Our dogs are our best friends, and when they aren't feeling well, it breaks our hearts. It also destroys our carpets. There are a lot of different health problems that can impact our favorite fur buddies, but throwing up is one of the most common (and grossest) health issues you're bound to experience, at least once in a while, when you're a dog parent.
It can be scary when your pup gets sick, and, of course, it's inconvenient. No one really wants to start their day by cleaning up a yucky pile of yesterday's dog food, regurgitated. But the good news is that pup-pukes are usually not much to worry about. Yes, there are some illnesses that can be the culprit. More often than not, it's due to one of these seven things.
Here are seven common reasons your dog may be puking.
P.S. We aren't doctors, so if you're worried your dog might be seriously ill, or if the yucky issue persists, by all means take Fido to the vet.
1. They may have eaten something yucky.
Just like humans, sometimes dogs just get upset stomachs. Oftentimes, they eat something out in nature that doesn't agree with them. Plenty of times, dogs will eat sticks, grass, you name it, and not show a sign of feeling off. But then once in a while, something doesn't agree with them. You probably won't figure out what it is if it's something they ate outside (unless you see it on the way out!). Hopefully, once it's out, the issue clears up.
2. It could be due to a change in diet.
A change in diet can definitely impact a dog's belly. Dogs get used to their food — you would too if you ate the exact same thing every day. That means that if their diet is switched up, their stomachs might feel off for a couple of days. Vets usually recommend a more gradual switch for this reason. You can start by adding a half scoop of the new food to their old food, then gradually increasing the amount of new food and decreasing the old.
3. They may have eaten too fast.
Dogs get really excited about mealtime. Sometimes they get so excited that they scarf their food down way too fast. Just like that, it comes back up. It's not uncommon, and it's usually no cause for concern.
4. They're bloated.
Dogs, like people, can get bloated. But sometimes for dogs, that bloat can turn into an emergency. If their gas-filled belly puts pressure on their diaphragm, it can make it hard for your pup to breathe. If you think your dog is struggling to breathe, they will need to be seen by a vet right away. Bloat is more common in breeds with deep chests, like Great Danes. But whatever kind of dog you have, make sure you give them regular-size portions and give them time to digest before exercising.
5. They're motion-sick.
Many dogs absolutely love car rides. But sometimes, they can get motion sickness. If your pup just came in from a joyride and seemed to love feeling the breeze blow their ears back but then got sick, you can probably assume it was the motion.
6. They ate spoiled food or bad water.
Doggos love to get into the trash. It's one of their favorite pastimes! But if they went through the garbage and ate food that was spoiled, that could definitely upset their tummy. Likewise, if they drank contaminated water — say, from a stream or water source containing something toxic — that could also be the culprit.
7. It could be due to heat (or heat stroke).
Just like humans, dogs can be affected by excessive heat. They might just need a good puke and to drink some water and rest. But heat stroke in dogs can be quite dangerous. If your dog has heat stroke, you will probably see other signs in addition to puking. Look out for excessive drooling, wobbliness, or blood in their vomit or in their stool.
Of course, there are a lot of other things that could make your dog feel ill. Serious health conditions like cancer and liver disease can cause your pup to throw up. If your dog pukes more than occasionally, you should definitely pay your vet a visit.
