Vomiting is defined as forceful expulsions—unlike regurgitation, which is passive—of the stomach and upper small intestine contents. It is typically preceded by nausea, excessive salivation, and retching. In most cases, vomiting doesn’t last long… But when it persists, identifying the underlying cause becomes essential.
My pet is vomiting: should I call my vet?
Most episodes of vomiting in dogs and cats are relatively short, lasting a maximum of 2 to 3 days. They are very often food-related: this may be due to gastric overload or the ingestion of unsuitable food. Infections—particularly viral ones—are also a common cause. In these cases, offering highly digestible food is usually sufficient. Make sure your pet stays well-hydrated: it’s best to give them small amounts of water regularly. If the vomiting persists, if your pet vomits uncontrollably, or if their general condition changes, it’s best to contact your vet. They will check, through a clinical examination and, if necessary, blood and urine tests, that this condition is not linked to pancreatic inflammation or kidney problems. If these conditions are ruled out, it’s very likely that your four-legged friend will receive an injection and/or anti-emetic medication to stop the vomiting, as well as a gastric protectant to soothe their stomach and esophagus. If you suspect your pet has ingested toxins—plants or medication—contact the veterinary poison control center. Don’t hesitate to write down their phone number in your pet’s health record or even save it in your phone. Lastly, if your dog or cat tries to vomit without success, they may be suffering from GDV—Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, which affects dogs—or may have swallowed a foreign object: a toy, a sock, a thread and needle (they can be very creative)... In this case, you should quickly schedule an appointment with your vet.
When Should I Worry About Persistent Vomiting?
If, despite dietary advice and the treatment prescribed by your vet, your dog or cat still experiences vomiting—even intermittently—it’s best to contact your vet again promptly. To determine the cause and thus find the most suitable treatment, your vet may carry out additional tests, such as:
- Abdominal X-ray and/or ultrasound;
- CT scan or MRI;
- Endoscopy with biopsy;
- Stool analysis…
If needed, they will refer you to a specialized consultation in an internal medicine department.
