Why is My Pet Vomiting?

As pet owners we have a sixth sense when it comes to pet vomiting – even in the middle of the night, we can sense when our furry friend is about to vomit and leave that unmistakable puddle on the floor. Nothing gets us out of bed faster!

While the occasional upset stomach might not be a cause for immediate panic, it’s still important to understand why our pets vomit and when we need to pay close attention.

Is it something they ate, a sign of a more serious condition, or just a result of that wild animal chase in the backyard? In this post, we help you make sense of pet vomit, from the causes, and symptoms to watch out for and when it’s best to consult your vet.

Vomiting vs. Regurgitation

Vomiting is actually pretty common in our pets, and pet owners often think that if food comes up, it’s vomit—but there’s actually a big difference between vomiting and regurgitation. With unique causes signs and processes, it can give you a good idea about what’s going on with your beloved companion.

Vomiting is an active process, involving muscle contractions as the stomach or upper small intestine forcefully expels its contents. When a dog or cat vomits, it’s usually a sign that their body is reacting to something they’ve eaten, a food intolerance, or even stress. You’ll notice that this process is accompanied by retching, heaving, and tensing of the muscles, as they bring up whatever is troubling them. When your pet vomits, the contents can vary—often you’ll see undigested food, obejcts, partially digested material, or even clear liquid and bile.

Regurgitation, on the other hand, is a passive process that often happens without warning. Instead of involving stomach contents, regurgitation typically brings up undigested food, water, and saliva from the oesophagus. It’s a quieter, more sudden with no muscle contractions or heaving—just a quick expulsion of food.

So, why is it important to differentiate between the two? Well, vomiting can be a sign of a whole range of things, from a simple upset tummy to something more serious. Regurgitation, while still something to keep an eye on, is often less concerning and might just indicate that your pet ate too quickly or too much.

What Causes Vomiting?

Vomiting in pets happens for a variety of reasons and generally falls into two main categories: gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal.

Gastrointestinal Causes

These involve issues directly related to your pet’s digestive system. Some of the most common gastrointestinal reasons for vomiting include:

Dietary Indiscretion: Pets are curious eaters, and they sometimes get into things they shouldn’t.
Eating too much or too quickly: When pets scarf down their food, it can overwhelm their digestive system. Bones and toys to sticks, stones, and even hair ties can cause blockages in the digestive tract, leading to vomiting, and may even require veterinary intervention.
Consuming spoiled food or garbage: The temptation of an interesting smell from the trash can sometimes leads pets to eat spoiled food (and other objects), which can upset their stomach.
Ingesting fatty foods or table scraps: Rich or fatty human foods can be hard for pets to digest, often resulting in stomach upset.
Hairballs in Cats: For cats, especially long-haired breeds, hairballs are a common cause of vomiting. As they groom, they ingest hair that can accumulate in their stomach, forming hairballs. Most of the time, cats will vomit to expel these hairballs naturally.
Intestinal Parasites: Parasites, like roundworms, can irritate the lining of the digestive system and cause vomiting. Pets can acquire these parasites from contaminated soil, water, or infected animals.

Non-Gastrointestinal Causes:

Sometimes, vomiting isn’t directly related to a problem in the digestive tract. Several non-gastrointestinal factors can trigger vomiting in pets:

Infections: Both viral and bacterial infections can lead to vomiting. Viral culprits include canine distemper, parvovirus, and coronavirus in dogs, while bacterial infections like gastroenteritis can cause vomiting.
Organ Problems: Kidney or liver disease, as well as pancreatitis, can also lead to vomiting as the body struggles to process toxins.
Food Allergies and Sensitivities: Pets with food allergies or intolerances may vomit after eating certain ingredients, especially if they’re sensitive to specific proteins or grains.
Motion Sickness: Some pets, like humans, experience nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness, especially during car rides. This is common in younger pets and can improve as they age.
Stress and Anxiety: For pets that are particularly sensitive, vomiting can be a physical response to emotional stress. High levels of excitement, stress, or anxiety before trips, during loud events, or when there are significant changes in a pet’s environment.

When to Worry About Pet Vomiting

When it comes to our pets, understanding the signs of discomfort can be a bit tricky – especially when it comes to vomiting. Is it a passing upset or something more serious? Occasional vomiting, especially if it happens once and your pet seems fine afterwards, is usually no cause for alarm. However, there are some signs that suggest it’s time to call your vet:

Frequent or Prolonged Vomiting: If your pet vomits multiple times in a day, without a break, or if the vomiting continues for more than 24 hours, it’s best to see your vet. Persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration and can indicate an underlying issue that needs medical attention.
Vomiting Mucus Repeatedly: Occasional mucus in vomit may be normal, but frequent episodes should be checked as it can be a sign of gastrointestinal issues or other health concerns.
Vomiting in Very Young, Very Old, or Sick Pets: Puppies, kittens, senior pets, or those with pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable when it comes to vomiting. Even a single episode can take a toll on their health, so it’s safest to get a vet’s opinion.
Vomiting Alongside Increased Thirst: If your pet is drinking more than usual and vomiting, this could indicate a condition affecting their kidneys or liver, or it could be a sign of diabetes.
Accompanying Symptoms: If vomiting is paired with other symptoms like diarrhoea, lethargy, or a lack of appetite, it’s time to see your vet. These symptoms together can be a sign of a more serious illness or infection.
Blood in Vomit: Blood in your pet’s vomit is a serious sign and should always be addressed by a vet as soon as possible. This could be a sign of internal bleeding, ulcers, or ingestion of something toxic.

Treatments For Vomiting

The causes of vomiting are extensive, and so are the treatments. Your vet will create a treatment plan based on the underlying cause of the vomiting, the severity of the symptoms, and your pet’s overall health. Treatments can range from supportive care to manage symptoms to more specific therapies targeting the root cause. Here’s a look at some common approaches:

Fluids: Dehydration can quickly become a concern with persistent vomiting. Your vet may administer fluids either through an IV or subcutaneously (under the skin) to help rehydrate your pet and keep their body balanced.
Anti-Emetic Medication: Anti-nausea medications can help control vomiting and ease your pet’s discomfort. These medications work by soothing the digestive tract and blocking nausea signals.
Pain Medication: If vomiting is caused by conditions that involve pain, such as pancreatitis or an intestinal blockage, your vet may prescribe pain relievers to keep your pet comfortable as they heal.
Stomach Protectants: To help prevent further irritation, your vet may prescribe stomach protectants that shield the stomach lining from the acidic digestive fluids.
Dietary Adjustments: In some cases, vets recommend a bland diet for a few days to soothe your pet’s stomach. This may include plain, easily digestible foods like boiled chicken and rice. If your pet’s vomiting is linked to food sensitivities, allergies, or chronic gastrointestinal issues, your vet may suggest a long-term dietary change to reduce discomfort and vomiting.
Surgery: In more serious cases surgery may be required. This is especially true if items like toys, bones, or other non-digestible objects have been ingested and are obstructing the digestive tract.

What to Do When Your Pet Vomits?

Seeing your pet vomit can be alarming, but staying calm can help make a big difference in their recovery.

Inspect the Vomit: Take a quick look to ensure there’s no blood or toxic material in the vomit. Blood can be a sign of serious illness or internal bleeding, and in such cases, your pet should be taken to a vet immediately.
Assess Their Behaviour: Take a moment to observe how your pet is acting after vomiting. Are they still their usual self—active, alert, and playful? If so, it may just be a minor stomach upset. However, if they seem lethargic, uninterested in food, or unusually quiet, these can be signs of something more serious.
Withhold Food Temporarily: Give your pet’s stomach a chance to rest by withholding food for about an hour. This break can help reduce any lingering nausea and give their system a chance to recover.
Offer Small Sips of Water: Avoid letting your pet gulp down large amounts of water, which can upset their stomach further. Instead, encourage small, regular sips to keep them hydrated while they recover.
Reintroduce a Small Meal: After a short fasting period, try offering a small portion of their normal food. If they keep it down, continue with small meals every 2-3 hours for the next day or two.

Caring for Your Pet’s Digestive Health

Vomiting in pets can be concerning, but understanding the signs, causes, and treatments can help you to take the right steps when your furry friend isn’t feeling their best. Whether it’s a minor upset or a more serious condition, being observant and proactive can help ensure your pet receives the care they need. Always remember to keep an eye on their behaviour, monitor any symptoms, and don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian if things don’t improve.

If your pet is experiencing vomiting or any other troubling symptoms, our team is here to help! At The House Call Vet, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care for your beloved pets. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and let’s work together to keep your pet healthy and happy for years to come!