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My dog is vomiting food and mucus. Is it bloat? When to see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 3 years old | 80 lbs

He started vomiting about 30 minutes ago – there is food in it and it is very mucousy. He is still trying to drink and moving around, but I'm wondering if I need to take him to the vet right now. I had a German Shepherd whose stomach twisted and she died from it and I want to make sure this is not what's happening again.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 3rd, 2017

Oh no, poor Bandit! I certainly understand being concerned about a GDV (where the stomach twists), but when dogs are suffering from that, they are unable to vomit despite trying. In a weird way, it's good he is able to vomit and has food in it. Other signs you would see include restlessness, enlarged abdomen, pacing, anxiety, and looking at the stomach a lot. Because I can't see him in person, i can't rule out the chance of a GDV, and if you are very concerned about it, certainly take him into a vet immediately. Otherwise, you can choose to monitor him and take him into a vet immediately if he starts trying to throw up but can't, or shows any of the other signs I mentioned above. Should you choose to monitor him, I can give you a home remedy to try to see if that helps. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If the vomiting continues in the absence of food, he vomits the bland diet, develops diarrhea, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Juliana, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm so sorry to hear about bandit. If he is wretching without producing vomit or if his belly is hard or bloated at any point he definitely needs to be brought to a vet right away. If he is continuing to vomit or becomes lethargic he should also be evaluated right away. A couple of episodes of vomiting are common and Can be caused by many things much less concerning than a GDV (stomach twisting) such as eating things that irritate the stomach, eating foreign objects , or a diet that doesn't agree with them. If bandit isn't doing well a vet will take X-rays and possible blood work and will sort out what is going on. I hope he s feeling better very soon!

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