Vomiting in dogs and cats can happen for a range of reasons. If you have ever seen your pet throw up, you likely felt worried and unsure of what to do next. 

While occasional vomiting may not be a major issue, it can sometimes indicate an underlying health concern. 

As a responsible pet parent, knowing when to seek help and what signs to watch for is essential. This guide walks you through the causes, symptoms, and treatments for dog vomiting and throwing up, helping you make informed decisions for your pet's health.

What is the Difference Between Vomiting and Regurgitation in Pets?

Vomiting is an active process. When your pet vomits, you will usually see them retching or heaving, with clear signs of effort coming from the abdomen. The material coming from their belly looks digested or partly digested. You might also notice bile or even bits of something they shouldn’t have eaten.

On the other hand, regurgitation is a passive process that happens suddenly without warning. In regurgitation, the expelled food usually appears undigested and may have a tubular shape.

Vomiting typically points to issues in the stomach or intestines, while regurgitation usually means there’s a problem in the oesophagus. That’s a crucial distinction for veterinarians. The faster they can tell what’s happening, the faster they can target the cause and start helping your pet feel better.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Dogs and Cats

Many factors can trigger vomiting in pets. Some are mild and short-term, while others may be more serious.

• Eating too fast or too much
• Sudden diet changes disrupt the digestive system.
• Ingesting toxins or foreign objects like chocolate, household cleaners, or toys.
• Hairballs (in cats) –Accumulated fur irritates the stomach lining.
• Motion sickness is especially common during car rides.
• Conditions like pancreatitis, liver disease, kidney problems, and infections can also cause vomiting.

How Vets Diagnose the Cause of Vomiting

Your vet will start with a physical examination of your pet. They may discuss the recent changes in diet, behaviour, or environment you might have seen in your pet. Based on these findings, they may recommend tests including:

• Blood tests: To check organ function and rule out infections.
• X-rays or ultrasound: For identifying blockages, tumours, or organ irregularities.
• Endoscopy: To examine the stomach and oesophagus directly.
• Faecal exams: To detect parasites.

These diagnostic tools help uncover both gastrointestinal and systemic causes of vomiting.

What To Do If Your Dog or Cat Is Vomiting

When your cat or dog vomits, stay calm and observe your pet closely. If they vomit once or twice but still seem playful and alert, here’s what you can do:

• Hold off on feeding for 12 to 24 hours, but make sure they have access to small sips of water.
  
  
• Keep an eye on their behaviour—check if they’re acting tired, showing signs of discomfort, or seem dehydrated.
  
  
• After the fasting period, slowly reintroduce a bland meal like boiled chicken and plain rice.

If the vomiting continues for more than a day, or if you notice other signs like lethargy, diarrhoea, or bloating, it is wise to call your vet right away.

What Does the Colour of Your Pet’s Vomit Say?

It is noteworthy that you can also get helpful clues by analysing the vomit colour of your pet. Here is what to watch for:

What Does White Foam Vomit in Dogs Mean?

White foam vomit in dogs is a common issue. It often occurs when their stomach is empty. The foam comes from stomach acid and air. Dogs may also experience this if they have indigestion or minor inflammation.

If your dog throwing up white foamy stuff once but remains active, it may not be serious. However, repeated vomiting could signal kennel cough, pancreatitis, or even a foreign object. 

It is also important to know that vomiting white foam in puppies is more concerning. Puppies can dehydrate quickly and should be evaluated by a vet without delay.

What Does Dog Vomiting Yellow Foam Mean?

Yellow foam usually indicates bile, which is produced by the liver. Dog vomiting yellow foam can occur when your dog has an empty stomach, especially in the morning. It may also point to conditions like gastrointestinal reflux, pancreatitis, or liver problems.

If it happens frequently, consult your vet. This is because long-term bile vomiting can damage the stomach lining.

How to Treat Your Pets If They Are Vomiting

If your pet is vomiting, treatment will depend on the cause, how severe the symptoms are, and your pet’s overall health. After an exam and any needed tests, your vet will recommend a treatment plan. Here are some common options:

• Dietary Management

If the cause is mild or diet-related, your vet may recommend controlling it with your diet. Switching to a bland, easily digestible diet or prescribing a special veterinary diet can soothe the stomach of your pet and support recovery.

If your pet’s vomiting is diet-related, your vet may suggest a bland, easy-to-digest diet like boiled chicken and white rice or plain pumpkin puree. Prescription diets such as Hill’s i/d or Royal Canin Gastrointestinal can also help soothe the stomach. 

Moist foods like low-sodium bone broth support hydration, while limited-ingredient diets may reduce food sensitivities. 

Note: Always follow your vet’s guidance when adjusting your pet’s meals.

• Hydration Support

Vomiting can cause rapid dehydration, especially in small or sick pets. Signs include dry gums, lethargy, and poor skin elasticity. 

Your vet may suggest offering water in small amounts or using pet-safe electrolyte solutions. In severe cases, IV fluids may be needed to restore hydration and balance electrolytes.

• Medications

Depending on the diagnosis, your pet might be prescribed anti-nausea medications (antiemetics), antacids, or antibiotics to treat infections or inflammation.

• Surgical Intervention

If vomiting is caused by a blockage, ingestion of a foreign object, or tumours, surgery may be necessary to remove the obstruction or address the issue directly.

When Is Vomiting a Medical Emergency?

While occasional vomiting may resolve on its own, specific symptoms call for immediate medical care:

• Repeated vomiting over several hours
• Presence of blood in vomit (red or dark brown)
• Signs of dehydration, such as dry gums or sunken eyes
• Lethargy, fever, or abdominal bloating
• Refusal to eat or drink for over 24 hours

Tips to Prevent Vomiting in Dogs and Cats

Preventive care can go a long way in reducing the risk of vomiting:

• Use slow feeders to prevent your dog from eating too quickly.
• Make diet changes gradually over 5 to 7 days.
• Keep harmful substances and non-food items out of reach.
• Provide regular veterinary checkups to detect issues early.

In multi-pet households, feeding pets separately can help prevent competition and help them avoid overeating.

Final Thoughts

Vomiting in pets is not always serious, but you should never ignore it. By understanding the signs, knowing what colours mean, and being aware of when to act, you can help your pet recover faster and avoid complications. 

If your cat or dog vomiting and throwing up frequently or if symptoms worsen, do not delay seeking veterinary care. Take preventive steps right away so that you can keep your pets happy, healthy, and safe.