit or garbage and is vomiting, prompt veterinary care is needed. Blockages are serious and may require surgery.
If your pet is eating, drinking and behaving normally after a single episode of vomiting, you can monitor your pet at home. If the status of your pet changes and they continue to vomit, have non-productive heaving, blood in their vomit or no energy or no interest in playing, eating or drinking, call your veterinarian immediately.
Questions about your pet? Have help whenever you need it with 24/7 Live Chat,* where our licensed veterinary professionals are always ready to answer your questions. Download the myVCA app. >>
*Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
