Vomiting and Regurgitation in Dogs and Puppies: When to Seek Help

All dogs and puppies may vomit occasionally, often because they eat too quickly or "bolt" their food. However, knowing when vomiting or regurgitation is a concern and when to visit the vet can be crucial. If your adult dog vomits frequently, note the time of day and circumstances such as after eating or exercise—this helps your vet with diagnosis. For puppies, vomiting repeatedly should prompt urgent veterinary attention as they have less physical reserve to cope with illness.

Is It Really Vomiting or Regurgitation?

Understanding the difference is important. Vomiting is an active process where stomach or upper intestinal contents are forcefully expelled and often preceded by signs of nausea like drooling, lip licking, and retching. The vomit often contains partially digested food or bile and can occur at any time. Regurgitation, on the other hand, is a passive expulsion of undigested food or water from the oesophagus soon after eating or drinking, usually without warning signs.

Regurgitation occurring regularly might indicate an underlying problem called dysphagia, which means difficulty swallowing. Dysphagia is divided into three types:

• Oral dysphagia: Problems swallowing due to issues like a fractured jaw or foreign bodies. Symptoms include inability to pick up or retain food.
• Pharyngeal dysphagia: Issues in the throat such as foreign bodies or tumours. Signs include retching, gagging, choking, and sometimes food appearing in the nostrils.
• Oesophageal dysphagia: Problems with the oesophagus itself—e.g. enlargement or obstruction—often causing regurgitation linked to eating.

Diagnosing Dysphagia

Your vet will observe the dog's eating and swallowing, take a thorough history, and may use diagnostic tests such as x-rays with contrast dye or endoscopy (inserting a camera through the mouth to the stomach) to identify blockages or abnormalities.

Treating Dysphagia

Treatment depends on the cause and may involve surgery, medications, or dietary changes. Practical measures like feeding your dog from an elevated bowl can sometimes help reduce regurgitation due to swallowing difficulties.

Understanding Vomiting

Once vomiting (not regurgitation) is confirmed, vets determine if it is due to a primary issue in the stomach or part of a secondary systemic illness.

Primary Causes

• Gastritis or inflammation of the stomach lining
• Stomach ulcers or tumours
• Pyloric stenosis (narrowing between stomach and small intestine)
• Foreign bodies lodged in the stomach

Secondary Causes

• Renal disease leading to toxin build-up
• Diabetes
• Pyometra (serious uterine infection in bitches)
• Hepatitis
• Pancreatitis
• Colitis (inflammation of intestines)

Diagnosing Vomiting Causes

Diagnosis includes physical examination, medical history, blood tests, x-rays, and potentially endoscopy. For secondary vomiting, treating the underlying illness is essential before addressing vomiting symptoms.

Treatment of Vomiting

Treatment may include hospitalisation with fluid therapy and medications like anti-emetics to reduce nausea, stomach protectants to coat ulcers or inflammation, and antacids to reduce acidity and reflux. Dogs might initially be kept nil by mouth (fasting) for a short period, with gradual reintroduction of a low-fat, special veterinary diet.

Special Considerations for Puppies and Small Breeds

Because of their limited reserves, puppies and small dogs can deteriorate rapidly with vomiting. Immediate veterinary care is recommended if vomiting is frequent or accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or dehydration.

Promoting Responsible Pet Care

If adopting or purchasing a dog or puppy, choose reputable breeders or consider adoption through shelters to support responsible ownership. Always consult your local vet promptly if you observe worrying symptoms such as repeated vomiting or regurgitation to ensure your pet receives timely and effective care.