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Why does my dog retch, lick lips, and eat grass in the evening?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 6 years and 6 months old | 49 lbs

Have a golden doddle that in the evening she starts retching, licking her lips and breathing heavily at times during this . She gets very anxious to go out side and eat grass. When she does this she does not throw up. I have tried rice, sweet potato.and in despite situations I give her peroxide. Lately not even that works. Not sure what to do for her to ease her comfort.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 14th, 2018

I am so sorry to hear about Maddie! It definitely sounds like she is battling nausea in the evenings. Dogs often eat grass to try to settle their stomach. The question is why? Have you changed foods? Have you started going to the dog park after dinner? Is she nauseous at any other time of day? Losing weight? Pregnant? Getting into the trash/cat litter every afternoon? Because so many things can cause nausea, I would highly recommend you see your vet as soon as possible. He or she will ask many more questions, do a good physical exam and potentially recommend x-rays and/or bloodwork to help determine what is going on. In the meantime, I would not recommend peroxide as this is actually damaging to the gut lining and I try to avoid it except in emergencies. Rice and sweet potato won’t hurt but they are unlikely to stop vomiting. When Maddie seems nauseous, pick up the food and water. Reintroduce water 4 hours after any vomiting or after she seems comfortable again. Reintroduce a small meal 13 hours after any vomiting. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Maddie!

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    Waxing and waning gastrointestinal signs in a golden doodle make me very suspicious of something called Addison’s disease. Also, IBD and food sensitivities are possible as well. We know that peroxide causes damage to the stomach lining and should only be given in an emergency situation when emesis is needed and a veterinarian is not available. I would encourage you to consider having her evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. You may consider asking your veterinarian for cerenia (anti nausea medication) to have in hand when she starts to act this way. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach:

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