If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you have just witnessed the repulsive act of your dog consuming their own vomit. To us humans, such behaviour may be shocking, but rest assured: for dogs, this is a completely natural instinct that originates from their wild ancestors.
In the wild, mother dogs feed their pups by regurgitating partially digested food. Regurgitation is the passive act of passing out partially digested food from the esophagus. It usually happens quickly, with little to no change in the dog’s behaviour and without warning. Because of this maternal act of nature, dogs don’t think twice when they see a puddle of vomit on the floor. To them, this puddle smells like tasty food that they can gobble up, and it is perfectly safe for them to do so (plus it saves you some cleaning time).
However, chronic regurgitation may be a sign of esophageal disorder, so make sure to keep a lookout for this. Vomiting, on the other hand, is quite distinct from regurgitation. It is usually preceded by some pacing around, drooling, stomach-growling, and a hunched posture. You should also be able to hear some retching sounds and abdominal heaving when your dog vomits. The contents of vomit are ejected from the stomach or upper intestine, and are sometimes accompanied by yellow bile. Food that is mostly digested would probably be unappetising to your dog, and you might catch them getting a whiff of it before walking off.
If your dog is sick, they probably won’t be interested in their own vomit, even if the food is mostly intact. If you notice this happening, it would be a good idea to monitor their behaviour. A one-time incident is probably nothing to worry about, but if your dog throws up multiple times, especially after meals, you should consider a trip to the vet.
Vomiting can be a symptom of various issues: minor triggers include motion sickness or the consumption of something disagreeable, while more serious causes can range from parasites to liver or kidney disease. In cases of repeated vomiting, it is better to be safe than sorry.
If your dog only vomits once or twice (without re-eating the contents), you can avoid an immediate trip to the vet and do these steps instead:
1. Take away all food and water for the next six to eight hours
2. If there is no further vomiting, let them lap up a small amount of water
3. If they manage to hold down the water, you may gradually increase the quantity of water given
4. If there is still no further vomiting after twelve hours of drinking, you may let your dog have some boiled chicken (no bones and skin) and white rice.
5. Assuming there are no further incidents, gradually increase the portions over the next day and start mixing it with their regular food.
So the next time your dog attempts to clean up after itself, let it do so. It’s nature’s way of cleaning up the mess— so you don’t have to!
Going to the vet is important for pets' health but sometimes they're scared. Why are animals afraid of visiting the vet?
Confused of which vet to bring your pet to? Read more to find out about what types of vets there are available!
Read on to find out how you can differentiate a pet veterinarian from a wildlife veterinarian.
Dog treats are not created equal. There are quality treats that are vital sources of energy and support the immune system and organ function while others are empty calories...
Ever wondered why black pets are frowned upon? Find out how you can put a stop to this problem.
.png)
Walnuts are nutritionally rich and this makes them great for human consumption. However, can the same be said for dogs?
.png)
Diarrhea can point to conditions that are life-threatening for puppies.
Watermelon contains many vitamins and minerals beneficial for your dog. However, there are some precautions to note before giving your dog watermelon.
Yoghurt can be good for your dog's nutrition, but what type of yoghurt is best?
Rabbits are such adorable animals and can seem to be the perfect pet. But, are they the perfect pet for you? Find out what are some rabbit needs you might not know.
.png)
"An apple a day keeps the doctor away"... Is this saying true for dogs?
.png)
Cases of vomiting in puppies are more serious than in adult dogs. Read on to find out more!
.png)
If you have a house-trained cat that is suddenly pooping on your bed, it might be a cause for concern!
.png)
Dental procedures are performed as a day procedure under anaesthesia, most commonly in Dogs, Cats and Rabbits.
.png)
Learn more about the most common dog diseases!
.png)
All you need to know about Leptospirosis!
.png)
A dog drinking excessive amounts of water can be a sign of a health problem!
.png)
Working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic would increase the risk of dogs having separation anxiety.
.png)
With so many anti parasite products available on the market, it can be somewhat overwhelming deciding which one is best for your lifestyle and your dogs’ health.
.png)
All you need to know about Kennel Cough!
.png)
What you should know about Parvovirus!
Long ago, the ancestors of today’s pet cats and dogs thrived as predators. To achieve the full spectrum of nutrition that they needed, they were inclined to eat most of their prey. With domestication...
A dog may throw up because he has eaten something that his digestive tract disagrees with or he may have gobbled down food too quickly...
Parasites can be a major concern at some point in the lives of pet dogs. They are one of the top reasons for visits to the veterinarian.
Dogs benefit from regular health checks and dental visits to the veterinarian. But how often is enough? How do you know when to take your dog to the vet?
Why is your dog battling with separation anxiety and how you can overcome it.
Anxiety is a normal emotion that dogs and cats may experience. The effect of anxiety on individual pets varies significantly. Anxiety disorders...
Though seemingly insignificant, your dog's dental health should not be overlooked.
A lack of mental stimulation can result in a plethora of behavioural issues.
Should you feed your dog raw food?
Many dog owners will be familiar with the awkward scenario of their dog unexpectedly humping another dog, an inanimate object, or even a human leg.
Cat vomiting may be a perfectly normal occurrence from time to time, however, it can sometimes be a sign of a serious health problem.
Simply delicious or a symptom of illness?
A healthy dog is a happy dog!
Does inhalation of cigarette smoke affect our pets?
Why can't you get rid of that smell?
It may seem strange, but there's a good reason why your dog is chomping down on grass.
Vet answers burning questions!
Questions answered by the Vet.