Why Is The Dog Vomiting?
01 Sep 2010
Dog owners know that the pet vomits occasionally. The dog's vomiting can be due to a variety of reasons. Dogs are not unlike humans that commonly vomit if something that does not agree with the stomach was eaten. Dogs commonly suffer from upset stomach given the fact that these indiscriminate eaters would not pass up the chance to eat inedible objects and spoiled foods.
Nature though has provided our four legged friends with an effective way of purging unwanted food and foreign objects from the stomach. All the dog need to do is eat grass and all the things ingested that were not accepted by the dog's system will be thrown up. A vomiting bout will occur if the dog has consumed considerable amount of food and has drank a lot of water too quickly. Switching to a new dog food can also make the dog vomit. Although quite uncommon, stress can make the dog vomit.
A dog that was taken to a new home where there are already other pet dogs will vomit. The situation becomes highly stressful if the nervous or shy newcomer is introduced to a large and dominant old pet. An owner has to deal with the inconvenience for a while but as soon as the dog has adapted to its new environment the stress induced vomiting will be gone. After the vomiting bout, the dog will be its normal energetic self. Owners of healthy dogs with normal energy levels and good appetite need not be too concerned with the pet's vomiting. Occasional vomiting bouts can be managed at home. The stomach must be rested for about 24 hours thus the pet must not be allowed to eat.
However, a dog's vomiting may not be due to dietary indiscretion. Vomiting is not considered a disease in itself but an indication of an underlying illness. It is necessary for a dog owner to carefully observe the condition of the vomiting dog.
A dog owner has cause for concern if aside from vomiting the dog also has diarrhea, is lethargic and running a temperature. The pet's vomiting may be caused by something serious like ingestion of poisonous substances. Repeated vomiting is one of the symptoms of internal parasite infestation and infectious diseases. A dog with bloody vomit may be suffering from intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, kidney problems and stomach ulcer. Immediate medical attention must be given to a pet that has been vomiting for 24 hours more so if the dog is unresponsive and lethargic.
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