When Should You Consider Pet Vomiting an Emergency?
Everyone gets an upset stomach now and then—pets included! But, how can you tell if vomiting in pets is “just a bug” working its way through or a real pet emergency?
First off, please know that any time you are concerned or unsure about your pet’s health, you should contact your veterinarian for guidance. But let’s consider what it could mean when your pet throws up:
What Did They Eat?
If your dog or cat ate a meal too quickly, swallowed a small bit of a toy, or ate grass outside, then vomiting may be an actual solution to the problem. Their stomach could just need to get whatever the wrong thing is out.
But remember, there are dangerous foods for pets, such as onions, grapes, chocolate, and artificial sweeteners. There are also toxins like household cleaners and poisonous plants. Vomiting can be an early symptom of poisoning, and if you know or even just suspect that your pet ate something toxic, consider it an emergency. Keep the contact info for the ASPCA Poison Control and/or the Pet Poison Helpline handy in case of an incident like this.
If your pet ingested a large chunk of a toy or other object, this can become what’s known as a foreign body obstruction. An object in the digestive tract that can’t be digested may become stuck, blocking the passage of food or waste. Even if they can’t bring up the object itself, your pet may vomit food or water because it can’t make its way through the digestive tract. It’s time to contact your veterinary team ASAP.
Chronic Conditions or Illnesses
Certain diseases or conditions can lead to your dog or cat throwing up, such as leptospirosis, distemper, and intestinal parasites. Pets with chronic conditions like diabetes or kidney disease may vomit from time to time, even if they are undergoing treatment or routine care. If they are following a treatment plan, your veterinarian may have warned you that some stomach upset can be expected, though it does not hurt to touch base with them to track such instances.
To distinguish between expected and emergency vomiting, check medical records or call your vet to find out if:
- Your pet is properly vaccinated
- Vomiting is a possible side effect of medications or illnesses
- There is a threshold of concern for frequency and amount of vomiting
Trust Your Gut About Your Pet’s Gut
As we said above, it never hurts to seek a medical opinion when you’re concerned. You can reach out to BEEVET, your Austin vet, with information like the following:
- How many times has your pet thrown up, and over what amount of time?
- What does the vomit look like?
- Has there been any diarrhea?
- Is your pet able to keep down any water or food at all?
- Do you notice lethargy, disorientation, or other symptoms?
- Can you tell for certain that household products, plants, foods, medications, or other items have been ingested?
These details can help us diagnose the issue and plan the proper treatment.
A Note About Exotics
Generally, birds, reptiles, and other exotic or pocket pets will hide symptoms until illnesses are serious. If you notice throwing up or dietary changes (not all exotic or pocket pets can actually vomit), contact a veterinarian right away.
Nausea is no fun for anyone, especially for pets who can’t just tell us how they feel. Though it does not always constitute an emergency, vomiting is something to pay attention to. Go ahead and call your vet if you are concerned about your pet!