If your dog is vomiting hours after eating, it can be a cause for concern. There are many reasons why this might happen, some of which are relatively minor and can be easily treated. However, there are also some serious causes of vomiting that require immediate veterinary attention. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common causes of dog vomiting and what you should do if your pet exhibits this behavior.
Why Is My Dog Vomiting Hours After Eating?
Just like humans, dogs have an intricate digestive tract. While this bodily system tries to stay consistent, sometimes things happen that can cause vomiting. The most common causes of vomiting are listed below:
Eating Too Much Too Fast
Dogs who eat their food too quickly are more likely to vomit because they’re not giving their bodies enough time to properly digest the food. This most commonly happens right after a dog eats and is known as regurgitation. However, it can also happen a few hours after eating as well if your pup’s system is feeling sluggish and is responding slowly to the overwhelm of food.
Intestinal parasites
One of the most common causes of vomiting in dogs is intestinal parasites. These are tiny creatures that live in your dog’s intestines and steal nutrients from their food. Intestinal parasites can cause a host of other problems in addition to vomiting such as weight loss, diarrhea, and anemia. If you suspect your dog has intestinal parasites, take it to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs are curious creatures and will often eat things they shouldn’t. This can include trash, other animals’ feces, and poisonous plants. Eating these things can cause vomiting as your dog’s body tries to get rid of the foreign substance.
Motion Sickness
Just like some humans get car sick, some dogs experience motion sickness when they ride in the car. This can be caused by the movement of the car, anxiety, or a combination of both.
Eating Spoiled Food
If your dog has gotten into the garbage or eaten something off the ground, it may start vomiting as their body tries to get rid of the spoiled food. Spoiled food contains harmful bacteria that can make your dog very sick.
Acid Reflux Issues
Acid reflux is a condition in which stomach acid rises up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other uncomfortable symptoms. This can happen after your dog eats, or several hours later. This can often look like foamy yellow vomit and may be accompanied by burping. This is because your dog’s bile is mixed in with stomach acid.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. This can be caused by eating fatty foods, infection, or certain medications. Pancreatitis can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
Acute Stress
Sometimes, the stressful event doesn’t have to be physical. If your dog is experiencing anxiety or stress, it can lead to vomiting. This is most commonly seen in dogs who are boarding or kenneled for the first time but it can also happen when there’s a change in routine at home (such as a new baby or pet).
Stomach Blockages
If your dog has eaten something it shouldn’t have, it can cause a blockage in it’s intestines. This is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary care and potential surgery. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloating.
New Food
If you’ve recently changed your dog’s food, they may vomit as their stomach adjusts to the new diet. This is most commonly seen when switching from dry food to wet food or vice versa. It can also happen when switching brands of food or changing the type of meat in their diet.
Medications
Certain medications can cause vomiting as a side effect. If your dog is taking any new medication, take some time to read the side effects and watch for any signs of vomiting.
Why Is My Dog Throwing up Undigested Food Hours After Eating?
When a dog throws up immediately after eating, this is actually known as regurgitation instead of vomiting. The difference is that in regurgitation, the food is brought up undigested and with little effort. This is most likely due to your dog eating too fast or gulping its food down without chewing properly.
Vomiting, on the other hand, is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents. This happens when the digestive system or stomach muscles contract to push the contents out. It’s usually due to something more than lots of food coming in at once.
If your dog is vomiting hours after eating, it is likely that this is a stress response to something going on in its body. Check out the above-listed causes of vomiting to see if any fit your dog’s current situation.
When Should You Be Concerned About Your Dog Throwing Up?
It happens to all dogs at some point in life. There is an unpleasant event that causes your dog to throw up. But when is it time to be concerned? If your dog is vomiting and has any of the following symptoms, it’s time to call the vet:
Fever
If your dog has a high temperature, this is usually a sign that it is fighting off an infection. Your dog may feel hot to the touch, have a temperature reading that is above normal, or you may see excessive panting that indicates that your dog’s system is trying to cool off.
Lethargy
If your dog is vomiting and doesn’t have the energy to move or eat, this could be a sign of something serious going on. Being a little tired isn’t necessarily an emergency, but if your dog doesn’t engage in normal activities such as eating, drinking, or using the bathroom, it is likely in need of medical treatment.
Abdominal Pain
If your dog is whining or crying when you touch its stomach, this could be a sign of abdominal pain. You can also sometimes identify this by your dog hunched over or not wanting to move. Its stomach may also be bloated and hard to the touch.
Blood In Vomit or Stool
If you see any blood in your dog’s vomit or stool, this is a sign that something is seriously wrong and you should seek medical attention immediately. Note the color of the blood. If it’s red, this could be a sign of internal bleeding. If it’s black, this could be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding. Either way, your dog needs to see the vet right away.
Dehydration
If your dog is not urinating or has dry gums, this is a sign that it is dehydrated. Dehydration can happen quickly when your dog is vomiting and can lead to serious health problems. If you can’t get your dog to drink water at home, it’s time to get professional help.
What to Do About My Dog Throwing up Hours After Eating?
When your dog throws up, it can be very energetically draining and leave them feeling weak. Make sure they have plenty of rest and easy access to water.
If your dog is still vomiting after a day or two, it’s time to call the vet. They will likely want to see your dog in person to rule out any serious causes of vomiting. In the meantime, keep an eye on your dog for any other symptoms that may develop. If they seem to be in pain or are not drinking, seek medical attention immediately.