“Most vomiting in pets is caused by diet or scavenging, but some cases require urgent attention.”
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Virtually every day, people call our mobile vet service because their dog or cat is vomiting (being sick).
Here’s some useful information for pet owners about vomiting in pets.
Eating the wrong thing
By far the most common reason our pets throw up is that they have eaten something that doesn’t agree with them.
Many dogs are terrible scavengers and will eat items from the ground, like old, discarded food, when they are out exercising. What your dog sees as a tasty treat, however, is often loaded with bacteria and moulds and can cause sickness and diarrhoea.
A change of diet can have the same effect, especially if the new diet is higher in fat than your pet is used to.
If your pet is still his normal self despite his upset stomach and was well before the symptoms came on, then in most cases it’s not serious.
Don’t feed your pet until the vomiting stops. Just offer small sips of water. Once the sickness stops, offer a small amount of bland food, such as chicken breast and white rice. Diarrhea can take a couple of days to go away.
If everything settles down over the next few days, then you can gradually reintroduce your pet’s normal diet.
If sickness and diarrhea persist, or your pet becomes quiet and subdued, call the vet to arrange a consultation.
Serious vomiting
Here are some signs that the vomiting is more serious and needs urgent attention
-Your pet becomes lethargic, very subdued or is reluctant to get up, or you think they may be in pain
-There is blood in the vomit
-The vomiting hasn’t settled after 12-24 hours
It also makes sense to call us if your pet is especially vulnerable. For example, vomiting and diarrhea in young puppies and kittens are potentially very serious because they can dehydrate very quickly.
Regular vomiting
If your pet starts vomiting food or yellow bile regularly (especially if this is something they have not done before), call the vet to arrange a consultation. Intermittent vomiting can be the first sign of a more serious underlying medical problem. The sooner we see a problem, the more likely we are to fix it.
How do we treat a vomiting pet?
Depending on the severity of your pet’s condition, we may need to hospitalise them and administer intravenous fluids to rehydrate them.
We often also need to look for the underlying cause of the problem. This will include a full health check and physical examination. In many cases we need to do some blood tests and an x-ray of your pet’s abdomen.
If necessary, our mobile vets can transport your pet to our partner practice where we have full in-hospital veterinary facilities.
Treatment might involve medical care for infections or other underlying problems. Sometimes surgery may be required where a dog has swallowed an object that is blocking the bowel like a bone, corn cob or sock.
If your pet is vomiting and you’re worried or concerned – or if you have any concerns about your pet’s health – we’re only a phone call away
“Ongoing or repeated vomiting can be an early sign of a more serious underlying condition.”
Key Takeaways
- Vomiting is common and often linked to diet or scavenging
Eating spoiled food or sudden diet changes are frequent causes. - Mild cases may settle with simple management
Short fasting and bland food can help if your pet remains otherwise well. - Certain signs indicate a more serious problem
Lethargy, blood in vomit, or ongoing symptoms require prompt attention. - Recurring vomiting should not be ignored
It may indicate an underlying medical condition that needs investigation.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog or cat vomiting suddenly?
Vomiting is often caused by eating something that does not agree with your pet. This may include spoiled food, scavenged items, or a sudden change in diet. In many cases, the issue is mild if your pet remains otherwise well.
When should I be concerned about my pet vomiting?
You should seek veterinary attention if your pet becomes lethargic, shows signs of pain, or has blood in the vomit. Vomiting that continues beyond 12–24 hours also requires assessment. These signs may indicate a more serious condition.
What should I do if my pet is vomiting but seems normal?
If your pet is otherwise alert and behaving normally, you can withhold food until the vomiting stops and offer small amounts of water. Once symptoms have settled, introduce a bland diet, such as chicken and rice. Monitor closely for any changes.
Can a change in diet cause vomiting in pets?
Yes, a sudden change in diet can upset your pet’s stomach, particularly if the new food is higher in fat. This can lead to vomiting and sometimes diarrhoea. Gradual transitions between foods help reduce this risk.
What does regular or repeated vomiting indicate?
If your pet begins vomiting regularly or shows a pattern of bringing up food or bile, this may signal an underlying medical issue. Intermittent vomiting should be assessed rather than ignored. Early investigation improves the chances of effective treatment.
How is vomiting in pets treated by a vet?
Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the vomiting. It may involve a physical examination, blood tests or imaging such as X-rays to identify the issue. In more serious cases, treatment can include fluids, medication or surgery if a blockage is present.