Why is my pet vomiting?
Vomiting is a common problem in dogs and cats and one that we see at Doncaster Veterinary Hospital. It can be caused by various reasons, and it’s important to understand the underlying cause of your pet's vomiting so we can provide the appropriate treatment and get them back to their happy and healthy selves again.
Why is my dog vomiting?
Eating something they shouldn't have - Dogs are known to eat just about anything, and this can include things that are toxic or indigestible. This can lead to vomiting as the body tries to eliminate the foreign substance.
Gastrointestinal issues - Dogs can suffer from various gastrointestinal problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease or gastritis, which can cause vomiting.
Parasites - Intestinal parasites, such as worms, can cause vomiting in dogs.
Food allergies or sensitivities - Some dogs may be allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients in their food, which can lead to vomiting.
Medications - Certain medications can cause nausea and vomiting as a side effect.
Other illnesses - Dogs can also vomit as a symptom of other illnesses, such as kidney or liver disease.
Why is my cat vomiting?
Hairballs - Cats groom themselves frequently and can ingest a lot of hair, forming hairballs in the stomach. These hairballs can cause vomiting.
Gastrointestinal issues - Cats can also suffer from gastrointestinal issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease, which can cause vomiting.
Parasites - Intestinal parasites, such as worms, can cause vomiting in cats.
Food allergies or sensitivities - Some cats may be allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients in their food, which can lead to vomiting.
Medications - Certain medications can cause vomiting as a side effect.
Other illnesses - Cats can also vomit as a symptom of other illnesses, such as kidney or liver disease.
What to do if your pet is vomiting
Observe your pet - It is important to observe your pet and note any accompanying symptoms, such as diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite. This information can help your veterinarian make a diagnosis.
Contact your veterinarian - If your pet is frequently vomiting or has other symptoms, it is important to contact your veterinarian for an examination. They will be able to determine the underlying cause of the vomiting and provide appropriate treatment.
Try to withhold food - If your pet is vomiting, it's best to withhold food for a few hours to allow the stomach to settle. If you must feed your pet, boiled plain chicken and boiled rice is easy to digest.
Provide water - It's important to keep your pet hydrated, so offer small amounts of water frequently.
Give medication - If your veterinarian has prescribed medication, be sure to give it as directed.
Keep an eye on them - Keep an eye on your pet and contact your veterinarian if their condition worsens or if the vomiting persists for more than a day.
Your trusted local Doncaster vet
Vomiting can be caused by a variety of issues in both dogs and cats, and it is important to understand the underlying cause to provide the appropriate treatment. Our vets will diagnose and treat your pet's vomiting, so they can get back to doing what they love. Contact us if you’d like to book an appointment or ask our friendly team a question.
