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Why did my garter snake throw up his food? Should I be worried?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My garter snake vomited up his food which contained a fish and a bloodworm. Should I be worried?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on September 8th, 2019

Thanks for reaching out about Sylas. Was this the first time for regurgitation? If so, give the gastrointestinal tract a few days rest and try re-feeding. If regurgitates again, a veterinary visit is recommended. Intestinal parasites or infections are not uncommon. Systemic illnesses or husbandry problems (too cold) or diet problems (prey too cold or overheated) are also possible. Discuss your snake's husbandry and diet routine with your veterinarian. Good luck.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 15th, 2019

    There is a parasite called Cryptosporidium that can cause chronic regurgitation as it causes a thickening of the stomach. So, it could be that. It could be that the prey you are feeding are too large and that is why he is regurgitating. It could be from too much handling after eating. I suggest you get him to a reptile vet for an exam.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 8th, 2019

    This is regurgitation of food. Vomiting/regurgitation of ingesta is not common in reptiles and when seen, it is a something to be taken seriously. When a reptile regurgitates, it is usually due to one of the following conditions: too cold too stressed food/prey too large food/prey spoiled systemic infection high levels of protozoans or parasites (intestinal) disturbed too soon after eating obstruction in digestive tract I suggest you first start with making sure your husbandry is 100% correct - lighting, temperature, humidity, etc (depending on the species of snake you have). I don't know how often you are feeding him but you may want to fast him for a couple weeks. If you feed him at that time and he either doesn't want to eat or he eats and then regurgitates again then you will need to have him examined by a vet. Hope this helps. If you have more questions you can always opt for a private consultation where we can chat back and forth. That way you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Best wishes.

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