Pets are family, so when they get sick, it can be upsetting. Knowing how to respond and when to take pets in for emergency veterinary care will help you keep calm and better care for them. Here’s what you should know about what to do when a dog is getting sick.

How to Respond When Your Dog Is Throwing Up

1. Watch For Concerning Symptoms

While vomiting in dogs could be caused by something benign and simple such as eating a new treat, it could also signal a more serious problem. If your dog is vomiting, keep an eye on them and watch for other symptoms or unusual behavior. Lethargy, depression, the inability to urinate or defecate, abdominal tenderness or swelling, diarrhea, dry heaving, and projectile vomiting all point to a serious problem and your dog should receive veterinary care as soon as possible. If your dog is happy, active, and still wants to eat normally then it is usually safe to monitor for 24 hours and see if the vomiting recurs. It is usually best to delay feeding for at least 8 hours and then offer a small amount of bland food (like cooked chicken and rice).

2. Monitor Their Condition

Keep track of how often your dog is throwing up and note any unusual aspects of the vomit. Check their vomit for foreign objects, odd colorations, and weird textures that could point to poison ingestion or internal bleeding. If anything seems off or concerning, seek veterinary care immediately. The vet will want to know how frequently they’re vomiting and whether they can keep food or water down in between episodes, as dehydration is a serious issue with frequent vomiting in dogs. Vomiting more than once may also indicate a serious issue that needs immediate attention from a trusted veterinary clinic.

3. Call Your Veterinarian

If you aren’t sure what’s causing the vomiting, contact an experienced vet clinic. Often, they’ll be able to determine over the phone whether or not the illness needs immediate attention. The vet should also be able to provide information on what could be causing the illness and recommend a plan of action to follow for the next day or two, such as monitoring or limiting their food and drink intake. Keeping the vet in the loop about the animal’s condition means they’ll have key background information if the dog has to go to the animal hospital, allowing them to make an accurate diagnosis and prepare for treatment.

If your dog is vomiting and needs veterinary care, take them to the Montgomery Animal Hospital in Cincinnati, OH. This hospital has been providing expert veterinary care for over 65 years. Committed to providing attentive, detailed care to your pets, they emphasize compassion in their team and open communication with pet owners, delivering a pleasant and reassuring experience. Learn more about their services online, and call (513) 791-7912 to schedule an appointment today.