What to Do When a Dog Throws Up: A Care Guide with Expert Advice

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Plus, learn how to make your dog throw up if it ate something bad
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It's not unusual for dogs to vomit occasionally. Maybe they ate something they weren’t supposed to or just have an upset tummy. Even so, it’s important to know how to look after and treat a dog after vomiting. In this article, we’ll teach you how to feed a dog after vomiting and nurse them back to health. Plus, we’ve explained when to contact a vet to ensure the dog stays as healthy as possible.

How to Treat Vomiting in Dogs

The best way to treat vomiting in dogs is to give them a bland diet and allow them to rest. Restrict food for 12-24 hours, then slowly introduce bland foods like boiled chicken, boiled rice, and scrambled eggs. Mix the dog’s regular food into the bland food in small increments, working the way up to no bland food.

Section 1 of 6:

How to Care for a Vomiting Dog

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  1. Dehydration can easily occur after a dog has vomited, so be sure to provide and offer them plenty of water. Ensure that the dog drinks small amounts of water frequently throughout the day. If they aren’t, contact a veterinarian. [1]
    • Aim to give the dog at least one ounce of water per day for each pound of body weight. [2]
    • If the dog is a picky drinker, encourage them to drink fluids with ice cubes or water mixed with bone broth. [3] “Just be sure to use this method in moderation, not on a regular basis,” says dog trainer Allison Weeks. [4]
    • If the dog refuses to drink or shows signs of dehydration (panting, dry nose, thick saliva), contact a veterinarian immediately.
  2. Like humans, dogs can feel very tired after getting sick. Avoid strenuous activity, and allow the dog to sleep and rest after vomiting. [5] Leave them in a comfortable, well-known space, if possible, like their bed or a familiar room.
    • Personal dog trainer Belgin Altundag notes that the best way to care for a sick dog is by ensuring they’re warm and comfortable. [6] For instance, if they’re shivering, turn up the heat or gently drape a blanket over them.
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  3. Repeated vomiting needs medical attention, so it’s best to keep a close eye on the dog after they’ve been sick. A dog is likely about to vomit if they show these signs: [7]
    • Retching, or a noise that sounds like something’s stuck in their throat
    • Stiff or rigid stance
    • Aimless wandering
    • Lip licking and swallowing
    • Drooling more than usual
  4. Dried vomit can cause a dog's hair to get matted, so it’s a good idea to clean them up. Only do this once the dog has rested for a bit and has stopped vomiting. Stop cleaning if the dog becomes stressed or anxious.
  5. While vomiting is a natural occurrence in dogs, if it occurs with abnormal behavior or bloat, it could be a sign of a serious or life-threatening issue. [8] Contact a veterinarian immediately if the dog shows these signs after vomiting: [9]
    • Pale skin and gums
    • Abnormal behavior
    • Collapse or difficulty getting up and walking
    • Reluctance when lifting his head
    • Excessive saliva or drooling
    • Extended abdomen
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Section 2 of 6:

How to Feed a Dog After Vomiting

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  1. Vomiting can irritate a dog’s stomach lining, which can lead to more vomiting if they eat anything soon after vomiting. Resist the urge to feed the dog even if they act hungry. The fasting helps the dog’s body heal and gives you time to determine the cause. [10]
    • Be sure the dog still has access to fresh, clean water and is drinking it regularly.
    • A puppy or young dog should not fast for more than 12 hours. Contact a vet for a more personalized fasting plan.
    • If your dog has an underlying medical condition (especially diabetes), speak with your veterinarian before withholding any meals.
    EXPERT TIP

    Ray Spragley, DVM

    Veterinarian
    Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian

    Occasional vomiting can be normal. When it is time for your dog to eat again, feed only half of a normal meal and see if they hold it down. If there are multiple bouts of vomiting, blood in vomit, straining to defecate, or personality changes, call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment immediately.

  2. Once the dog has fasted and shows no more signs of getting ill, start reintroducing food . Start slowly and bland with small amounts of plain, unseasoned boiled rice and chicken breast, white fish, scrambled eggs, or low-fat cottage cheese. Avoid foods that are high in fats or super rich. [11]
    • Aim for 50% protein (like boiled chicken) and 50% carbohydrates (like boiled rice). [12]
  3. Feed the dog a bland diet for at least 24 hours. If there are no vomiting or signs of illness, start integrating their normal food back into their diet. [13] Put a little bit of kibble into their bland meal. This helps the stomach slowly start to get used to processing regular food again.
    • Continue adding more regular food to the bland food with each meal until the ratio is completely regular food. [14]
    • For example, start with a 50/50 mix for one meal, then 3/4 dog food and 1/4 of the bland diet for one meal.
    • Talk to a veterinarian for a more personalized diet plan, especially if the dog has underlying medical issues or starts vomiting again.
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Section 3 of 6:

When to Contact the Vet

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  1. In most cases, it’s not necessary to contact a veterinarian when a dog vomits. A dog can recover from vomiting at home with close monitoring. However, if the dog continues to vomit or displays the below signs, contact a veterinarian immediately, as there may be an underlying issue: [15]
    • Retching, or trying to vomit but nothing comes up
    • Low energy
    • Bloated abdomen
    • Vomiting for more than 24 hours
    • Blood in vomit
    • Dehydration (sticky gums, sunken eyes, dry nose)
    • Disorientation or collapse
  2. If the dog is vomiting often, a veterinarian will likely perform a series of tests to determine the cause. [16] These tests may include a physical exam, a fecal exam, a Parvo test, blood work, urinalysis, X-rays, and an ultrasound. Depending on the dog’s condition, the vet may prescribe medications or fluid therapy (administering fluids through an IV) to help treat vomiting. [17]
    • The most common medications for vomiting in dogs are Metoclopramide, Cerenia, and Ondansetron.
    • Antacids and probiotics may also be prescribed to protect and boost the gut.
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Section 4 of 6:

What causes vomiting in dogs?

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  1. Vomiting occasionally is normal for dogs, especially if they put their nose somewhere it shouldn’t be. Eating too quickly or snacking on grass can be a quick cause of vomiting. [18] However, there are some instances where vomiting could be caused by an underlying issue, especially if the vomiting is persistent or continues for more than 24 hours. Here are the leading causes of vomiting in dogs: [19]
    • Eating something harmful
    • A gut blockage
    • Worms
    • Food allergies
    • Travel sickness
    • Medication reaction or side effect
    • Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
    • Gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and guts)
    • Parvovirus
    • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
    • Vestibular disease
    • Liver disease
    • Kidney disease
    • Diabetes
Section 5 of 6:

How to Determine Why Your Dog Is Vomiting

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  1. If the dog vomits once, eats normally, and has normal bowel movements, the vomiting was probably an isolated incident. If they vomit more than once throughout the day or if it continues beyond 24 hours, bring them to the vet immediately to be examined, as the vomiting may be a sign of a more serious problem. [20]
    • A vet will be able to diagnose the underlying condition or cause of repetitive vomiting by conducting a range of tests, including X-rays, bloodwork, fecal analysis, urinalysis, ultrasound imaging, and/or a barium study. [21]
    EXPERT TIP

    Ray Spragley, DVM

    Veterinarian
    Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian

    Adjust feedings if your dog is vomiting bile. Throwing up bile or yellow fluid indicates an empty stomach, so adjust meal schedules to prevent large gaps if this happens a lot. But repeat vomiting or inability to hold down any food still needs prompt medical attention to check for underlying gastrointestinal issues.

  2. Look at the vomit for foreign objects like wrappers, pieces of a plastic bag, bone fragments, etc. [22] If there are no foreign objects, look at the shape and consistency of the vomit. Is it undigested food, or is it more liquid in form? Write down what you observe to tell the vet if the vomiting continues.
    • It may help your vet diagnose your dog if you can show a photo or sample of the vomit. A photo can also let the vet see the volume of vomitus, which may influence treatment.
    • If you see blood in the vomit (it may also look like coffee grounds), take your dog to the vet immediately. [23]
  3. The color of a dog’s vomit can tell you a lot about their health and why they vomited. The information you gather can help you determine a proper treatment plan for the dog or provide clues to the dog’s well-being for a veterinarian. Here’s what the colors of dog vomit mean: [24]
    • Clear or foamy white: Empty stomach, food allergies, infection, heatstroke, parasites
    • Yellow: Liver disease, bile from the gall bladder, ate something yellow
    • Green: Diet-related (typically from eating grass), gut blockage
    • Red: Bleeding in the stomach or upper intestines [25]
    • Brown or dark colored: Bleeding in the digestive tract
    • Contact a vet immediately if the dog has red, brown, or dark vomit.
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Section 6 of 6:

Vomiting vs. Regurgitation

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  1. While vomiting and regurgitation both involve expelling items from the stomach, they’re different medical terms. Vomiting is when a dog shows signs of illness and retches or brings up digested food. Regurgitation is when a dog brings up undigested food but shows few signs of sickness and doesn’t retch. [26]
    • Vomit typically has a green to yellow tint, indicating it came from the small intestine.
    • Regurgitation is usually a sign of esophageal issues or other problems in the early stages of the digestive process. [27]
    • Vomiting and regurgitation can be concerning for dogs. Bring the dog to the vet if it retches constantly, doesn’t regain health after 24 hours of vomiting, or has trouble breathing or has a persistent cough after regurgitating. [28]
    • Retching is when a dog gags and strains. It often leads to vomiting and sounds like something is stuck in the dog’s throat. [29]

How Do You Make a Dog Throw Up?


Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How much food should I give my dog after he's feeling better?
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    I'd recommend giving them half of what you'd normally feed them, just to see how they hold it down. If they handle that just fine, go ahead and resume the regular feeding schedule.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 16
  • Question
    My dog is acting kind of strangely after throwing up. Is this a big deal?
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    If their personality has changed or they seem listless or uncomfortable after vomiting, it's actually kind of concerning. You should get your pup into the vet's office as soon as you reasonably can. This can be a sign of gastroenteritis, foreign material ingestion, or pancreatitis.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    Is there anything I should do immediately after my dog throws up?
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.
    Ray Spragley, DVM
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    If the vomit doesn't have blood in it or anything like that and your dog hasn't vomited multiple times, just wait and monitor them. Dogs vomit sometimes, and an isolated incident isn't a big deal.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/vomiting-in-dogs
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/warning-signs-dehydration-dogs/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/warning-signs-dehydration-dogs/
      4. ↑ Allison Weeks. Dog Training Professional. Expert Interview. 1 Apr 2022.
      5. ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/vomiting-in-dogs
      6. ↑ Belgin Altundag. Certified Dog Trainer. Expert Interview. 11 Aug 2021.
      7. ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/vomiting-in-dogs
      8. ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/vomiting-in-dogs
      9. ↑ https://www.petmd.com/dog/symptoms/vomiting-in-dogs
      1. ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/vomiting-in-dogs
      2. ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/vomiting-in-dogs
      3. ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/pets/food-and-weight/bland-diet-for-dogs-and-cats
      4. ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/vomiting-in-dogs
      5. ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/pets/food-and-weight/bland-diet-for-dogs-and-cats
      6. ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/vomiting-in-dogs
      7. ↑ https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/vomiting/
      8. ↑ https://www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/vomiting-in-dogs#Acute-(Short-term)-Vomiting_v3202447
      9. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-vomiting-causes-diagnosis-and-treatment/
      10. ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/vomiting-in-dogs
      11. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-vomiting-causes-diagnosis-and-treatment/
      12. ↑ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/vomiting-in-dogs
      13. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-vomiting-causes-diagnosis-and-treatment/
      14. ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/vomiting-in-dogs
      15. ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/vomiting-in-dogs
      16. ↑ https://www.greatpetcare.com/dog-health/dog-vomit-color-guide/
      17. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/vomiting-vs-regurgitation/
      18. ↑ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogs/disorders-of-the-esophagus-in-dogs
      19. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/vomiting-vs-regurgitation/
      20. ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/symptoms/vomiting-in-dogs

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To care for your dog after it vomits, wait 12 hours before feeding it so you don't irritate its stomach and cause more vomiting. Also, only give your dog a little bit of water every hour so it doesn't drink too much and get sick again. Try to get your dog to lie down and rest after it vomits, and put a blanket on it if it seems cold. If any vomit got on your dog's fur, clean it off with a warm, damp washcloth. For help determining if your dog needs medical attention, scroll down.

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