Why Is My Dog Being Sick?
Rebecca from Brighton recently reached out, asking, "Why is my dog, Leo, always being sick?"
Leo, a 3-year-old Golden Retriever, had been vomiting intermittently for the past week. Rebecca noted that while Leo seemed to bounce back quickly after each episode, the vomiting had become more frequent, with no apparent cause. She wondered if his new diet was a contributing factor or if something more serious was going on.
After a few failed attempts to treat Leo’s symptoms at home, Rebecca sought advice from our veterinary team, and, with her permission, we thought it appropriate to include her story in our Ask A Vet series.
In this article, our Chief Veterinarian and Omni Co-Founder, Dr Guy, will delve into the problem of the vomiting dog.
If you’ve got a problem you’d like to be included in Omni’s Ask a Vet series online, just drop us an email to woof@omni.pet.
Our Chief Veterinarian, Dr Guy MRCVS had this to say:
Vomiting can be a concerning (and off-putting!) symptom in dogs, as it can point to a wide range of potential issues, from mild stomach upsets to more severe conditions. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for ensuring your dog gets the right treatment.
Reasons Why Your Dog Is Being Sick
There are many reasons why vomiting can happen in dogs. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Pancreatitis, the inflammation of the pancreas and leakage of digestive enzymes into the abdominal cavity, which can severely impact digestion and cause vomiting.
- Stomach upset, perhaps from eating something unusual on a walk or picking up a bug from the dog park.
- Over-exercising or under-eating, particularly in some breeds.
- Bloat (Gastric dilatation volvulus) is a serious condition in dogs that occurs when the dog’s stomach twists and fills with gas or fluid, causing vomiting and potentially blocking the stomach’s entrance and exit. GDV can be fatal if left unchecked.
Here’s a summary of the key points to watch out for:
- Vomiting as a one-off may not be serious, but repeated vomiting is concerning.
- If vomiting occurs alongside other symptoms like lethargy or a lack of appetite, it's important to consult a vet.
- Chronic vomiting or vomiting every few days could indicate an underlying issue, and it’s important to seek veterinary advice for this.
Why Is My Dog Vomiting?
Does My Dog Have Pancreatitis?
Vomiting Could Be a Sign of Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, leading to digestive enzyme leakage into the abdominal cavity. These enzymes begin to digest surrounding tissues, causing pain and inflammation. This condition can range from mild to life-threatening and often leads to vomiting as the first obvious symptom.
Key signs of pancreatitis in dogs:
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain (your dog may yelp when their stomach is touched)
- Lethargy
- Fever
Pancreatitis is typically associated with high-fat diets, but it can also be triggered by other factors like obesity, infections, or even trauma. Research indicates that certain dog breeds, including Miniature Schnauzers and Terriers, are more prone to developing pancreatitis due to genetic factors influencing fat metabolism .
How to Address Pancreatitis
If you suspect your dog has pancreatitis, immediate veterinary attention is necessary. Here’s what you can do:
- Seek veterinary care: Your vet may prescribe medications to manage pain and inflammation, along with a low-fat diet.
- Dietary changes: Switch your dog to a diet designed to prevent flare-ups, such as Omni’s plant-based food, which is naturally lower in fat compared to meat-based alternatives.
Vomiting Could Be a Sign of Stomach Upset
A common reason for vomiting in dogs is a simple stomach upset. This can occur due to dietary indiscretion, such as eating something off the ground during a walk, or as a reaction to a sudden change in diet. While it’s typically mild, repeated vomiting can be concerning, especially if other symptoms are present.
Key signs of a stomach upset:
- Vomiting more than once
- Lethargy or lack of energy
- Diarrhoea
- Low-grade fever
Stomach upsets are usually temporary, but if the vomiting persists for more than a day or if it occurs frequently, it's important to seek veterinary advice to rule out more serious conditions like infections or chronic gastrointestinal diseases.
How to Address Stomach Upset
For mild stomach upsets, here’s how you can help your dog recover:
- Rest your dog’s stomach: Remove food for 12-24 hours to give their stomach a break, while ensuring they stay hydrated.
- Bland diet: Reintroduce food slowly with a bland diet or a nutritionally complete hypoallergenic plant-based option from Omni like Omni Sensitivity.
- Vet consultation: If symptoms persist beyond 24 hours, seek veterinary advice.
Over-exercising or Underfeeding Some Dogs Can Induce Vomiting
Are you walking your dog too much?
Some dogs, particularly Maltese Terriers, Pugs, English Bulldog, Shih Tzus and other shorter, less athletic breeds, will vomit after too much exercise. These breeds typically have shorter airways and are less athletic than others, which can make them overheat or tire easily. Over-exercising can cause their stomachs to become unsettled, leading to vomiting.
Additionally, underfeeding your dog or exercising them on an empty stomach can also trigger nausea and vomiting. If your dog is not getting enough energy from food to fuel their activity, their blood sugar levels may drop, which can cause dizziness, weakness, and vomiting.
How to Prevent Exercise-Induced Vomiting
- Moderate exercise: Limit the intensity and duration of walks, especially for breeds prone to overheating. Shorter, more frequent walks are better than long, strenuous outings.
- Feeding before exercise: Make sure your dog eats a balanced meal 1-2 hours before exercising to maintain their energy levels and avoid nausea.
- Hydration: Ensure your dog has access to fresh water during and after exercise to prevent dehydration, which can also lead to vomiting.
If you notice persistent vomiting after exercise, consult your vet to rule out any underlying issues.
Vomiting Could Be a Sign of Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
Bloat is a life-threatening condition that involves the stomach twisting and trapping gas inside. It’s more common in large, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes or German Shepherds. One of the most alarming symptoms of bloat is frequent vomiting or dry heaving without actually bringing up any food.
Key signs of bloat:
- Swollen abdomen
- Repeated attempts to vomit with little to no success
- Restlessness and difficulty breathing
- Extreme lethargy
Bloat can develop rapidly and requires emergency veterinary care. Without prompt intervention, it can lead to death within hours due to restricted blood flow and damage to internal organs.
How to Address Bloat
If you notice any of these symptoms, take immediate action:
- Emergency vet visit: Bloat is a medical emergency, and surgery is often required to save the dog’s life.
- Prevention: Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and using slow-feeder bowls can reduce the risk of bloat.
Speak With a Vet If…
You should speak to a vet if:
- Your dog is vomiting alongside other symptoms like lethargy, fever, or a swollen abdomen.
- The vomiting persists for more than 24 hours or happens regularly over the course of several days.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, don’t wait—book a free consultation with our vet team at Omni to get advice tailored to your dog’s needs.
Thoughts from Dr Guy MRCVS
As dog lovers and guardians, it’s natural to worry about our furry friends, especially when they display abnormal symptoms that can’t be easily explained. That’s why, when I founded Omni, I knew that I wanted to keep vet consultation free and accessible at the heart of the business.
If you’re understandably worried about your dog, but you don’t think you need to take them to the vets urgently, I highly recommend getting some friendly, professional advice from one of our team.
Explore some of the frequently asked questions in our Ask a Vet series
Got a question for the Ask a Vet team?
Submit your question via email to woof@omni.pet. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can, and, if suitable, post the response here to help others, too!
Disclaimer: Whilst the advice given here is based on medical experience from our experts, and scenarios we do encounter during our career - we do not give tailored or specific advice for individual pets - please seek assistance from your in person vet as a first point of call with any issues your pet is having which are a cause for concern as soon as possible.
