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My dog is throwing up bile and not eating. Should I go to ER vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cockapoo | Female | spayed | 3 years and 8 months old | 15 lbs

My 3 year old 15 lb cockapoo was not interested in dinner. She started throwing up bile. Got her to eat a treat (milk bone) which she soon threw up. Not active like normal. Did get her to drink a little water. Is it ok to wait until morning for vet or should she go to emergency vet?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 30th, 2018

Throwing up can have many causes. It is basically a problem with the stomach and intestines caused by a food over sensitivity, eating something that does not agree with the dog, intestinal parasites, bacterial infection, viral infection, the weather, food change, stress, etc.  I would fast Sadie for 24 hours and then put her on bland food for two days, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to her regular food slowly over a few days. If Sadie soes not eat, or if the vomiting persists, or if she gets lethargic, she needs to see a veterinarian for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 7th, 2017

    It is entirely possible that Kiley has experienced some sort of dietary indiscretion causing the symptoms you are reporting, or some type of viral infection has occurred. I would recommend fasting her for the next 18-24 hours, but continuing to offer water (as long as this does not cause vomiting). After this period of time, consider feeding small quantities of boiled chicken/hamburger and rice. You can also use certain products like probiotics (such as fortiflora) and gastric acid reducers like Pepsid. These products must be dosed appropriately for Kiley's size. Continue with this plan for 3-5 days and see if things get better. However, if during this time things are continuing to decline or just stay the same, I think it is probably time to take her into the vet for a thorough physical exam. I would recommend bringing in a fecal sample with you at that time so they make sure intestinal parasites are playing no role in the issues. Other causes of vomiting and diarrhea include pancreatitis, various infections, GI foreign bodies, cancer, and various toxins. I hope the conservative plan helps clear things up for you and Kiley.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 28th, 2018

    It sounds as Maggie is suffering from a gastrointestinal condition, possibly an infection. it could also be due to ingestion of a foreign body material. i would recommend taking her to the vet the first chance you get, she will need to be checked first, if the vet thinks it's a simple gastrointestinal infection she will need an anti vomiting injection, antibiotics and a special food for a few days in order to get better. if the vet thinks it is more serious she will need a blood test and possibly an ultrasound in order to find out what is wrong.

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