Urgent
Vomiting in Dogs and Cats
A single episode of vomiting is common, but repeated vomiting, blood, or accompanying lethargy needs same-day veterinary attention.
See a vet today if vomiting repeats 3+ times in 12 hours, contains blood, or your pet is lethargic.
Vomiting in Dogs and Cats
A single episode of vomiting is common, but repeated vomiting, blood, or accompanying lethargy needs same-day veterinary attention.
- •Overeating or sudden food change
- •Poisoning (household chemicals, medications, chocolate, raisins, antifreeze)
- •Infections — parvovirus, distemper, panleukopenia
- •Foreign body in the stomach or intestine
Possible causes
- •Overeating or sudden food change
- •Poisoning (household chemicals, medications, chocolate, raisins, antifreeze)
- •Infections — parvovirus, distemper, panleukopenia
- •Foreign body in the stomach or intestine
- •Chronic disease — kidney, liver, pancreatitis
What to do at home
- Withhold food for 6–8 hours, offer small sips of water
- Save a sample of the vomit for your vet
- Do not give human anti-nausea medication
- Monitor activity, gum colour, and temperature
When to call the vet
- →Blood or coffee-ground appearance in vomit
- →More than 3 episodes in 12 hours
- →Pet refuses water, is unresponsive, or temperature is over 39.5 °C / under 37.5 °C
- →Suspected foreign body or poisoning
- →Any vomiting with diarrhoea in puppies or kittens
FAQ
Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol?
Only on a vet's instruction and at the correct dose. Self-medicating masks serious causes and wastes time.
How long can I wait before going to the vet?
One vomit in an active pet — observe for 12 hours. Any red flag — go immediately.