By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Most dogs vomit now and then, and a single episode in a puppy that is otherwise bright and playful is often nothing serious. Puppies are a special case, though. They explore with their mouths, vomiting with diarrhoea can dehydrate them quickly, and young unvaccinated puppies are at real risk of parvovirus. Knowing which signs mean "watch closely" and which mean "see a vet now" can make a big difference.
Key takeaways
- A puppy that vomits and is also lethargic, off its food, has diarrhoea, a sore belly or blood in the vomit needs a vet promptly.
- Parvovirus mainly affects puppies between 6 and 20 weeks of age and dogs that are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated.
- Swallowed objects and toxins are common causes in puppies. Tell your vet if you suspect either.
- Never withhold water from a vomiting puppy unless your vet is giving fluids.
- Do not try to make your puppy vomit, and do not give human medicines.
Is it vomiting or regurgitation?
VCA Animal Hospitals explains that vomiting usually starts with nausea. A puppy may seem restless, lick its lips, drool and swallow repeatedly, then heave with strong contractions of the belly. Regurgitation is more passive. Food comes back up quickly, often soon after eating, without the heaving or warning signs. The difference helps your vet work out where the problem is, so note what you see. See vomiting versus regurgitation for more.
Common causes in puppies
VCA lists minor causes such as:
- Intestinal parasites
- Eating rubbish, spoiled food, plants or other things they should not
- Intolerance or allergy to an ingredient in the food
More serious causes include:
- Viral or bacterial infections, including parvovirus
- Toxins
- A blockage from a swallowed object such as a sock or toy
- Pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease
Why parvovirus is a worry
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that attacks the gut and white blood cells. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that puppies between 6 and 20 weeks, and unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs, are at greatest risk. Signs include:
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Severe, often bloody, diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Fever or a low body temperature
- Drooling from nausea
The AVMA advises contacting your vet immediately if you see these signs, because persistent vomiting and diarrhoea can quickly cause severe dehydration. Ring ahead so the clinic can keep your puppy away from other dogs. Read more in common puppy diseases.
When to see a vet
Go to a vet now if your puppy:
- Is vomiting and also lethargic, weak or not interested in food
- Has diarrhoea, especially with blood
- Has blood in the vomit
- Seems to have a painful or bloated belly
- Has a fever
- Might have eaten a toxin, or something that could get stuck
- Is young and not fully vaccinated
Book a vet check if your puppy:
- Seems well but keeps vomiting for more than a day or two (VCA)
- Vomits on and off over a longer period, or is losing weight
If your puppy vomits once, then goes back to playing, eating and drinking normally, keep a close eye on it and call your vet if anything changes.
What you can do while you wait
- Keep fresh water available. Merck Veterinary Manual stresses that water should never be withheld unless the dog is receiving fluids from a vet, because vomiting already causes dehydration.
- Ask your vet before withholding food or changing the diet, and follow their instructions closely.
- Note how often your puppy vomits, what the vomit looks like and anything it may have eaten. A photo can help.
- Bring any packaging if you think your puppy got into food, medicine or chemicals.
- Do not try to make your puppy vomit, and do not give human medicines or home remedies.
How vets find the cause
For a puppy that seems otherwise well, your vet may only need a few tests to rule out parasites and infection. Sicker puppies may need blood and urine tests, a faecal test (which can confirm parvovirus), X-rays to look for a foreign object, ultrasound and sometimes surgery if a blockage is suspected.
Treatment at a high level
Mild cases are often managed with a short period of diet changes guided by your vet, followed by a bland diet and a slow return to normal food. Your vet may prescribe medicines to settle nausea and protect the stomach. Puppies that are dehydrated or seriously unwell may need hospital care with intravenous fluids. Parvovirus usually needs intensive hospital treatment, and the AVMA notes that prompt, intensive treatment improves the chance of survival.
Prevention
- Follow your vet's puppy vaccination schedule. The AVMA notes the series usually starts at 6 to 8 weeks, with the final dose given at 16 weeks of age or older.
- Until vaccinations are complete, be careful with places where many dogs gather, such as parks and pet shops.
- Keep up with worming as advised by your vet.
- Puppy proof your home. Keep socks, toys small enough to swallow, bins, medicines and chemicals out of reach.
- Change foods gradually.
FAQ
My puppy vomited once but seems fine. What should I do?
Keep water available, watch closely and call your vet if it happens again or your puppy seems flat, stops eating or develops diarrhoea.
My puppy is vomiting yellow fluid. Is that serious?
Any repeated vomiting in a puppy is worth a vet check, whatever the colour. See dog vomiting bile for more on what it can mean.
Can a vaccinated puppy still get parvovirus?
Occasionally. The AVMA explains that antibodies from the mother can interfere with vaccine response, which is why puppies need a full series.
Talk with a vet
Not sure if your puppy's vomiting can wait? A Dial A Vet veterinarian can talk it through with you and help you decide how quickly to be seen. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Vomiting in Dogs.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Vomiting in Dogs.
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Canine parvovirus.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.