Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of food from the stomach. It is common in dogs and cats and can indicate a wide range of underlying health issues.
Causes of Vomiting
There are multiple causes of vomiting in pets. Some of the most common of these are food allergies, ingestion of spoiled or toxic food, dietary changes, and ingestion of foreign bodies. Other causes of vomiting in pets include infections, parasites, reactions to medications, and disorders of the gastrointestinal system. Vomiting can also be a secondary symptom of serious illnesses such as pancreatitis, kidney disease, or cancer.
Symptoms of Vomiting
Please visit your veterinarian immediately if your pet vomits repeatedly. It is also important to seek veterinary care if vomiting is accompanied by any of the following symptoms.
- Nausea
- Excessive salivation
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Pale gums
- Collapse
Diagnosis of Vomiting
Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset of their symptoms. They will then perform a thorough physical examination to check for potential causes of vomiting such as foreign bodies or parasites.
Routine diagnostic tests will be carried out to assess your pet’s overall health and help identify the cause of their symptoms. These may include a urinalysis, bloodwork, fecal examination, and abdominal X-rays or ultrasounds. Depending on the results of these tests, your veterinarian may recommend other tests such as endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract, toxicology testing, or exploratory surgery.
Treatment of Vomiting
Treatment of vomiting will depend on its underlying cause. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to stabilize and monitor your pet. Fluid therapy may also be required to address severe dehydration.
Potential treatments for vomiting include antibiotic therapy to fight infection, dietary changes to prevent food allergies, and surgical removal of foreign objects in the gastrointestinal tract. Your veterinarian will recommend appropriate treatment methods based on the cause of vomiting and your pet’s overall health.
Prevention of Vomiting
Since there are numerous potential causes of vomiting, the condition can be difficult to prevent. However, there are several steps you can take to help prevent vomiting in pets.
We recommend feeding a healthy, balanced diet to support your pet’s nutritional needs. It’s also important to avoid feeding table scraps and prevent access to non-food items or garbage. Make sure to provide plenty of fresh drinking water and do not allow your pet to drink from standing water sources. Finally, please schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian so your pet’s overall health can be continuously monitored.
