Why Do Dogs Vomit?
Dealing with a vomiting dog comes with the territory of having a dog for a pet. The expulsion of food from the dog’s stomach can be due to a variety of reasons. Dogs, like humans vomit if they have eaten something that is not accepted by the stomach. It is not surprising for a dog to have an upset stomach because this voracious eater would eat anything from spoiled food to inedible objects.
Nature is truly amazing as it has given dogs a way by which it can remove unwanted things from its stomach. Simply by eating grass, a dog will be able to remove foreign objects like tree bark, stones, plastics, cloth and other inedible things. A vomiting bout will occur if the dog has consumed considerable amount of food and has drank a lot of water too quickly. The vomiting can be the result of the new dog food. Some dog owners are not aware that the dog’s vomiting bout is caused by stress.
Being introduced to a home with other pets will be stressful to the new dog . This usually happens if the old pet is a large and dominant dog and the newcomer is a shy or nervous individual. An owner has to deal with the inconvenience for a while but as soon as the dog has adapted to its new environment the stress induced vomiting will be gone. The dog will be its normal self after vomiting. Owners of healthy dogs with normal energy levels and good appetite need not be too concerned with the pet’s vomiting. Occasional vomiting bouts can be managed at home. The stomach must be rested for about 24 hours thus the pet must not be allowed to eat.
However, a dog’s vomiting may not be due to dietary indiscretion. Actually, vomiting is not a disease but a symptom of an illness. Dogs that vomit repeatedly are susceptible to dehydration thus it is imperative for an owner to carefully monitor the condition of the pet.
A dog owner should be concerned if the pet that is vomiting repeatedly also has diarrhea, is lethargic and has developed a temperature. The pet’s vomiting may be caused by something serious like ingestion of poisonous substances. Vomiting can be due to parasites infestation or infectious diseases such as parvovirus. Vomitus that is tinged with blood is a symptom of stomach ulcers, intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis and kidney problem. The pet must have immediate medical attention if vomiting has been going on for 24 hours especially if the dog is lethargic and unresponsive.
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