My Dog Is Being Sick: Common Causes and What to Watch For

Vomiting is one of the most common reasons owners contact their vet. Dogs vomit for a wide range of reasons, from eating grass to serious illness. A single episode of vomiting in an otherwise well dog is usually not an emergency. Multiple episodes, blood in the vomit, or vomiting combined with other symptoms warrants prompt veterinary attention.

Is This an Emergency?

Go to a vet or emergency clinic immediately if your dog:

• Has vomited more than three times in a few hours
• Has blood or dark, coffee-ground material in the vomit
• Has a swollen, distended, or hard abdomen alongside vomiting
• Is attempting to vomit repeatedly without bringing anything up
• Is weak, collapsed, or showing signs of severe pain
• May have swallowed a toxic substance, foreign object, or medication

Call your vet the same day if:

• Vomiting has continued for more than 12 hours
• Vomiting is accompanied by diarrhoea, lethargy, or loss of appetite
• You have a puppy, elderly dog, or a dog with a known health condition

Wait and monitor for up to 12 hours if:

• Your dog vomited once after eating grass or eating too fast
• Your dog is otherwise bright, alert, and willing to drink small amounts of water
• There is no blood and no sign of pain or distress

What Causes Vomiting in Dogs?

Dietary indiscretion

Eating something unsuitable, such as rubbish, rotting food, or a rich table scrap, is the most common cause of acute vomiting in dogs. Recovery is usually swift with rest and a brief period of bland feeding.

Eating too fast

Dogs that eat quickly may vomit shortly after a meal. Using a slow-feeder bowl can help. If it happens regularly, mention it to your vet to rule out underlying causes such as megaoesophagus.

Gastritis

Inflammation of the stomach lining, often from dietary causes, can produce vomiting of bile, particularly in the morning on an empty stomach. Feeding small, regular meals can help manage this pattern.

Foreign body ingestion

A sock, toy, bone fragment, or stone lodged in the stomach or intestine causes persistent vomiting, appetite loss, and abdominal pain. This is a potential surgical emergency.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas causes severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy, often following a fatty meal. It ranges from mild to life-threatening and requires veterinary treatment.

Kidney or liver disease

Chronic organ disease causes persistent nausea and vomiting, often alongside increased thirst, weight loss, or changes in urination. Blood tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Toxin ingestion

Many common substances are toxic to dogs, including grapes, raisins, xylitol, and certain human medications. If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, contact your vet or the Animal Poison Line immediately.

Which Breeds Are More Prone to Vomiting?

• German Shepherd, Border Collie: Higher incidence of inflammatory bowel disease and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), both of which cause chronic vomiting
• Great Dane, Rottweiler, Weimaraner: Deep-chested breeds with elevated risk of GDV, which causes unproductive retching and requires emergency surgery
• Labrador Retriever: Notoriously indiscriminate eaters, making dietary-induced vomiting common in the breed

What Will the Vet Do?

Your vet will assess hydration, examine the abdomen, and take a history of what and when your dog last ate. They may recommend:

• Withholding food for 4 to 6 hours to rest the stomach
• Anti-nausea medication and fluids if dehydration is a concern
• Blood tests and urinalysis
• X-rays or ultrasound to check for foreign bodies or organ changes

A consultation for vomiting costs approximately £50 to £120. Blood tests and imaging can add £150 to £400. [VERIFY: current UK veterinary fee ranges]

How to Help Your Dog at Home

For a single episode of vomiting in an otherwise well adult dog:

• Withhold food for 4 to 6 hours, then offer a small amount of bland food such as plain boiled chicken and white rice
• Ensure fresh water is always available, but discourage drinking large amounts quickly, which can trigger further vomiting
• Keep your dog calm and rested
• Monitor closely for any worsening of symptoms

Do not give human anti-nausea medications. Contact your vet if vomiting continues beyond 12 hours or if your dog's condition deteriorates at any point.