You may be wondering what you can give your dog for vomiting. The following remedies can relieve an upset stomach, but if symptoms persist, discontinue treatment and see a vet immediately.
Pepto-Bismol: Ask your vet if you can try to give over-the-counter Pepto-Bismol. If he agrees that it might help, he will give you dosing instructions. As with any medication, there may be side effects. Pepto contains aspirin, so do not give if your dog has an allergy to aspirin. Ask your vet first!
Electrolytes: If your dog is able to keep liquids down, ask your local veterinary clinic for recommendations for rehydration. Make sure the electrolytes offered do not contain artificial sweeteners such as xylitol.
Probiotics: Probiotics for dogs are definitely great (if supplied by a veterinary manufacturing company). In addition to soothing your dogs tummy when he is nauseous, probiotics promote a healthy gut when taken on a daily basis. Purina Fortiflora is a popular product that is recommended and sold by vets.
Ginger: Consider a pet-safe treat or tea that incorporates ginger. Ginger is thought to have an antiemetic effect by blocking the serotonin receptors in the gut that causes nausea. If you are considering feeding ginger in raw or powder form, refer to the correct dosages outlined by DogsNaturally.
Slippery Elm Bark: This herbal remedy contains tannins that help reduce inflammation. It can soothe an upset stomach and relieve diarrhea and is also loaded with vitamins. Slippery elm bark should not be given to pregnant dogs or those taking medications.
Massage: Your dog may enjoy a relaxing massage. Gently rub his stomach, but dont press. If this causes him to throw up even more, discontinue.
Check for Dehydration
Feeding your dog too much water can cause him to vomit even more, but you dont want him to be dehydrated either. Limit the water bowl and offer ice chips instead.
10 Causes of Dog Vomiting That Require Veterinary Attention
Parvo is a potentially deadly virus that can be commonly found in puppies, so if your pup has not been vaccinated or has not yet finished his vaccine series, consider this a possibility. Parvo causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea (often with a foul odor), lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, may occur after eating a fatty meal. Dogs suffering from pancreatitis need to fast but also require vet attention.
Gastroenteritis is another worrisome condition. Symptoms include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. At times, the underlying cause may not be found.
Intestinal blockage can occur if your dog has ingested a bone or a foreign object, such as a sock, a rock, or corn on the cob. Symptoms include vomiting.
Bloat is sudden distension of the stomach. If your dog tries to vomit but is unable to, you may suspect bloat, especially if your dog is deep-chested with a swollen abdomen and he appears to be in distress. If the dog is unable to vomit, he may bring up thick saliva (as seen in the video below). Some causes of bloating include eating or drinking really fast, high-fiber diets, or strenuous physical activities.
Food poisoning from eating something potentially toxic can certainly cause vomiting. Chocolate, onions, and grapes are some of the most dangerous foods for dogs to consume. If you have a pet that loves digging in the garbage, food poisoning is a likely cause.
Kidney or liver disease can also cause your dog to throw up.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is often caused by allergies to foods, such as additives, preservatives, wheat, and lactose.
Stomach Ulcers that are caused by plant intoxication (mushrooms, sago palm, etc.), pesticide or rodenticide toxicity, chemical poisoning, and heavy metal poisoning result in nausea, vomiting, and anemia.
Parasites can be contracted through exposure to contaminated soil, water, feces, or food. Puppies usually get intestinal parasites through their mothers. Make sure your dog is up-to-date with all of his/her shots to prevent serious illnesses from occurring.
Once you see that your dog is feeling a lot better and is holding down his food, over the next 3-5 hours, mix in the dog’s normal food, while gradually phasing out the homemade bland food. This gradual transition is vital to prevent a relapse of the dog’s vomiting.
After some time, your dog should be feeling better and back to their normal, playful self. For more tips on keeping your dog happy and healthy, check out our blog.
If your dog’s gums are very pale, this is a sign he or she is anemic and needs immediate medical attention.
Vomiting can cause dehydration, so make sure your dog remains hydrated in small amounts on a constant basis. Monitor his intake and don’t let him drink to excess. Excessive, fast drinking is a common response to nausea in dogs, but the problem is that it triggers dog vomiting and makes the upset stomach worse. If necessary, limit the water available to the dog by doling it out in hourly rations. Offering your dog ice cubes will prevent dehydration and keep him from gulping down large amounts of water which can cause more vomiting. Once your dog has gone 4 hours without vomiting, then you can give him Pedialyte.
Before doing so, make sure to ask your vet if you can give your dog a soothing dose of Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate. This will help to calm your dog’s stomach and keep the fluids down. If you get the okay from the vet, make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle. The usual dose for a dog is 1 tsp per twenty pounds of body weight. For less cooperative dogs, you can use a syringe or eyedropper to administer the Pepto-Bismol.