Vomiting in pets( vomiting in Dogs, vomiting in cats)

Vomiting in pets (dogs and cats) is a common clinical sign that can result from a wide range of
underlying causes. Here’s an overview:
Causes of Vomiting in Pets
1. Dietary causes:
– Dietary indiscretion (eating spoiled or foreign substances)
– Sudden diet changes
– Food allergies or sensitivities
– Overeating or rapid eating
2. Gastrointestinal diseases:
– Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach)
– Gastroenteritis (stomach and intestinal inflammation)
– Foreign bodies or ingested objects
– Gastric ulcers
– Intestinal parasites
3. Systemic illnesses:
– Kidney or liver disease
– Pancreatitis
– Endocrine disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
– Infections (e.g., parvovirus in dogs, feline infectious peritonitis)
4. Toxins and poisons:
– Ingestion of toxins (plants, chemicals, human medications)
– Pesticides or rodenticides
5. Metabolic or hormonal issues:
– Diabetes with diabetic ketoacidosis
– Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism)
6. Other causes:
– Motion sickness
– Stress or anxiety
– Stress-related gastritis
– Neoplasia (cancer)
Signs to Watch For
– Frequency and duration of vomiting
– Presence of blood or bile in vomit

– Accompanying symptoms: diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration, abdominal pain,
weight loss
– Any recent exposure to toxins or foreign objects
When to Seek Veterinary Care
– Vomiting persists for more than 24-48 hours
– Vomiting contains blood or coffee-ground material
– Pets showing signs of pain, weakness, collapse, or difficulty breathing
– Inability to keep fluids down or signs of dehydration
– Sudden onset of vomiting in a very young or very old pet
Initial Management at Home
– Withhold food for 12-24 hours (but not water in very dehydrated pets)
– Offer small amounts of water or electrolyte solution after fasting
– Gradually reintroduce a bland diet (boiled chicken, rice)
– Monitor closely and seek veterinary advice if vomiting continues
Veterinary Diagnostic Approach
– Complete physical examination
– Blood work (CBC, chemistry profile)
– Fecal exams for parasites
– Radiographs or ultrasound if foreign body or organ disease suspected
– Additional tests (e.g., specific infectious disease testing)
Treatment
– Supportive care (fluids, anti-nausea medication)
– Treat underlying cause based on diagnosis
– Address dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or infections
– Surgery if foreign body or obstruction
If your cat or dog is vomiting please book a consultation with one of our veterinarians at Groat
Veterinary Centre.