My Dog Keeps Vomiting – Is This an Emergency?

When your dog starts vomiting, it can be hard to tell if it’s a sign of something serious or just a passing issue. Our aim with this blog is to help you understand why your dog might be vomiting and to guide you on when it’s necessary to seek professional help. At Pets Furst Urgent Care in Langhorne, PA, we’re here to answer your questions and provide the care your pet needs. If you’re concerned about your dog, please give us a call at (215) 755-1000. Our team is ready to offer emergency and urgent care, as well as wellness services, vaccinations, microchipping, and diagnostics, 7 days a week.

When to Worry About Dog Vomiting

Dog vomiting can stem from something as simple as gobbling down a meal too quickly to something more severe, like ingesting a poison or having an underlying illness. An isolated incident of vomiting may not be a cause for immediate concern. However, several signs indicate it’s time to get professional help:

• Repeated Vomiting: If your dog vomits more than once within a few hours, or if vomiting continues over a day, it’s a signal that something’s not right.
• Signs of Distress: Look for signs of pain, discomfort, lethargy, or a decrease in appetite. These symptoms, combined with vomiting, can indicate a more serious condition.
• Vomit Appearance: Blood in the vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds can indicate internal bleeding or other critical conditions.
• Dehydration: Vomiting can lead to dehydration very quickly, especially if your dog is not drinking water or can’t keep it down. Signs of dehydration include dry gums, lethargy, and sunken eyes. 
• Other Symptoms: Diarrhea, significant lethargy, or any other unusual symptoms accompanying the vomiting should be taken seriously.

These indicators warrant a call or a visit to Pets Furst Urgent Care. Call us at (215) 755-1000. 

What You Can Do

If your dog starts vomiting, the first step is to observe them closely. Monitoring their behavior and symptoms can provide valuable information for your vet if a visit becomes necessary. Here are some initial steps you can take:

• Remove Food: If your dog has vomited once, it might help to withhold food for a few hours (but not water) to let their stomach settle.
• Offer Small Amounts of Water: Ensure your dog has access to fresh water. If they’re vomiting repeatedly, offer small amounts of water frequently to reduce the risk of dehydration.
• Check for Foreign Objects: If it’s safe and you’re able, check your dog’s mouth and surrounding area for any objects or substances they might have ingested.
• Keep Them Comfortable: Ensure your dog has a quiet, comfortable place to rest. Stress can worsen symptoms, so keeping their environment calm is important.
• Gather Information: Note the frequency of vomiting, the appearance of the vomit, and any other symptoms. This information can be very helpful to the vet.

If your dog’s condition doesn’t improve quickly or if you notice any of the more serious signs mentioned above, it’s crucial to seek professional help immediately.

Contact Us If You’re Worried About Your Pet

At Pets Furst Urgent Care, we understand how worrying it can be when your pet isn’t feeling well. That’s why we’re here to help, offering services to address emergency and urgent care needs, as well as routine wellness and preventive care. Our team is available 7 days a week to provide treatment for your pet. If you’re concerned about your dog’s vomiting or have any other worries about your pet’s health, please don’t hesitate to call us at (215) 755-1000. Our goal is to provide peace of mind and professional care for your pet, ensuring they return to health as quickly as possible.