How to Stop Vomiting in Dogs

Like humans, it is not uncommon for dogs to vomit from time to time. However, as dogs are dependent on their owners and can’t say anything, handling such situations is not always easy.

When dogs vomit, their abdominal muscles contract very strongly several times before the food is actually ejected from the mouth. This completely drains the energy from the body and your pet may look very sick.

Along with throwing up frequently, dogs may show symptoms including pain, distress, weakness, and a lethargic attitude.

Some of the causes of vomiting in dogs include dietary indiscretion, sudden change in diet plan, habit of gobbling food, intolerance to a particular food, some kind of allergic reaction, ingestion of obstructing objects, acute inflammation of the stomach, and parasites.

If your dog is bright and alert, and only vomits a few times, you can treat the problem at home and there is no need to call your veterinarian.

However, if your pet appears really sick and the vomiting does not stop after 24 hours, call your vet immediately.

Here are the top 10 ways to stop vomiting in dogs.

1. Withhold Food

When your dog vomits, it is important not to serve any food for at least 12 hours for a puppy and 24 hours for a full-grown dog. This allows the inflammation of the stomach lining to settle down to cure your dog’s vomiting.

Plus, withholding food gives the gastrointestinal tract some rest and time to recover. There is also little chance of throwing up if your dog is not eating anything.

2. Offer Ice Chips

Due to vomiting, there is a high chance that your dog may become dehydrated. Most dogs have trouble keeping water down when they start throwing up frequently. In fact, gulping down water may cause the stomach to revolt, bringing the water right back up.

Instead of water, vets recommend serving ice chips, which most dogs love to eat.

Ice chips will prevent your dog from becoming dehydrated and are far better than plain water in this situation. Plus, the coldness of the ice chips will make your pet feel much better.

3. Ginger

When your dog starts having bouts of vomiting, try a ginger remedy for relief. The carminative property of ginger will quickly calm down the stomach and stop your dog from throwing up.

• Apply a thin layer of honey on a piece of sandwich bread. Next, lightly sprinkle ginger powder on the honey. Feed the bread to your dog. Just one dose of ginger will make your dog feel good.
• Another option is to simmer 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger root or 1 teaspoon of ginger powder in ½ cup of coconut milk for about 10 minutes. Store this solution in a container. Give your dog 1 to 3 teaspoons every 1 to 2 hours.

4. Give Bland Rice

After the initial few hours of fasting, you can begin to introduce small amounts of bland food like white rice to your pet, if he has not been vomiting anymore. Avoid giving pet food for a day or two, as such foods may immediately upset his stomach again.

1. Combine 1 cup of cooked white rice and 1/4 cup of canned coconut milk.
2. Give it to your dog in an amount appropriate for his or her size.
   • Feed 1 to 2 tablespoons every 3 to 4 hours to small dogs.
   • Feed ½ cup every 3 to 4 hours to medium-sized dogs.
   • Feed 1 cup every 3 to 4 hours to large dogs.
3. Continue this routine until the vomiting has completely ceased.
4. Then, you can begin to reintroduce small amounts of your dog’s regular food.

5. Chicken Broth

After a day, it is important to serve some nutritious food to your pet to ensure faster recovery. Nutritious food like chicken broth will even help deal with early signs of mild dehydration.

Making chicken broth at home is very easy.

1. Put a pan of water on the stove to boil.
2. Add a couple of chicken bouillon cubes.
3. Cook until the chicken cubes dissolve.
4. Allow the broth to cool down to room temperature.
5. Serve the broth to your dog in small amounts a few times during the day.

Note: Always use boneless chicken when preparing food for a sick dog.

6. Baby Food

After the initial fasting phase, you can even offer baby food to your pet. Such food is easy on the stomach and will not induce further vomiting.

1. Mix 1 part of any meat-based baby food with 2 parts of cooked white rice.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of probiotic yogurt and mix it in well.
3. Give your dog small amounts to eat at regular intervals.

7. Greek Yogurt

If vomiting is due to some kind of bacterial infection, Greek yogurt is a great remedy. This live-cultured yogurt contains the goodness of healthy bacteria that are important for digestive health.

Simply feed your pet plain Greek yogurt once every hour until the vomiting stops. Determine the amount based on the size of your dog:

• 1 to 2 teaspoons for a small dog.
• 1 to 2 tablespoons for a medium-sized dog.
• 2 to 4 tablespoons for a large dog.

8. Coconut Water

Coconut water contains electrolytes that help prevent dehydration in vomiting dogs.

To keep your dog hydrated during this tough time, serve him plain coconut water. Again, the quantity should be based on your dog’s size:

• Give 1 teaspoon every 2 hours to small dogs.
• Give 2 teaspoons every 2 hours to medium-sized dogs.
• Give 3 to 4 teaspoons every 2 hours to large dogs.

9. Peppermint Oil

If your dog suffers from motion sickness, try peppermint essential oil as a natural treatment to stop vomiting. This essential oil helps calm the stomach and in turn reduces vomiting.

When it comes to pets, it is recommended to use only high-quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils.

1. Put 7 drops of peppermint essential oil in 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil.
2. Optionally, also add 5 drops of ginger essential oil and mix thoroughly.
3. Place 1 to 3 drops of this solution on your dog’s tongue.
4. Do not give this to your pet more than once a day.

10. Keep Your Dog Cool

As dogs tend to have a higher body temperature when sick, it is important to keep them in a cool place. An elevated body temperature will only worsen the condition.

Keep your sick pet inside your house if it is cooler than outdoors. If needed, turn on the air conditioner.

From time to time, play and interact with your pet. This will make him feel better and not feel isolated. Like humans, pets also need pampering when sick.

Additional Tips

• Monitor your dog closely for signs of dehydration. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to organ failure and death.
• Do not give your dog any medications, unless advised by your veterinarian.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed by the vet if the vomiting is caused by bacteria.
• If your dog is not able to keep liquids down and is even refusing ice chips, invest in electrolytes to help replenish lost electrolytes. Also, consult your veterinarian.
• Regularly do a hydration check by lifting a pinch of skin on your dog’s shoulder blade or back into a little tent shape. If the pinched skin collapses promptly, the dog is well hydrated.
• It’s important that your dog get plenty of rest to ensure faster recovery.
• When dealing with vominting in extremely young puppies or older dogs, it is better to seek your veterinarian’’s advice than rely on home treatments.

Resources:

http://www.bethvethospital.com/forms/Vomiting_DOG_Home_Care.PDF