What to do if your Dog is Vomiting Mucus
If your dog is vomiting mucus he should be seen by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will want to go over your dog’s medical history so be certain to let him know about recent illnesses or whether your pet could have been exposed to harmful substances.
The veterinarian will need to know any additional signs you may have observed besides the bringing up of mucus; if there are signs of lethargy or depression for example, do not leave this important information out of the discussion. Let your veterinary provider know if you think the dog vomited, regurgitated or coughed.
The veterinarian will perform a physical examination which may include noting the weight, temperature, and heart rate, listening to your dog’s lungs, and checking the color of his gums. He may recommend a complete blood count, a urinalysis, fecal exam, x-rays and an ultrasound. The dog’s medical history, physical examination and the diagnostic tests will help the veterinarian determine the best treatment for the condition.
Dogs should not be fed table scraps, which are fatty. Substances that are toxic to dogs should be kept out of reach. Dogs should be vaccinated and dewormed regularly. Pets should not be exposed to secondhand smoke.
Additionally, it is best to keep your dog away from fresh paint, lawn pesticides, or any other strong smelling chemicals. It is a good idea to ask the veterinarian what wellness program he would suggest for your dog. Puppies and senior dogs should have frequent check-ups.
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The cost of treating intestinal parasites may be $50-300. The average expense for treating Addison’s disease may be $350. An intestinal blockage may cost up to $3000 for surgery and follow up treatment.
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Why Vomiting Mucus Occurs in Dogs
Diet
The wrong diet or a new diet can upset a dog’s stomach. Table scraps and/or very fatty foods can cause the inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Fatty food such as bacon, sausage, steak fat or chicken skin should never be fed to a dog.
Toxins
Substances such as certain plants, chocolate, grapes, chemicals, insecticides, artificial sweeteners and human medications can be toxic to dogs. Other symptoms of poisoning may include loss of coordination, diarrhea, seizures and weakness.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs is a chronic gastrointestinal disease. Many dogs with inflammatory bowel disease have a history of recurring vomiting or diarrhea. This condition may occur more often in Wheaten Terriers, Basenjis, Boxers and in the Norwegian Lundehunds breed.
Intestinal Blockage
An intestinal blockage refers to complete or partial blockage which may occur when a dog eats inedible objects. Rocks, toys, rawhides, hair ties, sticks and socks can cause a blockage. Blockage of the intestines may also be caused by parasites, a hernia, abdominal tumor or gastroenteritis.
Parasites
Parasites such as Giardia, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and coccidia can cause vomiting. Additional symptoms may include weight loss, diarrhea, lack of appetite and bloody stool.
Regurgitating with mucus may be caused by:
Esophagitis
Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus. The inflammation of the esophagus may be caused by frequent vomiting, cancer of the esophagus, reflux of gastric acids or the ingestion of a chemical or other irritant.
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is also known as hypoadrenocorticism or adrenal insufficiency. The disease is caused by the decrease of hormone production from the adrenal gland. Adrenals are small glands found in front of the kidneys. Certain breeds may be predisposed to Addison’s disease such as Bearded Collies, Portuguese Water Dogs, Standard Poodles and Labrador Retrievers.
Coughing up mucus may be caused by:
Upper Respiratory Infection
Senior dogs with immune deficiency diseases as well as puppies are more likely to develop an upper respiratory infection. Additionally, unvaccinated dogs placed in shelters, day care, or boarding kennels may become infected. Upper respiratory infections are caused by bacteria or viruses. Other symptoms of respiratory infections may include sneezing, runny nose and eyes, green mucus and nose bleeds.
Asthma
Asthma in dogs is also referred to as allergic bronchitis. Asthma in dogs is often caused by an allergic reaction to an environmental allergen such as pesticides, cigarette smoke, perfumes, fertilizers, paint and cleaning products.
If they eat an object that bounces around in their stomach but doesn’t cause an obstruction, this could turn into a chronic condition if you don’t know it is in there.
There can be external causes or internal causes, and there are many factors, including the duration, color, severity, etc., that can Influence how to respond to the vomiting.
Green vomit can be caused by eating grass. It can also be due to a contraction of the gall bladder before vomiting (usually on an empty stomach), resulting in bile in the stomach.
A chronic condition is one that goes on for a long time, and can be constant or every so often.
Why do you need to know the difference? Because the causes of and treatments for the two conditions are very different, and vomiting tends to be more concerning than regurgitation.
FAQ
What should I do if my dog is throwing up mucus?
Slimy vomit that looks like mucus occurs when a dog is drooling and it pools in the stomach in response to some major irritation. The dog relieves their nausea when they vomit up the mucus.
Why does my dog throw up mucus in the morning?