my dog keeps dry heaving but seems totally fine otherwise. Eating, drinking, and playing like normal. Should I be worried, or is this something that happens sometimes? What could be causing it? Thanks!

Hey there! I totally get why you're concerned about your pup's dry heaving. It's good to hear they're otherwise acting normal. There are a few reasons dogs might do this, like if something is irritating their throat, or if they have an upset stomach.

Here are some things to watch out for:

• Continuous dry heaving that doesn’t stop after a few minutes
• Signs of distress or pain, like whining or pacing
• Bloating, or a firm, swollen abdomen, which could hint at a serious issue like bloat or GDV (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite occurring alongside the dry heaving
• Difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, or coughing

When it’s an emergency:

• If the dry heaving continues for more than an hour and your dog still can’t seem to bring anything up, it’s good to seek a vet's advice.
• Immediate swelling or bloating alongside dry heaving is a red flag. This should be treated as a potential emergency.

At home, you can try to:

• Ensure your dog stays hydrated. Offer small amounts of water if they're drinking normally.
• Double-check that they haven't gotten into anything they shouldn't have, like chocolate, grapes, or any other toxic elements. Even small amounts of these can cause issues.

Definitely give your vet a call if:

• Your dog's symptoms are worsening or other signs show up like vomiting or lethargy.
• If you’re unable to get them to drink or they're not keeping water down.
• You're just feeling uneasy about what's going on with them.

Trust your instincts when it comes to your pet. If you're unsure or your pet’s symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.