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The types of vomiting in dogs are classified according to their duration and based on their composition. Thus, vomiting can be acute when it subsides within a maximum period of four days, or chronic when it recurs over time constantly and regularly.

Depending on the content of the vomit, we find the following types of vomiting in dogs:

• Bilious vomiting: This vomiting is characterized by the expulsion of bile fluid.
• Alimentary Vomiting – When the dog vomits up the digested food.
• Mucous Vomiting – Occurs when the dog vomits up mucus.
• Hematic vomiting : this is vomiting with/of blood.

It is also common to find vomiting in dogs with the presence of grass, vomit that is brown or smells like feces. In the following sections we show the causes of vomiting in dogs, as well as the different factors that can explain the development of one type or another.

The causes that can cause vomiting in dogs are very varied. All produce an inflammation or irritation of the stomach or intestine that hinders normal digestive transit. It is recommended for every owner to know them in order to act quickly.

Stomach flu

Gastroenteritis affects dogs in the same way as humans. Vomiting is constant and is usually accompanied by diarrhoea, the dog is listless and has abdominal pain. This disease can be treated at home and in a couple of days our dog will recover, although it all depends on the cause. In general, gastroenteritis is usually caused by the intake of spoiled food, by a viral or bacterial infection. Depending on the type of virus or bacteria, veterinary treatment may be required.

If vomiting persists for more than two days and no improvement is observed, it is essential to go to the veterinarian. If you want to know more about canine gastroenteritis, also read our article about gastroenteritis in dogs .

Foreign body ingestion

The ingestion of any object can cause obstructions in the dog’s stomach or intestine , causing him to vomit to expel it. In many cases you will not be able to expel it and the vomiting will be repeated. It is important that if you observe your dog ingesting any object you go to your veterinarian immediately.

Intestinal parasites

The presence of intestinal parasites such as tapeworms or roundworms can cause gastrointestinal disturbances , which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal swelling, loss of appetite and other symptoms that must be treated. It is necessary for the veterinarian to administer the appropriate antiparasitic to expel them.

If you want to know more about the parasites that affect dogs, in our article on intestinal parasites in dogs you will learn about the main parasites and how to combat them.

Viral infection

Serious viral illnesses, such as parvovirus or distemper , can cause vomiting. Puppies are much more susceptible to these types of infections. Both are highly contagious diseases between dogs and can be fatal if you go to the specialist late. Inform yourself properly and if you suspect that it may be any of these causes, do not hesitate to go to the veterinarian.

Toxic foods or food allergies

Some plants or foods can be toxic and cause indigestion to our dog, as well as eating food in poor condition from the garbage. In this article about toxic plants for dogs you will be able to know everything about the subject.

Similarly, a food allergy will present vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain in the dog that suffers from it. Likewise, it is common to observe inflammation of the oral area, as well as redness and hair loss. There are many foods that can cause allergies and it is necessary to identify the cause to remove it from the diet immediately.

Tumors

Older dogs are more prone to tumors. In this case, vomiting would be accompanied by other obvious symptoms that show us the presence of a disease. Feel all of your dog’s coat for physical abnormalities.

Inflammatory bowel disease

This chronic disease causes inflammation of the intestines . Generates vomiting after intense efforts or after exercising after meals. With a special diet and controlled exercise, any dog ​​can lead a normal life.

Diet changes

A sudden change in diet can cause intestinal problems and as a consequence vomiting. It is important that you introduce the changes gradually, whether the animal follows a homemade diet or if you offer commercial feed. So, if you have changed your dog’s food and you have noticed that he vomits or has diarrhea, you should know that this is very likely the cause. You just have to be patient and wait for it to adapt to the new food if you no longer have the old one to mix it and make the gradual change.

Eat very fast

Sometimes, there are dogs that get very excited at the time of eating and eat food too quickly. In these cases, they expel a vomit that may be accompanied by white foam. It is a specific problem, we should not be alarmed but we should try to get our dog to improve his behavior. If he eats too fast, he rations his food into two bowls and don’t give him the second until he finishes the first. Wait a few minutes to make sure he doesn’t vomit and give him the rest of the food. Find out what else to do if your dog eats too fast .

Vaccines or antiparasitic products

Side effects of vaccines and deworming products include vomiting and diarrhea. Especially puppies, they tend to be listless or have small vomiting after receiving their first doses. It is a completely normal situation that does not usually last more than 24-48 hours . If after this time the vomiting continues, it is necessary to visit the veterinarian.