What do you feed a sick dog that is throwing up? - The Institute for Environmental Research and Education

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What to Feed a Sick Dog That is Throwing Up: A Guide to Recovery

When your dog is sick and vomiting, knowing what to feed them is crucial for a speedy recovery; generally, offer small amounts of bland, easily digestible foods like boiled chicken and white rice to soothe their upset stomach and prevent further irritation. This approach helps reintroduce nutrients gently and avoid exacerbating the problem.

Understanding Why Your Dog is Vomiting

Vomiting in dogs can be caused by a multitude of factors, ranging from simple dietary indiscretions to more serious underlying medical conditions. Before deciding what to feed a sick dog that is throwing up, it’s important to consider potential causes, though veterinary consultation is always recommended. Some common reasons include:

Dietary Indiscretion: Eating garbage, spoiled food, or unusual items.
Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.
Medications: Some medications can cause vomiting as a side effect.
Kidney or Liver Disease: These can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body, causing vomiting.
Obstructions: Foreign objects can block the digestive tract.

Identifying the underlying cause will help your veterinarian determine the appropriate treatment plan. Ignoring persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration and further complications, so prompt action is key.

The Importance of a Bland Diet

A bland diet is the cornerstone of managing vomiting in dogs. These diets are low in fat, easy to digest, and gentle on the gastrointestinal system. This allows the stomach to rest and recover without being further irritated. The primary goal is to provide essential nutrients without causing additional stress on the digestive system. When deciding what to feed a sick dog that is throwing up, consider the following characteristics of a bland diet:

Low Fat: High-fat foods can be difficult to digest and may exacerbate nausea.
Highly Digestible: Foods that are easily broken down and absorbed reduce the workload on the GI tract.
Simple Ingredients: Fewer ingredients minimize the risk of allergic reactions or intolerances.
Easily Palatable: Sick dogs may have a reduced appetite, so palatable foods are more likely to be accepted.

Best Food Choices for a Sick, Vomiting Dog

When considering what to feed a sick dog that is throwing up, several options are ideal. The most common and recommended choices include:

Boiled Chicken and White Rice: This is a classic combination and a reliable choice. Boil skinless, boneless chicken and plain white rice until cooked through. Avoid adding any seasonings or oils.
Plain White Rice: By itself, rice is easily digestible and can help soothe an upset stomach.
Cottage Cheese (Low-Fat): Provides protein and is generally gentle on the stomach. Ensure it is low-fat and plain.
Boiled Potatoes (Plain): Another easy-to-digest carbohydrate source.
Commercial Bland Diets: Many pet food companies offer prescription or over-the-counter bland diets specifically formulated for gastrointestinal issues. These can be a convenient and balanced option.

A gradual reintroduction of these foods is critical. Start with small, frequent meals.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Reintroducing Food

After your dog has stopped vomiting for several hours (or as directed by your veterinarian), you can start to reintroduce food using the following steps:

Withhold Food: Stop feeding your dog for 12-24 hours (or as instructed by your vet). This allows the stomach to rest. Always ensure they have access to fresh water, unless otherwise advised by your vet.
Offer Small Amounts of Water: Provide small amounts of water frequently to prevent dehydration.
Introduce Bland Food: Begin with a small portion of bland food, such as boiled chicken and rice (approximately ¼ of their normal meal size).
Monitor Closely: Observe your dog for any signs of vomiting or diarrhea.
Gradually Increase Portion Size: If your dog tolerates the small meal, gradually increase the portion size over the next 24-48 hours.
Transition Back to Regular Food: Once your dog is eating normal-sized portions of the bland diet without vomiting or diarrhea, slowly transition back to their regular food by mixing small amounts of their regular food with the bland diet. Gradually increase the proportion of regular food until they are back on their normal diet.

Foods to Avoid When Your Dog is Sick

Knowing what to feed a sick dog that is throwing up also necessitates knowing what to avoid. Certain foods can exacerbate vomiting and delay recovery. Avoid the following:

Fatty Foods: These are difficult to digest and can worsen nausea.
Spicy Foods: These can irritate the stomach lining.
Dairy Products (Except Low-Fat Cottage Cheese): Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy can cause diarrhea.
Table Scraps: These are often high in fat and seasonings.
Processed Treats: Many commercial treats contain ingredients that can be difficult to digest.
Raw Foods: Increased risk of bacterial contamination.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

While a bland diet can be effective for mild cases of vomiting, it’s crucial to know when veterinary intervention is needed. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog exhibits any of the following:

Persistent Vomiting: Vomiting that continues for more than 24 hours.
Blood in Vomit: This can indicate a serious underlying condition.
Lethargy or Weakness: Signs of dehydration or severe illness.
Abdominal Pain: Indicated by panting, restlessness, or guarding the abdomen.
Difficulty Breathing: Could indicate aspiration pneumonia.
Known Ingestion of a Toxin: Immediate veterinary care is essential.
Underlying Medical Conditions: Dogs with pre-existing conditions may require more aggressive treatment.

A veterinarian can diagnose the underlying cause of the vomiting and provide appropriate treatment, which may include medication, fluid therapy, or further diagnostic testing.

Table: Comparing Bland Food Options

Food	Benefits	Considerations
————————–	———————————————-	————————————————-
Boiled Chicken & White Rice	Easily digestible, provides protein & carbs	Ensure chicken is skinless and boneless
Plain White Rice	Easily digestible, soothing	Can be less palatable on its own
Low-Fat Cottage Cheese	Provides protein	Must be low-fat and plain, watch for dairy issues
Boiled Potatoes (Plain)	Easy to digest carbohydrates	Plain preparation only
Commercial Bland Diets	Balanced nutrition, convenient	May require a prescription

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Feeding Too Much Too Soon: Overfeeding can overwhelm the digestive system and trigger more vomiting.
Offering Regular Food Too Quickly: A hasty transition back to regular food can cause a relapse.
Ignoring Underlying Medical Conditions: Addressing the root cause of the vomiting is essential for long-term recovery.
Not Providing Enough Water: Dehydration is a serious risk with vomiting.
Giving Medications Without Veterinary Advice: Some medications can worsen vomiting or interact negatively with other treatments.
Assuming All Vomiting is the Same: Different causes require different approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it okay to give my dog Pedialyte when they are vomiting?

Pedialyte can be helpful in replacing electrolytes lost through vomiting. However, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian first, as some dogs may not tolerate it well, and the underlying cause of the vomiting should be addressed. Offer small amounts to avoid further upsetting the stomach.

How long should I keep my dog on a bland diet after they stop vomiting?

Generally, keep your dog on a bland diet for 2-3 days after they stop vomiting. Gradually reintroduce their regular food by mixing small amounts of their regular food with the bland diet over several days.

Can I give my dog anti-vomiting medication without consulting a vet?

It’s strongly discouraged to give your dog any medication (including anti-vomiting drugs) without consulting with your veterinarian. Many medications can have adverse effects or interact negatively with other treatments. Your vet can determine the underlying cause of the vomiting and prescribe appropriate medication, such as Cerenia or metoclopramide, if necessary.

What if my dog refuses to eat the bland diet?

If your dog is refusing to eat, try warming the food slightly to enhance its aroma. You can also try offering a different bland food option, such as plain boiled chicken or low-fat cottage cheese. If your dog continues to refuse food, contact your veterinarian, as it could indicate a more serious underlying problem. Consider syring-feeding small amounts if advised by your vet.

My dog has diarrhea in addition to vomiting. What should I do?

If your dog has diarrhea along with vomiting, it’s even more important to consult with your veterinarian. Diarrhea can lead to more rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. They may recommend a bland diet as well as medications to control diarrhea and protect the intestinal lining.

Is it safe to give my dog bone broth when they are sick?

While bone broth can be nutritious, it’s best to avoid it initially when your dog is actively vomiting, as it may be too rich and could exacerbate nausea. Once your dog has stopped vomiting for several hours and is tolerating small amounts of bland food, you can introduce bone broth in small quantities. Choose a low-sodium option.

Can I give my dog yogurt when they are vomiting?

Plain, unsweetened yogurt with live and active cultures may be beneficial due to its probiotic content. However, some dogs are lactose intolerant, so it’s best to introduce it slowly and in small amounts. Monitor for any signs of diarrhea or stomach upset. Consult your veterinarian before offering yogurt.

What if my dog starts vomiting again after I reintroduce regular food?

If your dog starts vomiting again after you reintroduce regular food, immediately stop the regular food and return to the bland diet. Keep them on the bland diet for a longer period before attempting to transition back to their regular food again. Consult your veterinarian if the vomiting persists.

How can I prevent my dog from vomiting in the future?

Preventing future episodes of vomiting involves several strategies: avoid feeding your dog table scraps or garbage; keep toxic substances out of reach; ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and parasite prevention; and provide a high-quality, easily digestible diet. Regular veterinary check-ups are also essential for early detection and treatment of underlying health problems. It is important to consider what do you feed a sick dog that is throwing up? on a preventative level.

Should I give my dog water even if they keep throwing it up?

Yes, it’s crucial to keep your dog hydrated, but offer water in small, frequent amounts rather than large quantities. Large amounts of water can trigger further vomiting. If your dog continues to vomit up water, contact your veterinarian, as they may need intravenous fluid therapy to prevent dehydration.

What are some signs of dehydration in dogs?

Signs of dehydration in dogs include: lethargy, dry gums, sunken eyes, and decreased skin elasticity. To check skin elasticity, gently pinch the skin on the back of their neck. If the skin doesn’t return to its normal position quickly, your dog may be dehydrated.

How soon after vomiting should I take my dog to the vet?

If your dog vomits once but is otherwise acting normal, you can monitor them closely for the next 24 hours. However, if your dog is vomiting repeatedly, has blood in their vomit, is lethargic, has abdominal pain, or has ingested a known toxin, seek veterinary care immediately. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications.