What should I do if my dog is vomiting?
Dog vomiting is common, but the right response depends on the pattern—how often, what comes up, and how your dog is acting. Most mild cases improve with rest, hydration, and a short reset of feeding, but repeated vomiting, blood, severe lethargy, or inability to keep water down needs veterinary care. Focus on what you can observe, what you should avoid, and when to escalate.
Vomiting can happen from something as simple as eating too fast or mild stomach upset. The key is to respond calmly, reduce irritation to the stomach, and watch for warning signs. If your dog seems otherwise normal and the vomiting is occasional, supportive care at home is often enough. If the vomiting repeats or your dog looks unwell, it’s time to involve a veterinarian.
## Step 1: Check the pattern before you do anything else
Look at three things: frequency, appearance, and your dog’s overall condition. This helps you choose the right next step instead of guessing.
* How many times: once vs. multiple times in a day
* Timing: right after eating vs. hours later vs. empty stomach
* What it looks like: undigested food, white foam, yellow bile, or blood
* Energy level: normal and alert vs. weak, hiding, or unusually quiet
* Water: can your dog drink and keep water down
* Bathroom: diarrhea, black stool, or no stool
## Step 2: What to do at home for mild, one-off vomiting
If your dog vomits once or twice, is bright and alert, and can keep water down, you can usually start with gentle support.
### Give the stomach a short break
A brief pause from food can help settle the stomach. Offer small sips of water instead of a big bowl at once. If your dog gulps water and vomits again, offer smaller amounts more frequently.
### Restart feeding in small, simple portions
Once vomiting has stopped for a few hours and your dog can keep water down, reintroduce food slowly. Use smaller meals rather than one full meal, and keep it plain and easy to digest.
### Avoid common mistakes
* Do not give human medications unless your vet tells you to
* Do not switch foods abruptly during an upset stomach
* Do not “make up” electrolytes or supplements without guidance
* Do not push treats, chews, or rich foods during recovery
## Step 3: Common causes that owners often overlook
Vomiting isn’t always “bad food.” These are frequent triggers.
* Eating too fast or scavenging outside
* Sudden diet change or new treats
* Stress, car rides, or excitement
* Fatty or rich foods
* Foreign objects, especially in puppies
## When you should contact a veterinarian
Please contact a veterinarian if any of the following happens.
* Vomiting continues or happens repeatedly in the same day
* Your dog cannot keep water down
* You see blood, coffee-ground material, or black/tarry stool
* Your dog is very lethargic, painful, bloated, or collapses
* Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has known medical conditions
* You suspect your dog ate a toxin, medication, or a foreign object
Gentle reminder: This article is general information. If your dog looks unwell or the vomiting is frequent, professional assessment is the safest next step.