Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog is throwing up. What should I do and when to call the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Male | unneutered | 8 years and 1 month old | 10.9 lbs

Why is my dog throwing up?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on May 22nd, 2017

Vomiting is a very nonspecific symptom with multiple causes. If it is "simple" vomiting with no other symptoms, you can try withholding food for 24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet in small, frequent amounts waiting at least 1 hour between meals. Begin with one tablespoon and gradually increase the amount if there is no vomiting. Transition slowly to the regular diet if there is no vomiting for 24-48 hours on a bland diet. You should see your veterinarian to have Charlie examined if he develops other symptoms (diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain) or if the vomiting does not resolve.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Gastrointestinal, pancreatic inflammation infection and dietary related vomiting episodes are by far the most common one in dogs. As a first line approach, I would suggest to withhold food for the next 8-12 hours and then start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice diarrhoea, more vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 13th, 2019

    These episodes can be quite common in puppies and could be self limiting/resolving. As a first approach I would start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice diarrhoea, more vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on March 6th, 2019

    As long as he is behaving normally, you can watch him at home. Do not offer any food for 24 hours. You can offer 2-3 tablespoons of unflavored PediaLyte every hour. Resume feeding a bland diet in small frequents amounts tomorrow. Begin with one tablespoon of food and gradually increase the amount if he keeps it down. Feed bland until symptoms resolve then transition slowly to the regular diet. Monitor Rupert for lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea or persistent vomiting (in spite of the fast and bland diet). If you notice any of these symptoms tonight or tomorrow, have Rupert examined by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My 4-week-old chick is sick and sleeps standing. What should I do?
Is your 4-week-old chick ill, sleeping standing? A Licensed Vet Tech offers expert advice on immediate care, feeding, and why a vet visit is crucial for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my chicken pale, tired, not laying, and pooping neon yellow?
Is your pet chicken pale, tired, or pooping neon yellow? A Licensed Vet Tech shares vital steps for your hen's concerning symptoms. Get expert guidance now!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My sick small pet is breathing mouth open. Did I drown her feeding?
Is your pet ill, struggling to breathe, or showing stroke signs? A certified vet addresses syringe feeding worries, discusses causes, and outlines treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored