Choosing Better Veterinary Care

Is your dog vomiting? If so, you're likely looking for a solution as soon as possible. If they have only vomited once or twice but otherwise seem healthy, they're probably just dealing with an upset stomach. However, if they have been vomiting for several days, there could be a more serious issue. Not only is vomiting a health concern, but it's also probably creating a mess all over your home. Below are three steps to stop your dog's vomiting and get them back to being healthy.

Limit their food.

The fastest way to get them to stop vomiting is not to give them anything more to vomit. Limit their food for six to twelve hours. Perhaps have them skip a meal or two. When you give back food, make sure it's bland and low-fat. Give them more meals with smaller portions each meal to make sure they are digesting the food properly. Also, be sure to keep water available even while you restrict their food. Vomiting can lead to dehydration, so it's important that your dog's water dish is available and full.

Use a puzzle feeder.

Your dog may be vomiting because they are eating their food too quickly. Some dogs inhale their food. This is often instinctual because they want their food before another dog eats it. Even if your dog is the only one in the home, they may still have that instinct. Fast eating can be unhealthy for all dogs, but it's especially dangerous for large breeds. Fast eating can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach bloat. One way to resolve this is to use something called a "puzzle feeder." The dog has to work through a simple puzzle to obtain food, slowing their eating and leading to healthier digestion.

Take them to the vet.

Vomiting in and of itself isn't an emergency. However, there are signs that it could be an emergency. If their vomit includes blood, they should see a vet immediately because the vomiting may be a sign of an internal issue. If you take food away and the dog continues to vomit or dry heave, they should see a vet soon. And if there are other signs of illness, like fatigue or dizziness, they should see a vet to rule out more serious illnesses.

Find an emergency vet in your area to get your furry friend an immediate examination. They can take X-rays and examine the dog's stomach to rule out serious issues. They also may be able to prescribe medicine and special food to calm their stomach. Contact a local vet clinic for more help, like South Seattle Veterinary Hospital.