This post will talk about vomiting in dogs. We will address the main diseases that can lead the dog to present this type of symptom and what care the tutor should take to prevent the dog from presenting health problems.
Dog trying to vomit
When a dog tries to vomit it can indicate several changes in the animal’s health status. Some dogs may be choking on an object and should urgently visit the veterinarian. Some dogs may try to vomit after eating food so fast, or eating large amounts of food at once and shortly after going to physical activity. In these cases, the use of training and special feeders can help to control the amount and speed of feeding.
Vomiting can be a sign of several diseases and therefore should be explored and associated with other symptoms, thus helping the veterinarian to reach a diagnosis.
Vomiting in dogs can happen for several reasons such as:
- Forein body;
- Megaesophagus;
- Infectious diseases;
- Food allergies;
- Food poisoning;
- Degenerative diseases
- Tumors / Cancer.
Forein body
Foreign bodies are structures that should not be present in the dog’s gastrointestinal tract. The main foreign bodies are objects, pieces of furniture and even trichobezoar. The act of dogs taking various objects to their mouths causes them to accidentally swallow these structures. Trichobezoars, on the other hand, occur due to the habit of dogs to lick themselves, forming an accumulation of hair in the gastrointestinal tract. These foreign bodies can interfere with gastrointestinal movements resulting in vomiting and even vomiting with blood in dogs.
Megaesophagus
Megaesophagus in dogs is an alteration that can be idiopathic, congenital and acquired. Mega esophagus is the result of a neuromuscular alteration of the esophagus that results in esophageal dilation. Dogs with megaesophagus may present regurgitation, difficulty in feeding, salivation, vomiting and others. Dogs with megaesophagus should be fed with ergonomic feeders to alleviate symptoms presented by dogs.
Infectious diseases
Some diseases caused by viruses, parasites and bacteria can lead to alteration in gastrointestinal motility, leading to vomiting.
- The main viruses that can lead to vomiting in dogs are canine distemper virus, parvovirus, and rotavirus.
In general, these viral diseases can be prevented by vaccines. These diseases have no treatment for dogs, but treatments for secondary symptoms can be prescribed.
- About the diseases caused by bacteria, Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Shigella are the most frequent bacteria to lead to vomiting in dogs. The canine gastrointestinal microbiota is mostly made up of bacteria.
When foreign bacteria start to replicate in the gastrointestinal tract, the microbiota try to avoid this replication. However, the excess of foreign bacteria causes dysregulation of the microbiota, reducing the absorption of nutrients, leading to gastritis and vomiting.
- Parasitic vomiting can occur mainly due to parasites such as Giardia, Ancylostoma caninum, Toxocara canis and Dipylidium sp. These parasites have different cycles, but they all affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal system leading to vomiting.
Parasitic diseases can be avoided through periodic feces laboratory examinations and the use of oral antiparasitic drugs. Treatment consists of antiparasitic drugs, microbiota replacement and nutrient supplements when necessary.
Food allergies
Food allergies can affect some breeds of dogs, it can be a hereditary trait, so you should avoid breeding these dogs.
Dogs with food allergies should see a veterinary gastroenterologist to find out the cause of the allergies through testing. After the diagnosis, the dog should avoid consuming the food that causes the allergy.
For some dogs it may be necessary to consult with a veterinary nutritionist so that a balanced natural diet is prescribed. For other dogs it may also be necessary to use specific industrial diets for the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, avoiding allergies that lead to vomiting.
Food poisoning
Consumption of spoiled or contaminated food can carry toxins into the gastrointestinal tract. These toxins can unbalance the microbiota leading to vomiting.
Intoxicated animals should see a veterinarian. In many cases, dogs can receive fluid therapy to reduce the effects of toxicants. Procedures such as gastric lavage can be performed in some situations.
Treatment includes replacement of fluids, gastrointestinal microbiota, and nutrients. Some dogs can become dehydrated quickly due to increased symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Emergency care by a veterinarian is required.
Degenerative diseases
Dogs can present some organ degeneration. The most common degeneration is renal failure. More advanced renal failure can lead to several damages to the dog’s health that can result in apathy, diarrhea, loss of appetite and even vomiting.
Dogs must receive adequate treatment for kidney diseases to avoid complications that can lead to the animals death. That is why it is recommended to increase the frequency of visits to the veterinarian.
Tumors / Cancer
Cancers and tumors in dogs are common in many animals. Therefore, the worsening of the animal’s health must be prevented with periodic consultations and check-ups with the veterinarian.
Gastrointestinal tumors or metastases from other tumors can disrupt gastrointestinal flow resulting in vomiting. Some chemotherapy treatments for tumors can also lead to vomiting in some dogs.
What to do when the animal is vomiting?
When a dog tries to vomit, pay attention to the other symptoms presented by the dog. If vomiting becomes frequent something is wrong and a veterinarian should be consulted. Constant vomiting can lead to dehydration and even esophagitis, further deteriorating the dog’s health that can even die.
The veterinarian can do a series of tests to diagnose the main cause of vomiting. Several diseases can lead to vomiting and when treated the animal tends to be normal. Some dogs may have some diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal allergies, requiring follow-up with a gastroenterologist veterinary doctor.
Conclusion
Vomiting is one of the symptoms of several diseases, it can be associated with other symptoms. Dogs that present constant vomiting should be taken to the veterinarian for the correct diagnosis and treatment of these dogs, thus avoiding health problems that can lead to the death of the animals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Dog trying to vomit
What is good for a dog to stop vomiting?
Dogs’ hydration and a proper diet can help. In cases of constant vomiting, the veterinarian should be consulted and only then can he diagnose and properly treat the dogs.
What are the main causes of vomiting in dogs?
Vomiting in dogs can happen for several reasons such as:
- Forein body;
- Megaesophagus;
- Infectious diseases;
- Food allergies;
- Food poisoning;
- Degenerative diseases
- Tumors / Cancer.
What foods are toxic for dogs?
Common foods that are highly toxic to dogs are:
- Grapes and Raisins;
- Xylitol;
- Chocolate;
- Tea;
- Coffee;
- Onions;
- Garlic;
- Alcohol.
Reference
de Albuquerque, A. P. L., Sanches, F. J., Cruz, A. I., Suter, N. G., Taffarel, M. O., & Marcusso, P. F. (2017). VÔMITO CRÔNICO EM CÃO–RELATO DE CASO. Revista de Ciência Veterinária e Saúde Pública, 4, 047-047.
Parra, T. C., Berno, M. D., Guimarães, A., Andrade, l. C., Mosquini, A. F., & Montanha, F. P. (2012). Ingestão de corpo estranho em cães–Relato de Caso Foreign body ingestion in dogs–Case Report. Revista Científica Eletrônica de Medicina Veterinária, Garça, 18.
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