Amelia Taylor – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Seeing your dog heaving up their food can be frightening, particularly if it occurs more than once. Vomiting occasionally may not always indicate an emergency, but realizing why your dog is heaving and when to act is crucial.
1. Eating Too Fast
One of the most frequent causes of vomiting food in dogs is eating too fast. When your dog eats too fast, they swallow an excess of air as well. This stretches the stomach and causes vomiting soon after meals.
What you can do:
• Try a slow-feeder bowl to slow their rate of eating.
• Divide meals into more frequent, smaller portions.
2. Sensitive Stomach or Food Intolerance
Just like humans, dogs can have food sensitivities. If you’ve recently changed their diet or introduced new treats, your dog’s digestive system might be reacting.
Signs to watch:
• Vomiting within a few hours after eating
• Gas, bloating, or soft stools
• Itchy skin or ear irritation (in allergic dogs)
Try switching to a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet and observe changes over a week.
3. Gastric Upset from Foreign Objects
Dogs tend to be curious—and sometimes this curiosity leads them to swallow a toy, some grass, or other non-food item. These irritate the stomach or can even create blockages.
What you can do:
If vomiting persists for several hours or your dog is lethargic, has belly pain, or refuses food, get an immediate consultation with a vet. Obstructions are life-threatening.
4. Underlying Medical Conditions
Stomach vomiting can also indicate underlying health conditions such as:
• Pancreatitis
• Liver or kidney disease
• Internal parasites
If your dog’s vomit is bloody, resembles coffee grounds, or has an exceptionally foul odor, it’s time for professional assessment.
5. Motion Sickness or Anxiety
If your dog vomits on car rides or stressful events, the culprit may not be food—it’s motion sickness or anxiety. Puppies and small breeds are particularly susceptible.
Tips:
• Do not feed prior to travel
• Employ a crate or seat harness for stability
• Use calming chews or pheromone sprays
When to Call the Vet
Although occasional vomiting might result from overeating or slight irritation, frequent vomiting is never acceptable. Call your vet if you observe:
• Vomiting more than twice in 24 hours
• Loss of appetite or dehydration
• Lethargy or shivering
• Blood in vomit or stool
