Why Is My Dog Vomiting? Common Reasons and Emergency Signs

Aubrey Oiller
Sep 17, 2025
3 min read

It’s not unusual for dogs to vomit occasionally. Sometimes they eat too fast, snack on grass, or sneak food they shouldn’t. But as a pet owner, it can be hard to tell when vomiting is harmless and when it signals something more serious.

This guide will help you understand the common causes of dog vomiting, how to care for your pet at home, and most importantly, when it’s time to call the vet.

Common Reasons Dogs Vomit

Dogs can vomit for many reasons, ranging from mild to serious:

Dietary indiscretion – Eating spoiled food, rubbish, or table scraps
Sudden diet change – Switching food too quickly
Eating too fast – Eating large meals quickly
Motion sickness – Car rides or travel-related nausea
Food allergies or sensitivities – Reactions to certain ingredients
Gastrointestinal upset – Mild stomach bug or inflammation

These causes are often short-term and not emergencies, but repeated vomiting or other symptoms can mean something more serious.

When Vomiting Is an Emergency

Call your veterinarian right away if your dog shows any of these signs:

Frequent or continuous vomiting that doesn’t stop
Blood in vomit (red or coffee-ground appearance)
Vomiting with diarrhea, especially if watery or bloody
Lethargy, weakness, or collapse
Swollen or painful abdomen
Vomiting after eating something toxic (chocolate, grapes, medications, household chemicals)
Signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums, loss of skin elasticity)

👉 Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with existing health conditions are at higher risk of complications from vomiting and should see a vet sooner.

What You Can Do at Home

If your dog vomits once or twice but seems otherwise alert and healthy:

Reduce food portion sizes slightly for 8–12 hours to rest the stomach
Provide fresh water to prevent dehydration (small, frequent sips)
Reintroduce food portion sizes slowly and give Oralade to help gut flora
Monitor closely for recurring vomiting or changes in behavior

NEVER give over-the-counter medications and call the vet instead. Many human meds are toxic to dogs.

When to Schedule a Vet Visit

Not all vomiting requires an emergency trip, but a vet check is important if:

Vomiting continues for more than 24 hours
Your dog is losing weight or refusing food
There’s chronic vomiting (even if mild)
Your dog shows other health changes like coughing, limping, or unusual thirst

Your veterinarian may run tests such as bloodwork, X-rays, or ultrasounds to determine the underlying cause and recommend a treatment.

Preventing Vomiting in Dogs

While not all vomiting is preventable, these steps can help keep your dog’s stomach healthy:

Feed consistent, high-quality dog food
Avoid giving table scraps or fatty human foods
Transition diets slowly over 7–10 days
Prevent scavenging by keeping rubbish and toxic foods out of reach
Use slow feeder bowls if your dog eats too quickly

Did You Find This Helpful?

Vomiting in dogs can range from a simple upset stomach to a life-threatening emergency. As a pet parent, it’s important to know the difference. If your dog is vomiting repeatedly, showing other concerning symptoms, or you’re unsure what’s wrong, always call your vet.

Prompt veterinary care can make all the difference in keeping your pup safe, comfortable, and healthy.

👉 Want to be prepared for pet emergencies? Sign up for our Pet First Aid Course! Perfect for pet owners and pet business professionals.