Watching your dog suffer in pain can be really difficult. You want to figure out what is wrong and how you can help them as soon as you can. There are some ways to help alleviate your pet’s pain and work with them towards recovery in the comfort of their own home. (However, sometimes medication and treatment are needed.)

Keep reading to learn more about pain relief for dogs and how to make your pet as comfortable as possible.

What Are Common Causes of Pain in Dogs?

Dogs might exhibit signs of pain for a variety of reasons. Some dogs have even been known to fake being hurt to get extra love and attention (not to say that your pet would ever do that, but it’s a possibility).

Dogs are always running around and bumping into things; your pet could likely give themself a minor injury during their everyday goofy lifestyle. Anything can happen at any point in a dog’s life. Only you know what kind of trouble your pup can get into, so you have to be prepared for little hiccups along the way.

Some causes of pain that your dog might experience are:

Injury

Your dog could get a splinter from your hardwood floors, bump their head on the corner of a table and get a cut and bruise, scrape their bellies on concrete or rock as they try to jump over an obstruction in their way… the list could go on and on. And each dog is unique, so their injuries could be all over the place.

Infection

Your dog could have an infection somewhere on or in their body that could be causing them pain, whether it’s an ear infection or a bladder infection. The best way to determine if your dog has an infection of some sort is to get testing done by your veterinarian.

Digestive Issues

If your dog has a blockage in their stomach and they are having difficulty using the bathroom, it can also be very painful. It might be due to issues like ulcers.

Otherwise, different foods or things they consume might be causing stomach pain that’s not related to blockage, but rather the ingredients.

Aging

Another reason your dog might be experiencing chronic pain is if they are becoming an older dog and beginning to feel the effects of aging due to conditions like osteoarthritis. Their bodies might become tired and sore quickly, and they might not have the same energy or stamina.

Possible Signs That Your Dog Is in Pain

You know your dog best. If there is any significant change in their behavior, you will pick up on it. Some signs that your dog is experiencing pain are:

• Increased vocalizations
• Anti-social behavior
• Aggressive behaviors
• Increased licking of the spot
• Stiffness
• Limping
• Reluctance to walk or play
• Increase panting
• Lack of appetite
• Restlessness

Safe Methods To Help Your Dog in Pain

While waiting for your pup to be evaluated in person, keeping your dog confined to a small room or crate is usually the most effective form of pain control.

It’s hard to tell your pet to settle down, so if they try to be active, they need to be kept confined. It’s the easiest way for them to avoid overdoing it and injuring themselves further.

1. Restrict Movement

Dogs should only be taken outside on a leash to prevent them from excitedly chasing animals and people and walk only long enough to use the bathroom before coming right back inside.

As much as we know you want to see your pet play, it’s best to follow the doctor’s orders and keep them calm. As soon as your vet gives you the go-ahead to take them on short walks, you can! But still, prepare for them to be extra excited.

2. Wear the Cone If Recommend

Once evaluated, your pet might be sent home with the “cone of shame.” While they might be displeased, it will help you tremendously if they keep it on as per the doc’s orders. This will keep your pet from irritating their injury, playing too hard, and getting into things they shouldn’t.

3. Cold Compress

Sometimes, an injured area becomes swollen, and it is obvious what part of the body is painful. In these cases, a cold compress may be your pet’s best friend. Place some ice cubes in a baggie, wrap it in a light towel, and hold it gently to the painful area for ten minutes at a time. This can help numb any pain and decrease inflammation.

4. Warm Compress

In some cases, a warm compress may provide more relief than a cold compress. For a warm compress, simply microwave a damp washcloth until it is comfortably warm. (You can test it on the inside of your wrist, just like a baby bottle.)

Place it in a baggie to keep your pet dry, and wrap it in a light towel before gently placing it on the sore area.

5. Physical Therapy

Just like people have physical therapists, dogs do too. These restorative sessions are led by a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist who has been specifically trained in improving pet health.

Common techniques involve the underwater treadmill, a tool often recommended for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and neurological injuries. Sometimes, this modality is combined with acupuncture.

What Are the Best Pain Medications for Dogs?

If your dog is in pain and you bring them to the vet, they might prescribe pain medication to help ease their discomfort.

Here are some bottles you might come home with:

Doggy NSAIDs

NSAIDs are Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs that interfere with the body’s production of inflammatory molecules that trigger mild to moderate pain levels. These drugs should always be prescribed because there is potential for problems related to the stomach, liver, kidney, and intestines.

NSAIDs can be used in the short term to control the symptoms of arthritis, joint pain, or after surgery.

If you think that your dog might be having adverse effects from the NSAID they were prescribed, look out for the signs of BEST:

• Behavior changes
• Eating less
• Skin redness, scabs
• Tarry stool/diarrhea/vomiting

Pet Health Supplements

Supplements aren’t something that will solve your pain within an hour. However, some supplements like those with Omega 3 fatty acids, turmeric, or glucosamine can boost your dog’s immunity.

Some supplements have anti-inflammatory properties (like joint supplements), which can provide natural pain relief as they build up and protect you in the long run. Starting your dogs on supplements geared towards helping their specific pain can bring relief to them over time. Make sure to check in with your vet about the supplements you research.

What Other Medications Can I Give My Dog for Pain?

If your dog is prescribed an NSAID, they likely won’t need any other painkillers, but their DVM might prescribe a few other kinds of medication. Two common drugs to be prescribed are gabapentin and tramadol. Other popular options include: deracoxib (Deramaxx), firocoxib (Previcox), and Metacam.

Gabapentin treats pain from damaged nerves and might make your dog feel a little drowsy. This is usually prescribed along with other medications.

Tramadol is a painkiller that partly works like an opioid medication. This is usually given to pets with high anxiety or constant pain. Especially as a pet ages, this is more likely to be prescribed to help with the discomfort.

Can I Give My Dog Human Pain Medication?

Dogs should never receive human pain medication. Unfortunately, there are no safe over-the-counter medications that you can give your dog. In fact, most human pain medications are toxic to pets—and, in some cases, can even cause kidney failure and liver toxicity.

These human pain reliever medications include (but are not limited to) aspirin, Advil, Aleve/naproxen, ibuprofen, and Tylenol/acetaminophen. Dogs process drugs differently than people (and different from each other!), which can cause unwanted side effects, so stick with the pain medication that your veterinarian prescribes.

Can Dogs Take Benadryl or Antihistamines?

You may be tempted to reach for some Benadryl to help relieve your itching, and you might have heard that it works on pets. Although Benadryl is generally safe in dogs (at a very different dose than used for people), it is only effective for itching in less than half of all dogs.

Other over-the-counter antihistamines are safe for dogs and may be more effective. Even though they still don’t work as well as prescription medications, sometimes they can help just enough to give your pet comfort until their vet visit.

If your dog has repeated episodes of itchy skin, ask your family veterinarian for a dosage of an over-the-counter antihistamine that is safe for your pet to have for future flare-ups. Write down the drug name, tablet size, and dosage, as well as the date your vet made the recommendation, and place it in your medicine cabinet for future reference.

Knowing how much Benadryl is safe to give your pet in case of a severe allergic reaction is always good information to have—so make sure to ask your vet about Benadryl, too.

If your vet gives you the go-ahead for one type of medication, always stick to that. Opting for a “non-drowsy” or another seemingly-similar version can be dangerous to your pup.

The Support You Need, Whenever You Want

You won’t always have the answers about your dog’s health and wellness when you need them, but with AskVet, it’s a whole lot easier to get them. You can have access to 24/7 care from AskVet’s highly trained Certified Pet Lifestyle Coaches™, who can work with your dog’s specific needs.

When you sign up for an AskVet membership you can reach a veterinary professionals ask any question about your pet that you might have, as well as set up a plan to best take care of them. Schedule an appointment on the website with a coach who can answer any questions and guide you through a personalized plan for your pet. With t24/7 veterinary support, and coaching sessions, pet parenthood has never been easier!

Sources:

Pain and Problem Behavior in Cats and Dogs | NCBI

Treating Pain in Your Dog | FDA

2015 AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats* | American Animal Hospital Association

Physical Rehabilitation | Calabasas Animal Clinic

Written by: Alexa Waltz

Signs of Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes is a hot topic in human andanimal health. Most people have some understanding of this serious condition because a family member, friend, acquaintance, or maybe even a family pet is living with diabetes.

Are you suspecting that your pup may have diabetes, or just want to learn more about your dog’s recent diagnosis? Keep reading for a discussion of what diabetes in dogs is all about.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is an endocrine disease that can affect dogs and involves a peculiar little organ called the pancreas. The pancreas lives in the abdomen and is tucked up near the stomach and intestines. A healthy pancreas is essential to digestion and glucose metabolism in the body.

You may recall that glucose is what the body uses for energy in all of its organs. Problems start to occur if the amount of glucose in the bloodstream is too high or too low. You may also hear glucose referred to as “blood sugar.”

Glucose is present in foods that we eat and is the predominant energy source for the brain, muscles, nerves, and all organs. Think of glucose as the best fuel that our cells use to perform ALL their functions! The process of how glucose is digested, stored, released, and absorbed is complicated, but understanding how glucose works is key to understanding diabetes.

How Does the Pancreas Regulate Glucose?

The pancreas plays an essential role in making sure glucose levels in the body are optimal and safe to keep everything working in tip-top shape. Let’s really get into the science of digestion and how important glucose is in the body.

During digestion, foods are broken down by the stomach and intestines into tiny molecules of glucose, fat, water, vitamins, minerals, and proteins. These molecules are tiny enough to be absorbed across the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream, where they circulate around the body, waiting to be used by cells or stored for later within the organs. The body needs and uses all types of different molecules to carry out the functions of our vital organs in order to sustain life.

After digesting a meal, you can imagine that the glucose level circulating around in the blood increases, looking to either be used by the body or stored away for later. The pancreas has specialized “beta cells” that detect glucose levels in the bloodstream. When the glucose level in the bloodstream is too high, the beta cells secrete a hormone called insulin.

What Does Insulin Do?

Insulin is released into the bloodstream and attaches to the surface of cells, allowing glucose to enter into the cell and be used as energy. Once inside, glucose powers all of the cellular processes. Brain cells have the highest energy demand in the body and NEED glucose to function, same with kidney cells, skin cells, and muscle cells … ALL of your body’s cells need glucose inside of them to function.

In short, insulin can be thought of as the key that opens a cell’s door to the essential energy source called glucose. Without insulin, glucose flows through the bloodstream, unused. Meanwhile, the cells are deprived of fuel and have to find alternative and less effective energy sources to keep carrying on with life itself.

How Diabetes Functions

Damage to the beta cells of the pancreas means that the ability to detect glucose levels and secrete insulin is impaired. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream but all of the cells and organs in the body begin to starve. This is exactly what happens in patients with diabetes.

There may be plenty of glucose available in the bloodstream, but it is not accessible to the cells because it can’t get inside of them. In this state of glucose starvation, the body desperately looks for another energy source, which is fat.

Fat is much less efficient as a fuel for the body, and, unfortunately, byproducts of fat breakdown called “ketones” build up in the bloodstream. Ketones are very harmful in that they lower the blood pH, becoming more acidic.

Diabetes most often affects middle-aged to older dogs, and some breeds have a higher incidence of occurrence. The commonly affected breeds are Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Pomeranians, Terriers, Keeshonds, Miniature Schnauzers, Samoyeds, Poodles, and Labrador Retrievers.

What Is Type I Diabetes?

The above process is referred to as “Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus” (aka “Type I” or “juvenile diabetes” in humans) and is the most common type of diabetes in dogs. Scientists aren’t quite sure yet about what destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, but immune-mediated causes, recurrent pancreatitis, Cushing’s disease, and genetics are the likely culprits.

What Is Type II Diabetes?

Type II diabetes or “non-insulin-dependent diabetes” is also a chronic condition. It occurs either when a pancreas stops producing enough insulin or the body doesn’t respond well to insulin (insulin resistance) In the latter case, the liver, fat, and muscles struggle to pull the glucose from the blood. Dogs rarely get Type II diabetes; it’s seen more commonly in cats.

 

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs?

While we certainly would love diabetes to be eradicated for every person and animal, it sadly will continue to be diagnosed in humans and animals alike. Detection and diagnosis is the only way for treatment to occur, so it is important to learn the clinical signs of diabetes so treatment can be started and your pup is back to living their wag-filled, happy life.

Increased Thirst and Urination

Increased thirst and urination are by far the most common symptoms noticed by pet parents preceding their dog’s diagnosis of canine diabetes. Your dog can start to experience excessive thirst (polydipsia) that causes them to drain their water bowl daily in record time.

Look for extra water sources around the house, like the toilet or puddles outside. Urine accidents in the house may be noticed, too, simply due to the increased volume of urine present and the urgency to potty (polyuria). Pet parents also may note an increased appetite, weight loss, and decreased muscle mass alongside the thirst and urination.

This loss in muscle mass, or a more “bony” appearance, is because of the body breaking down fat stores in order to maintain energy delivery to the cells in the absence of glucose.

Why Do Dogs Drink and Pee So Much With Diabetes?

In a healthy dog, the kidneys ensure that there is no glucose present in the urine. With diabetes, there is such a high level of glucose in the blood (4-5 times normal!) that it overwhelms normal kidney functions, and some of that extra glucose ends up in the urine.

That glucose will also drag with it quite a bit of fluid due to the osmotic gradient (fluid will naturally follow that dissolved glucose into the urine). This great fluid loss is what creates that huge volume of urine and, at the same time, makes your dog so dehydrated that their brain is begging them to drink more and more and more to compensate!

What Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Some dogs that experience extremely high blood glucose levels and an absence of insulin for an extended period may have a dangerous complication called Diabetic Ketoacidosis. This most commonly happens with patients who are pre-diagnosis, meaning they are not known to be diabetic yet. It can also happen in diabetic dogs that are not well-regulated with external insulin sources.

As mentioned earlier, that lack of insulin and the starvation of cells for energy will cause fat burning and the production of ketone bodies as a metabolic byproduct. Ketones are acidic, lower the pH of the blood, cause electrolyte imbalances, and disrupt cell functions — all very, very dangerous for overall body health.

These dogs will get very sick, stop eating and drinking, may vomit, may be panting or breathing abnormally deep, have low energy, and may have trouble walking and responding. It is extremely important that these dogs receive emergency care immediately, as this condition is life-threatening.

How Is Diabetes Diagnosed in Dogs?

Diabetes is usually a pretty straightforward diagnosis in dogs. A quick blood and urine test at your veterinary clinic should be able to indicate the presence of diabetes. The blood test will show hyperglycemia, aka increased blood glucose. Normal blood glucose levels for dogs are about 80-120 mg/dL, but diabetic dogs can be in the 500-600+ mg/dL range!

The urine test also will show glucosuria, aka glucose present in the urine. Normally, the kidney ensures there is no glucose in the urine, but when the circulating blood levels are above approximately 200 mg/dL, the kidneys will be overwhelmed, and glucose will spill into the urine as described above.

It is also very important to perform a urine culture looking for bacterial growth from a urine sample. Bladder infections are very common in diabetic dogs since glucose is present in their urine (and bacteria use glucose for energy, too!). Sometimes it is easy to miss a bladder infection on the urinalysis test alone since the urine is so dilute and the bacteria are spread so far apart, but the urine culture is a more sensitive test to check for the presence of bacteria.

Occasionally, the results of blood and urine testing are not convincing enough, and the numbers appear “borderline.” A special blood test called fructosamine can be sent to a lab to gather more info. This test is similar to the human “A1C” test and will indicate the average glucose levels present in the bloodstream over the previous few weeks. An elevated fructosamine can indicate the glucose has been elevated over a longer period of time.

Although diabetes is a serious diagnosis, your dog can still maintain their quality of life with careful monitoring and continued treatment.

How To Help Manage Your Dog’s Diabetes

Once diabetes has been confirmed in your pup, the adventure begins. Luckily, diabetes is very manageable in dogs, but it does take a devoted pet parent and close adherence to the plan you create with your vet. Luckily, we have many effective ways to manage and treat diabetes in dogs that result in your pup living their best life despite their diagnosis!

Insulin Treatment

The first step in treating your dog’s diabetes is to get their glucose under control with insulin therapy. Insulin helps to regulate blood sugar levels and keep your dog’s system from having too much sugar in the blood.

Under the guidance of your dog’s veterinarian, it may take several checkups to get the insulin levels just right, but your veterinarian will be focused on getting the perfect dosage for your dog.

Your veterinarian will also likely instruct you on methods of home monitoring, like a urine glucose test, to help monitor sugar and ketones while undergoing insulin treatment.

There are fast-acting and longer-acting insulin on the market, but dogs are typically prescribed a faster-acting insulin. Of course, this will be up to your veterinarian and which insulin type they believe will suit your dog the best. There are insulins marketed especially for pets, like Vetsulin and Humulin.

Usually, insulin is administered twice a day, every 12 hours, and after your dog eats. It is especially important to have a consistent routine for meal times and administering insulin. If meal times are drastically moved around, it can affect your dog’s blood sugar. It is also recommended to administer insulation after your dog eats because too much insulin can be harmful if it does not have any sugars to interact with.

An unbalanced or irregular diet could lead to hypoglycemia: dangerously low blood sugar levels. This is an emergency situation and requires an urgent visit to your DVM.

Insulin Administration

One of the key tasks that you’ll learn to help care for your diabetic dog is how to administer their insulin. Your veterinarian or the veterinary techs will teach you how to do this. It is totally normal to feel scared about doing this, but with practice and patience, you will become a pro at administering your dog’s daily insulin injections.

You’ll be instructed on how to fill the syringe with the proper insulin dose. Next, you’ll need to determine where the injection site will be. These injections are given just under the skin, and dogs typically respond well when the location is hear the shoulder blades or hip bones. Your veterinarian will instruct you to rotate the locations so that your dog doesn’t feel too sore from the same spot being used over and over again.

Once you have the location selected, you’ll pinch your dog’s skin and will insert the needle into the center of where your dog’s skin is folded. Gently push the plunger on the syringe down until all the insulin has been injected.

In the beginning, it may be smart to have a second pair of hands available to help. This helper can distract your dog with their favorite toy or a yummy piece of their favorite treat. Be sure to praise your dog after they receive their insulin injection. Pretty soon, it will become a regular part of your daily routine that you won’t think twice about.

Monitoring Diet

Along with insulin therapy, monitoring your dog’s diet is crucial to maintaining your dog’s glucose levels at a healthy threshold. What you give to your dog to eat as well as when you give it is important and must be carefully monitored.

When it comes to your dog’s diet, high fiber is recommended. Fiber helps your dog feel full but is lower in calories when compared to an equivalent amount of protein or carbohydrates. A low-fat diet is also recommended, as many dogs with diabetes may also experience health problems like heart issues or pancreatitis.

A low-fat diet is also helpful if your dog is overweight. Obesity can exacerbate diabetic symptoms, and slowly helping your dog lose some extra fluff can help you get a better handle on controlling their diabetes.

It can be tricky to ensure your dog receives the right amount of nutrients. Consult with your veterinarian or nutritionist to ensure that your pup gets all the necessary vitamins. There are several diabetic dog foods on the market, and one of them may be the perfect fit for your dog. Remember that treats need to be accounted for in your dog’s daily diet as well!

Consistent mealtimes are important, as your dog will need their insulin administered equal hours apart. Keeping a consistent schedule helps keep your dog’s glucose levels at a constant rate throughout the day.

Once you find the perfect food and insulin dosage for your dog, they will likely be back to feeling themselves again. Consistency is of utmost importance when it comes to a diabetic pet. It may be tempting to want to change their food, especially after eating the same thing day after day. Before making any changes, consult with your veterinarian to ensure that any changes are done slowly with careful monitoring.

Continued Monitoring with AskVet

Since diabetes is a lifelong condition, you’ll likely have plenty of questions about your dog’s diagnosis and continued treatment in between veterinarian visits. You may think to yourself that it would be so nice to have a resource where you can ask all your diabetes-related questions but not keep your veterinarian’s phone ringing off the hook. Enter AskVet!

For questions and further discussion on diabetes in dogs, your AskVet veterinarians are here to help! If you have any questions about your dog’s medical condition or are wondering whether your dog’s symptoms are an urgent issue, then all you have to do is AskVet. We are here 24/7 to help you and your dog!

 

Sources:

Update on insulin treatment for dogs and cats: insulin dosing pens and more | PMC

Diabetes in Pets | American Veterinary Medical Association

Diabetes | MU Veterinary Health Center

 

Written by:

Alexa Waltz, DVM

Dr. Waltz was raised near the beaches of Southern California but has spent her adult life living all over the beautiful United States while serving in the military and as a military spouse. She left California for the first time to pursue a career as a veterinarian at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She was accepted into the US Army Health Professionals Scholarship Program during vet school and upon graduation spent her military years as a veterinarian in San Diego working for the US Marine Corps and US Navy Military Working Dog programs as well as caring for pets of service members. After her military service, she became a civilian veterinarian and continued as a small animal general practitioner at clinics in California, Rhode Island, Colorado, and Maryland. Dr Waltz loves to see her “in person” patients just as much as communicating with and assisting pet parents virtually on AskVet. Dr Waltz is also a Mom to 3 humans, 2 guinea pigs, and 1 Australian Shepherd and in her spare time she loves traveling, adventures, exercising, and doing just about anything out in nature!

Seeing their dog vomit is one of the most common reasons for pet parents to worry and seek veterinary care and advice. The act of vomiting is a reflex, and can be a symptom of a variety of medical issues. Vomiting can indicate a mild issue that may resolve all by itself, or it can be a symptom of a serious health problem. The causes of vomiting in dogs are so varied that the management and treatments need to be just as diverse! 

While one single isolated incident of vomiting may be no big deal, the worry sets in when a dog owner notices their pup vomiting repeatedly. When you see these signs, consider conducting a physical exam at home, possibly detecting other physical abnormalities like dehydration, pale gums, and a rapid heart rate — all indications that your sick dog might need veterinary assistance. 

Seeing your best buddy struggle in this way has pet owners wondering what they can do to help their poor vomiting dog feel better. Dog owners commonly ask, “Can I give Pepto Bismol and Tums? Do I take the food away? How long do I wait to seek veterinary care?” Since the cause of your dog’s vomiting remains unknown at the outset, veterinarians do not recommend giving any human over-the-counter medications, as these can further complicate or mask the underlying causes of the nausea and vomiting. There are some approaches at home that you can try, but ONLY if your dog seems to be otherwise stable and generally acting like his normal self.

AskVet Tip: Any vomiting dog that is also acting lethargic, not eating or drinking, or having diarrhea (with or without blood), is in need of urgent care. In addition, if pet parents have knowledge of their dog’s exposure to a potentially toxic substance, have witnessed or is suspecting that their pup may have eaten an object or toy that could cause a blockage in their dog’s stomach or intestines, or if a vomiting dog is on medication or has a chronic medical condition, please seek veterinary care immediately and contact AskVet or your family veterinarian urgently for advice.

What Can You Do At Home?

Dogs that have vomited a few times but are otherwise acting pretty normal, still have energy, and are interested in food and water may respond and benefit from some stomach-calming practices starting at home. Some dogs suffering from a mild and transient upset tummy may respond favorably and even recover over a short period of time! Always closely monitor them during this period and if symptoms do not improve, or even get worse, then to the vet you go!

AskVet Tip: Any young puppy that is vomiting has the potential to develop  hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or become dehydrated very quickly if their tiny bodies are deprived of the calories and fluids that are so important at this young age. It is recommended to seek veterinary care urgently for any small young puppy that is vomiting and not able to eat and drink so they can receive immediate treatment and support.

Bilious Vomiting Syndrome

Sometimes puppies and senior dogs will experience some vomiting due to their stomach being empty for a prolonged period of time during the hours in between meals. This long period with no food allows stomach acid to build up and make your dog nauseous! If your dog suffers from this condition, you may see vomiting first thing in the morning before breakfast, or sometimes in the  late-afternoon, hours after the last meal. Dogs with bilious vomiting typically do not have any other symptoms of illness, have a good appetite, and are otherwise feeling fine. Since the stomach acids and bile are irritating their empty stomachs causing this vomiting, sometimes it helps to give them smaller meals more frequently; instead of 2 feedings a day, try to divide their food into 4 feedings and see if that helps! 

Resting the Stomach and Intestines

Dogs that are vomiting may be experiencing stomach and intestinal irritation, blockages, or other imbalances inside their bodies. If the issue is simply an upset stomach, continued feeding tends to perpetuate nausea and stomach irritation. Sometimes, a short period of time without food can help nausea subside and the stomach to calm down. Waiting several hours to reintroduce any food after the last vomiting episode may improve the situation. (Note: this may not be advisable for young puppies as mentioned above!)

The same principle can apply to water as well – while it is not recommended to withhold water completely, your nauseous dog may be inclined to rapidly gulp down bowls full of water and then return it all to the floor shortly after. Allowing your dog to drink small, controlled amounts of water and refilling the bowl periodically can help their body absorb the water more effectively. For more specific recommendations on how much water to allow your vomiting dog to drink, contact your AskVet veterinarian.

When might it be a good idea to introduce food again? Once some time has passed since the last episode of vomiting, try to see how your pup tolerates a small amount of a “bland diet”. Small frequent meals of a diet that is easily processed by the stomach and intestines are sometimes just enough to get your dog’s digestion back on track. 

AskVet Tip: For a bland and easily-digested diet, some veterinarians recommend boiling boneless skinless chicken breast/ground turkey/lean ground beef, absent of added salt or seasonings. With the cooked meat chopped into small pieces, combine with white rice in a 50/50 ratio. Start by feeding a very small amount initially – really just a taste –  since we want to avoid expanding the stomach and risk causing vomiting again. The amount fed initially depends on the size of the dog – offer a small dog just ½-1 tablespoon, and a large dog may tolerate ¼ cup. If your dog handles this amount favorably and it does not end up back on the floor in 1-2 hours, repeat the small feeding. Continue to feed small frequent meals through the day, and if well tolerated slowly increase the amount of food given.

If your dog is tolerating the small frequent bland diet feedings and they’ve been vomit-free for at least 24 hours, then you can then consider mixing her regular kibble back into her diet. Try slowly weaning off the bland diet and back to the regular diet by gradually mixing in your pup’s regular food over a period of several days until she is back to her normal routine. By this time, hopefully the vomiting will be a thing of the past! (Although she may be reluctant to give up that chicken!)

Through this whole process, it is extremely important to continue to monitor your pup closely. Some dogs with a mild and transient issue will respond well and return to their regular life in a short period of time! Other dogs with more serious issues may not be so lucky and the vomiting will continue, possibly accompanied by concerning signs like drooling, diarrhea, not eating or drinking, dehydration, and low energy. Some dogs can be very stoic, like Boxers and Labradors, so don’t let them trick you by hiding their pain and acting like they are fine! 

Also, always pay special attention to those cute pups with the smooshed faces (Pugs, Bulldogs, Frenchies etc) as they sometimes struggle more with complications from vomiting due to the anatomy of their throats and mouths. Smooshed-nose dogs are at risk for choking on their vomit, causing breathing issues and pneumonia. Unfortunately, any dog struggling with the above signs will need to see their veterinarian urgently for further testing and care.

Things To Avoid At Home

In the quest to help their sick dog, a dog owner will often wonder about these choices …

-Depriving dogs of water: Although monitored water consumption is recommended, it is never a good idea to remove all access to water

-Over-the-counter human medications: Pepto Bismol, Imodium, Miralax, Tums, Prilosec, Zantac, and Pepcid are all very tempting to try when dogs are having gastrointestinal issues, BUT until a veterinary exam and some testing is performed, these medications are NOT recommended unless authorized by your veterinarian

AskVet Tip: Dogs that have been vomiting likely will not poop due to very little nutrients moving through the GI tract! Not seeing a bowel movement for several days is not uncommon and does not necessarily mean the dog is constipated, so laxatives should be avoided. Straining to poop may indicate diarrhea or colitis, and occasionally constipation, but let your vet make that determination if you are concerned. 

-Feeding raw meat: Handling and feeding raw meat is a public health risk and can cause serious gastrointestinal issues in dogs and humans, and may possibly make the stomach and intestinal issues worse.

-Gatorade or Pedialyte: These drinks are formulated for humans and can often complicate vomiting, electrolyte, and dehydration issues in dogs, so we recommend simply offering clean water. Seek veterinary care if you suspect your dog is dehydrated.

-Sporadic diet changes: Dogs are very sensitive to food changes, and often a diet change can cause stomach and intestinal upset, especially if done suddenly without a gentle transition over several days.

-Continuing to feed a bland diet indefinitely: A diet consisting of chicken and rice is not nutritionally balanced for long-term use. Transitioning your dog back to a commercially prepared balanced diet is recommended once they seem to have recovered from their gastrointestinal issue.

If the Vomiting Continues…

If small, frequent meals of a bland diet have failed to help your vomiting pup, or she has developed more serious signs like low energy and lethargy, diarrhea, or avoiding food and water, it is time to seek veterinary care. What might the vet do to get to the bottom of your dog’s issue and help them return to their happy go lucky self?

Veterinary Care for Vomiting

Exam and Diagnostic Testing

Your veterinarian will examine your dog for dehydration, signs of abdominal pain, fever, and other classic physical signs of disease. They will likely recommend a blood and urine test to check on how those internal organs are functioning, evaluate for electrolyte imbalances, and check the levels of red and white blood cells. Vomiting can be a symptom of a wide range of issues taking place in the body, so an x-ray of all of those internal organs is helpful too, especially if a foreign body (non-food object) obstruction may be suspected in the stomach or intestines. Ultrasound is another tool that helps us evaluate each organ individually for signs of irregularity.

Fluid Therapy

Once initial screening tests are underway, your veterinarian will likely recommend giving fluids to replace those that have been lost through vomiting, in order to help support the vital organs. Some dogs that are not severely dehydrated and are well enough to be sent home may just need a small pouch of fluids administered under their skin (subcutaneous fluids), which are slowly absorbed over the following hours. Other dogs that are severely dehydrated or need additional observation will be hospitalized and receive intravenous (IV) fluids to normalize their fluid and electrolyte balance.

Medications

Treatment with medications largely depends on test results, diagnosis, and condition of the patient. Many vomiting patients will receive an anti-nausea medication like Cerenia or Ondansetron. Since these pups may be experiencing a good bit of abdominal pain, they may also receive some pain medication too, like Buprenorphine. Unless surgery is to be performed, introducing a specific prescription food may be recommended too. On top of these treatments, your vet may also reach for a variety of other medications that can be beneficial for gastrointestinal issues in helping to reduce gastric acid, enhance intestinal movement, or treat infections. All these treatments are carefully selected based on your dog’s needs.

Surgery or Further Specialized Testing

Sometimes surgery may be indicated for some vomiting dogs. Surgery is useful to remove objects that are obstructing or harming the stomach and intestines, untwist a bloated stomach, biopsy the stomach and intestinal wall, visually inspect and take biopsy samples of internal organs, remove a malfunctioning gallbladder or infected uterus, excise or biopsy a tumor, remove an enlarged spleen … the list goes on!

Specialized testing is also needed in some cases in order to diagnose specific diseases. Tests to rule out Addison’s disease, evaluate kidney and liver function, check thyroid hormone levels, and rule out fecal parasites and bacterial infections all provide valuable information- even if the result is negative or normal! Some issues call for advanced imaging like CT scan or MRI to characterize complicated conditions as well. Each of these tests will yield helpful results and further narrow down a diagnosis. 

Hoping For The Best!

While some cases of mild vomiting will resolve on their own with the above recommendations, always remain vigilant while your pup is not feeling well! Our veterinarians at AskVet are an excellent resource for triage and assistance with interpreting your pup’s condition and symptoms if you are not quite sure if he is at the point of needing help. If you are worried, consulting with a vet is always appropriate, and early intervention makes faster recovery too! 

Our AskVet team is available to discuss all of your pet’s needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether you have an immediate need or are looking to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing, just sign into your account and one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary experts will attend to your needs, no appointment required!