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Dog Not Eating and Vomiting: What You Need to Know

When your furry friend stops eating and starts vomiting, it’s natural to feel worried. Whether it’s a minor tummy upset or something more serious, understanding what’s happening and knowing when to seek help is crucial for every dog owner. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate this common yet concerning situation.

Common Causes

Several factors can lead to your dog not eating and vomiting:

Dietary Issues

  • Eating something they shouldn’t have, such as toxic substances or foreign objects
  • Recent changes in diet
  • Food allergies or intolerances
  • Eating too quickly or too much

Dietary issues are often the primary culprits behind a dog’s digestive distress. For instance, sudden changes in diet can upset your dog’s stomach, leading to vomiting and loss of appetite. It’s essential to transition to new foods gradually, especially when switching to a high-quality diet like air-dried raw food. This type of food is particularly beneficial as it’s highly digestible and mimics a dog’s natural diet.

Medical Conditions

  • Gastritis or gastroenteritis
  • Infections (bacterial or viral)
  • Parasites
  • More serious conditions affecting organs like the liver or kidneys

Medical conditions can range from mild to severe. For example, gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, is a common cause of vomiting and loss of appetite in dogs. According to the PDSA, this condition can be caused by various factors, including infections, dietary indiscretion, or even stress.

What to Look For

Keep an eye out for these symptoms alongside vomiting and loss of appetite:

  • Frequency and type of vomiting (food, bile, or white foam)
  • Changes in stool consistency
  • Lethargy or unusual behaviour
  • Signs of pain or discomfort
  • Excessive thirst
  • Bloating or distended abdomen

The type and frequency of vomiting can provide important clues about your dog’s condition. For instance, vomiting white foam might indicate an empty stomach or acid reflux, while frequent vomiting of undigested food could suggest a more serious digestive issue.

Home Care Steps

If your dog has just started showing symptoms, here are some initial steps you can take:

  1. Withhold Food Briefly: Give their stomach a short rest (4-6 hours) after vomiting. This allows the digestive system to settle and can help prevent further irritation.

  2. Maintain Hydration: Offer small amounts of water frequently. According to the PDSA, this helps prevent dehydration while not overwhelming their stomach. You can also offer ice cubes for your dog to lick, which can be soothing and provide hydration.

  3. Introduce Bland Food: Once vomiting stops, start with small portions of easily digestible food. Consider our gentle air-dried raw options which are particularly suitable for sensitive stomachs. These foods are crafted to be highly digestible and nutritious, making them an excellent choice for dogs recovering from digestive issues.

  4. Gradual Return to Normal Diet: Once your dog is keeping down bland food, slowly reintroduce their regular diet over a few days. This gradual transition helps prevent further digestive upset.

When to See a Vet Immediately

Don’t wait to seek veterinary care if you notice:

  • Repeated vomiting (more than 2-3 times in a few hours)
  • Blood in vomit or stools
  • Severe lethargy or collapse
  • Signs of pain
  • No improvement after 24 hours
  • Your dog is a puppy or has existing health conditions

The Kennel Club emphasises that puppies need immediate attention if showing these symptoms, as they can deteriorate quickly. This is due to their immature immune systems and smaller body size, which makes them more susceptible to dehydration and other complications.

Prevention Tips

To help prevent future episodes:

  1. Maintain a Consistent Diet: Stick to a high-quality, appropriate diet like our air-dried raw food, which is gentle on digestion and provides optimal nutrition.

  2. Careful Transitions: When changing foods, do so gradually over 7-10 days. This allows your dog’s digestive system to adapt to the new food without causing upset.

  3. Regular Feeding Schedule: Establish consistent meal times and portions. This helps regulate your dog’s digestive system and can prevent overeating.

  4. Monitor Eating Speed: Use slow-feeder bowls if your dog eats too quickly. Rapid eating can lead to swallowing air, which can cause vomiting and other digestive issues.

  5. Keep Harmful Items Out of Reach: Prevent access to toxic foods, plants, and non-food items. Many common household items can be harmful to dogs, so it’s important to dog-proof your home.

  6. Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to catch any potential health issues early. This is particularly important for older dogs or those with existing health conditions.

Remember, while this guide provides helpful information, it’s not a substitute for veterinary care. If you’re unsure about your dog’s condition, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult your vet. By staying vigilant and providing your dog with a high-quality diet like our air-dried raw food, you can help ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy for years to come.