How to stop dog vomiting at home

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The essential thing to understand about vomiting is it’s a symptom and not a diagnostic sign of itself. So many things can cause it. The same point applies to cats, too. If it’s a one-off occurrence, the chances are that it isn’t serious. If it’s chronic, then it means taking your pooch to the vet for further investigation. Some reasons are severe and even life-threatening.

We recommend monitoring your dog’s behavior for any other symptoms he may be experiencing. That can provide valuable clues for both you and your veterinarian about what’s behind his vomiting. After all, there is always a root cause. It could be something minor like he ate too much or something didn’t agree with him. He may have eaten some onions that fell on the floor when you made dinner that night.

However, vomiting is also a sign of conditions that require a vet’s assistance and not a home remedy. They include things like poisoning, cancer, gastritis or infections. That’s why getting a complete view of your pup’s behavior is vital. Other things to pay attention to are whether there’s a pattern.

• Does it happen after he eats certain foods?
• Are there other symptoms of GI distress?
• Is he acting depressed or in pain?
• Did the vomiting occur suddenly?

Top 5 Natural Home Remedies for Dog Vomiting:

The first thing you should do if your pup throws up is to pick up the food bowl and give his body a rest. Remember that vomiting is a reaction shared by many animals to rid themselves of something harmful. How long it stays in his system depends on the source. Canines digest carbs quicker than proteins like beef because it takes them longer to metabolize these nutrients.

If your pet hasn’t vomited for several hours, you can slowly introduce food with something bland like boiled rice. That can help with other digestive symptoms like diarrhea. It won’t aggravate his sensitive tummy so that he can keep foods down and avoid irritating his esophagus. Throwing up is hard on a dog. Anything you can do to prevent a recurrence will help him through the worst of it.

Sometimes, dogs will regurgitate their food if they eat too fast or too much at one time. Your pooch may still be excited after playing a game of frisbee. He might be so happy to see you after you’ve been away for a while. This situation differs from vomiting in that there isn’t any involvement of the abdominal muscles that would cause your pup to retch. Try feeding him smaller meals to see if that stops it.

Related to the previous remedy is to isolate your pup from the other pets. Eating with them might encourage him to gobble his food too quickly and cause him to regurgitate it. Instead, try feeding him in a separate room or at a different time to remove the pressure of finishing his meal quickly. Sometimes, a simple change like this one can make a significant impact.

• Related Read: 8 Simple Tips & Tricks To Stop Your Dog From Eating Too Fast

Both cats and dogs sometimes eat grass. It could be a bad habit he’s picked up somewhere. Other times, pups will do it to satisfy a nutrition craving from something missing in their diet. That’s why it’s essential to feed your dog a commercial food that has the necessary nutrients. If you notice that he vomits regularly after eating grass, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

Final Thoughts

Vomiting or regurgitating once in a while is usually a cause for concern. It’s an instinctive response to eating something that is potentially toxic. The best action is to get rid of it as quickly as possible. That’s what your dog is doing. The red flags are other symptoms such as lethargy, unexplained weight loss, and behavior changes.

Because of the risk of serious causes, we strongly urge you to take your pup to the vet if the vomiting and other symptoms persist. It presents an added risk of dehydration if it continues, which will only complicate the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Home remedies are appropriate only for one-off situations. Otherwise, it’s best to seek advice from a professional.

• Related Read: 7 Natural Home Remedies for Dog Stuffy Noses and Colds

Featured Image: Olexandr Andreiko, Shutterstock

As they are famous for their unquenchable appetite, it’s not uncommon for a dog to suffer from indigestion or stomach issues. Canine stomach ache is usually a result of spoiled food, a food intolerance or allergy, or because they have ingested something questionable. Most tummy issues are easily treated by the vet, but if you’d like to alleviate your pup’s pain naturally at home, check out the following advice and remedies.

What usually causes an upset stomach in dogs?

Although dogs can suffer from severe digestive problems, if your furry friend has symptoms of an upset stomach, it’s most probably because he ingested something he wasn’t supposed to. Vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, and pain are just the body’s fighting mechanisms to deal with the gut imposter.

Another common reason for an upset stomach may be simple overeating, especially with greasy and high-calorie food. Dogs will gulp down the food until their bowl is completely empty, so the power is basically in your hands. To rule out overeating as a cause of digestion problems, try making smaller portions per meal and look for dog food for sensitive stomachs.

Switching from puppy to adult dog, as well as changing brands, food type, or the feeding regimen can also be reasons for your dog’s stomach aches. Before making any abrupt changes in your dog’s diet, consult a trusted vet and focus on gradual transitioning. For example, instead of immediately switching from store-bought food to a raw dog diet, try combining the two or slowly introducing new ingredients.

How do I know my dog has digestive problems?

Asides from the apparent vomiting and diarrhea, you may notice other sickness symptoms, such as excessively licking of lips, gulping the air to fight the reflux, gaging or heaving, and even licking objects or paws. High temperature can be a sign of food poisoning, so watch out for dry and warm noses. When feeling nauseated, dogs will sometimes eat grass to soothe the stomach or induce vomiting. In general, you will notice your pooch lying around, lacking energy and appetite.

Photo by R+R Medicinals on Unsplash

Herbal remedies for soothing dog stomach issues

Until you can get your dog to a vet, or if you think the problem is minor, there are simple herbal recipes to help your pooch endure the unpleasant symptoms. Remember –  these remedies are effective with mild gastrointestinal issues, so make sure to consult the vet before taking matters into your own hands, just in case your dog’s problem is worse than you think it is.

Your dog will be interested in your herbal remedy if it’s nicely mixed with wet food. You can also give the herbs in the form of tea if the taste isn’t an issue. Another great way of slipping in the remedies is by mixing them with yogurt. It is packed with good probiotics and will also help improve the gut bacteria and restore digestive balance. Lastly, before opting for a holistic treatment approach, make sure to do your research and get acquainted with all the possible side effects or precautions. Always consult a vet if you have any doubts or questions.

Healing herbs to soothe a dog’s upset stomach

1.     Ginger

This potent, ancient remedy has been used for centuries to ease sickness and nausea. Also, dogs find it tasty, so it can easily be included in their typical meal or given as tea.

2.     Basil

This spice is fantastic for fighting bacteria due to the healing oils it contains. Mix a few fresh leaves with your dog’s wet food and he will immediately feel the results.

3.     Rosemary

Rosemary is efficient for fighting nausea, bloating, upset stomach, diarrhea and constipation. It is also a natural immune booster and breath freshener, so you can give rosemary to dogs to improve their general health and well being, too.

4.     Calendula

Yellow calendula flowers are non-toxic and are famous for their antiseptic antifungal properties. For this reason, you can use them for soothing your dog’s stomach pain if it’s induced by food poisoning or bacterial infections.

5.     Goldenseal

This wild plant is also very powerful at fighting intestinal bacteria and soothing bowel problems. Goldenseal tea will help your dog diminish bloating and regulate bowel movement in no time.

6.     Chamomile

Apart from having anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, chamomile is in medicine used for relaxation and improving sleep. If your dog’s stomach problems are stress-related, for example, a consequence of separation anxiety or something similar, chamomile tea or flowers mixed with food will do the trick.

7.     Milk Thistle

This herb has also proven to have soothing benefits for digestive problems. Moreover, it can improve liver function and prevent liver-based health issues in dogs.

Dog Hydration and gastrointestinal problems

Symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting can be hazardous due to the sudden and excessive loss of body fluids. Dehydration can further lead to serious health problems and require more intensive treatment if not treated properly. Keeping your dog hydrated in these situations is essential; however, gulping water can make an already upset stomach even worse.

A simple trick you can try out is giving your dog ice chips or cubes in small amounts. The dog will slowly lick the ice, which will hydrate and refresh him. Also, remove the water bowl out of reach and try giving a few spoonfuls of water from time to time.

Soothing Food Ingredients to Give Your Dog

If you notice your dog having gut-related issues, the best would be to restrict and change his diet for the time being. Ingredients like rice, yogurt, cooked chicken, bone broth, and pumpkin puree are beneficial for balancing out the gut bacteria and improving digestion. Broths and soups are full of beneficial nutrients like bone marrow, protein and minerals, and are also very hydrating. Make sure to give your dog much smaller portions to prevent nausea and stomach pain. Cooked or canned pumpkin (without spices) is also great as it slowly absorbs, thus helping with digestion without upsetting the stomach.

Home Remedies for Dog Vomiting and Upset Stomach

Many people find themselves with a dog with an upset stomach, which also often leads to vomiting. While many home remedies work in a very helpful way, they are usually not the final solution. Here are some of the best home remedies for your dog’s vomit and upset stomach that have been tested extensively and found to be most effective.

1) Ginger
Ginger is one of the best home remedies for your dog’s vomiting and upset stomach because it has anti-spasmodic effects. It is believed to help settle stomach irritation and nausea, helping your dog to feel better. It also works as an antacid that is easy for your dog to digest.

Add a small amount of ginger to your dog’s food or water at least three times a day for at least a week. This will help relieve the discomfort and nausea.

2) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be mixed in with your dog’s drinking water. It is a good source of carbonation and it can help settle upset stomachs. The formula below should be used as a guideline:

2 tsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tsp water

Mix in small amounts every few minutes and your dog will be able to drink it easily. If your dog throws up after drinking, try adding two more teaspoons of water and mixing again. Also, make sure that the apple cider vinegar is fresh. These home remedies for dog vomiting and upset stomach have been shown to work very well for many dogs. Purchase some of these at pet supply stores or try them at home first to see if they work for your dog’s vomiting and upset stomach.

Feature photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash