Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Highlights:
Dogs may vomit for a variety of reasons, some of which are not indicative of illness.
If your dog regularly throws up after eating, there is an underlying reason that needs to be addressed so your dog gets their necessary nutrients.
Addressing the reason for your dog’s behavior is essential in helping protect them against future bouts of vomiting.
As a human, you know something is wrong when you vomit. Whether you’ve eaten something bad or caught a virus, vomiting is never a good sign.
For dogs, however, vomiting occurs differently. It can be easy to assume that your dog is sick when they vomit, but sometimes, dogs throw up for reasons unrelated to illness, like simply eating their food too quickly.
Together, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why your dog may be vomiting after eating and tell you what you can do to help them avoid this not-so-pleasant behavior.
Before you phone their veterinarian in a panic, remember that a dog may vomit once or even several times without causing serious, life-threatening damage.
Here are some possible causes for your dog’s vomiting:
As you probably already know, dogs get really excited about mealtime! Sometimes, they simply eat their food too quickly and their digestive system doesn’t have time to digest their food. This can be particularly problematic in homes with multiple animals.
To avoid this, try feeding your dogs at different times or ensuring that other animals aren’t eating your dog’s food. You can also try giving your dog their kibble in small amounts and waiting a few minutes between each scoop to ensure they are eating more slowly.
It’s an age-old question. Why do dogs eat grass? While there’s a theory that they may eat grass when they have an upset stomach, there’s no research to back it up. Dogs may eat grass out of boredom or simply because they like the taste.
Regardless of the reason for grass-eating, most dogs simply can’t digest it, which means it’s going to come right back up. If they ate grass close to mealtime, their meal may come up along with the grass.
If this happens regularly, try monitoring your dog while they are outside to deter them from eating grass, and keep them indoors half an hour before they eat their meals.
Changing your dog’s kibble can be a shock to their digestive system. Changing from wet to dry food or changing the amount of food you give your dog can result in an upset stomach and/or vomiting.
This doesn’t necessarily mean the food is wrong for your dog. The best way to change your dog’s food is by gradually decreasing the old food and increasing the new food.
Ask your dog’s veterinarian for recommendations on how to transition to a new food. If you continue to notice your dog vomits after eating, discontinue the new food.
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from anxiety. When a dog is anxious, they may eat too quickly or develop upset tummies.
It is more likely that a dog will refuse food when they are suffering from anxiety but if your dog is eating the same amount of the same kibble and displaying other signs of anxiety (behavioral changes, pacing, panting, aggression, etc.), it may be time to schedule a visit to their veterinarian to have them checked.
Issues with your dog’s digestive system could cause them to vomit after meals. The digestive system of a dog is long and complex, and it can be hard to identify which part is causing trouble. A visit to the vet may lead to imaging that can help the veterinarian identify any underlying issues with the bowels and treat those issues to get your dog back on track.
Dogs that vomit hours after eating may have food allergies. Dogs can be tested for food allergies; once they are determined, switching to an allergen-free food can solve the problem.
Vomiting usually occurs half an hour to multiple hours after a dog has eaten. In other words, the food that comes up has been at least partially digested.
A dog that regurgitates expels food that has not yet been digested. This may happen if your dog eats too quickly or has a condition called megaesophagus. This condition causes a dog’s esophagus to become weak and dilate, which can cause food trapped inside to come up when they attempt to swallow it.
Many pet owners are disturbed when their dogs vomit. This is natural, considering that when a human vomits, it almost always means something is wrong or that they are ill.
If your dog vomits once, there’s no cause for alarm unless they are displaying other symptoms of illness. If your dog continues to vomit consistently for more than one day in a row or multiple times in a day, you should call their veterinarian and bring them in for a visit.
In addition, keep a look out for the following symptoms that may accompany vomiting, like:
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s a good idea to have them checked by their veterinarian.
One reason your dog may be vomiting and displaying no other notable symptoms is due to dental disease or tooth decay. Dogs that have sore teeth or gums may not chew their food properly or completely, which can lead to regurgitation or vomiting.
Infections that occur alongside decaying teeth may also lead to illness. If you suspect this could be the case, a visit to their vet may be in order.
Dog dental care isn’t something most pet owners are diligent about. Aside from having their yearly teeth cleaning, most of us aren’t taking proactive steps to care for our pets’ teeth at home. Unfortunately, this neglect can lead to serious health impacts. In dogs, it can even lead to organ failure.
By age three, 80% of dogs have some form of periodontal disease, but only 20% of their owners know about it. The good news is that you can get your dog’s teeth back in shape with a little more attention to them at home.
Your dog’s teeth need the same kind of care as your own. Daily tooth brushing and regular dental visits are a must for keeping their teeth and gums healthy.
Here are three ways you can keep your dog’s teeth in great shape:
Giving your dog Yummy Combs each day can help keep their teeth clean between brushing and dental visits.
Yummy Combs treats target three issues that veterinarians and pet owners alike have recognized with other treats.
Yummy Combs are safe, effective, and nutritious. The best part? Your dog thinks they’re delicious.
If your dog vomits after eating, it’s probably not cause for alarm unless it continues to happen. Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior, and consider adding Yummy Combs to their diet. It’s the smartest way to care for their teeth between dental visits and brushing.
Sources:
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? | Berthoud Animal Hospital
How to Switch Dog Foods: Transitioning Your Dog’s Diet | AKC
Anxiety in Dogs | Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
How to Tell If Your Dog Has Dental Disease | MSPCA-Angell
Periodontal disease | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
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Always feed the right treat size for your dog’s weight category. Always supervise your dog when feeding treats. This product is an adult only dog treat. Always provide ample fresh water for your dog.
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