Dog Vomiting: What It Means and When to Worry

Is your dog vomiting? While occasional vomiting isn’t unusual, repeated or severe episodes could indicate a serious underlying issue that requires urgent attention.

Dogs vomit for many reasons—some harmless, others life-threatening. If your dog is:

  • Vomiting repeatedly
  • Retching without producing anything
  • Unable to keep down water
  • Vomiting for more than 24 hours

Seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Otherwise, continue reading for more insight into what might be causing your dog’s vomiting and what steps to take next.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Dogs:

  • Illness or infection (e.g., gastrointestinal viruses, kidney or liver disease)
  • Ingestion of foreign objects (toys, socks, trash)
  • Exposure to toxins or poisons (human medications, plants, chemicals)
  • Dietary indiscretion (eating greasy food, table scraps, or spoiled items)
  • Constipation or digestive blockages
  • Heatstroke or sudden changes in body temperature

When in Doubt, Ask the Experts

It can be hard to know whether your dog’s vomiting is something to monitor or something to treat immediately. That’s where whiskerDocs comes in. Our veterinary telehealth specialists are available 24/7, 365 days a year to help you make the right decision for your pet’s health—anytime, anywhere.

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