You’re just dozing off when through the thick veil of sleep, you hear that familiar retching noise. “Yerk, yerk, yerk…!” Rover is about to vomit. Part of you hopes that it will hit the tile floor not the rug so you can deal with it in the morning. The other part wonders, has he gotten into the garbage can again? Is it the rawhide he was chewing? Bloat? Or just a tummy bug?

Sooner or later, most dogs will have a bout of vomiting. Most cases are mild and self-limiting. But when is it time to worry? What signs should you watch for, and when should you call the vet?

When to call the vet

Your dog may vomit once or twice, but then seem just fine, with normal behavior, energy, and appetite. The vomiting may be self-limiting and respond to home treatment (see below). However, prolonged vomiting may lead to dehydration or indicate a more serious problem. The following are reasons to call your veterinarian right away:

• If the vomit is bloody or accompanied by loss of appetite, lethargy, or diarrhea.
• If vomiting persists for over 24 hours.
• If vomiting is chronic, i.e., continues off and on for more than 1-2 weeks.
• If your dog shows repeated attempts to vomit (often unproductive) along with restlessness, agitation, and apparent abdominal distress. This may be a sign of bloat, a potentially life-threatening emergency. Seek veterinary care right away.
• If your dog is vomiting persistently and is either very young, very old, or in otherwise frail health.

To continue reading, please visit DogHealth.com