Why Dogs Visit the ER

If you were to ask pet owners to guess the number one reason canines end up in the emergency room, most would guess incorrectly. Some would say bites from other animals. Many would claim that getting hit by a car tops the list. Still others would speculate about a number of health issues. The most common reason owners take their pooches to the ER is vomiting. Many things can cause it and sometimes it's hard to tell whether the problem is minor or the sign of a more serious condition.

We will explore different reasons why your dog might vomit. We'll also explain how the condition is treated by veterinarians. The topic might not be pleasant, but it is worth discussing so that you can be prepared in the event your dog gets sick.

What Causes Vomiting In Canines?

Vomiting occurs when something triggers the expulsion of your dog's stomach contents through his mouth. Many stimuli can cause this. A gastrointestinal virus can trigger a vomit reflex. Vomiting can also be triggered if your pooch eats foods that don’t agree with his stomach, or if he eats too quickly and exercises too vigorously immediately afterward.

You might be able to identify whether the problem is serious or minor simply by observing your dog’s behavior after he vomits. If he does it once, seems active afterward, and has a routine bowel movement, you can be reasonably confident that the problem is minor. On the other hand, if your canine experiences recurring bouts, seems apathetic afterward, and loses his appetite, call your veterinarian. The vomiting could be a sign of a more serious health issue.

Treatments

If a veterinarian determines the condition is minor, he or she will often administer subcutaneous fluids (for example, Plasmalyte and 0.9% saline) and medications to reduce any nausea. The vet will also suggest that you review your canine’s diet and eating patterns, including any plants and foreign substances he may be consuming.

If your dog has diarrhea or is apathetic, your veterinarian might choose a different treatment path. He or she may decide to administer intravenous fluids as well as one or more forms of drug therapy.

You can help your pooch avoid suffering bouts of vomiting by restricting the items he eats. Keep in mind that dogs instinctively chew on and consume foreign objects. That can include plants, trash, and even feces. The more exposure he has to such things, the greater the likelihood he’ll eat something that causes him to vomit. Limit his exposure to these items. Avoid feeding table scraps to him; keep trash cans securely closed; watch him closely to discourage his eating plants and other items. In doing so, you’ll dramatically reduce his susceptibility to vomiting.