If you notice your puppy keeps throwing up after eating, it could be a harmless consequence of eating too fast. However, vomiting accompanied by nausea, lethargy and dehydration could be a sign of something more serious. There are several reasons why puppies throw up their food, from certain allergies to puppy food to more serious issues such as intestinal parasites.
This guide will explore the common reasons for vomiting in puppies, when to seek professional help, and the steps you can take to help your puppy stop vomiting.
- Is It Normal for Puppies to Throw Up Their Food?
Discover whether puppies throwing up their food is a normal occurrence
- What Are Common Reasons Puppies Vomit Undigested Food?
Find out why your puppy may be regurgitating their food
- When Should I Worry About My Puppy Vomiting Their Food?
Sometimes, puppies vomiting up their food could be a sign of something more serious
- What Steps Can I Take If My Puppy Keeps Vomiting?
Here’s what you can do to support your pup
- Frequently Asked Questions
We answer some common queries
Is It Normal for Puppies to Throw Up Their Food?
It is very common for puppies to vomit at a young age, especially as their digestive systems continue to develop. Puppies are also notorious for eating things they shouldn’t and eating too fast, which can also lead to vomiting and regurgitation. Although these are common, and can carry on into adulthood, it is important to keep an eye on your puppy to identify any underlying health concerns.
If you’re ever concerned about how much your puppy is vomiting, consult your vet or a canine nutritionist for a wellbeing consultation .
What Are Common Reasons Puppies Vomit Undigested Food?
As well as eating too fast and eating rubbish/scraps, other reasons puppies may vomit or regurgitate their food include:
- Overeating : puppies have small stomachs, and therefore should only be fed small amounts of specialised puppy food.
- Sudden dietary changes : if you have been feeding your puppy one type of food, then suddenly switch to another, this can cause digestive problems and potential vomiting. Try to change their food over gradually.
- Parasites : puppies commonly contract parasites such as intestinal worms, which can trigger vomiting.
- Foreign object obstruction : puppies famously chew on household items, and can sometimes swallow larger, indigestible objects that block the digestive tract.
- Stress or anxiety : puppies, especially ones who haven’t long been introduced to a new environment, can cause stress and vomiting.
- Food allergies : if there is a specific food that they keep throwing up, they may have an intolerance or an allergy.
To help prevent vomiting or regurgitation, consider slow feeders , gut health probiotics or feeding them in a quiet room to remove potential stressors. Choose puppy food that is kind to their stomachs, such as Naked Pup raw meals.
You can browse all puppy food stocked at Fetch here .
When Should I Worry About My Puppy Vomiting Their Food?
You should consider seeking veterinary help for your puppy if they are vomiting multiple times in 24 hours, displaying signs of lethargy, can’t keep water down, have diarrhoea or are running a fever. Puppies can quickly become dehydrated, so it is important to seek help as soon as possible.
- Other signs that your puppy may need medical attention include:
- · Ingestion of a foreign or toxic object
- · Projectile vomiting
- · Blood in vomit or stool
- · Constant retching
- · If they are unvaccinated – puppies that haven’t yet had their necessary vaccines are more susceptible to deadly viruses like parvovirus
Crafting the right diet can help keep the chances of vomiting and digestive upset to a minimum. Consider an appointment with a canine nutrition specialist to create a bespoke diet perfect for your pup and their unique needs.
What Steps Can I Take If My Puppy Keeps Vomiting?
If you notice your puppy is throwing up their food routinely, consider taking them to a vet to get checked out. You may find that they have an intolerance, allergy or sensitivity to certain types of food, so consider swapping to hypoallergenic options. At Fetch, we recommend Nourish Rite , a grain-free option with formulas for small and large breed puppies alike. Nourish Rite also provide novel proteins such as salmon and turkey.
It is important to introduce a new diet slowly to avoid further digestive upset, but if they are allergic to their current food, a quick switch is advised. If they don’t have an allergy, try fasting them for around 4-6 hours to see how they respond, and make water available to avoid dehydration. If your puppy is drinking too fast, consider ice cubes to slow them down. Once fasting has finished, and they have stopped vomiting, introduce a bland diet such as flavourless boiled chicken and boiled sweet potato before resuming their normal diet.
If regurgitation is an issue, introduce slow feeder bowls to make sure they aren’t eating too fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could Eating Too Fast Cause My Puppy to Vomit?
Yes, eating food too fast is a common reason for vomiting in puppies. It is caused by swallowing too much air, which creates pressure in the stomach, causing undigested food to make its way back up. This is usually known as regurgitation rather than actual vomiting.
Are There Serious Health Problems Linked to Puppies Throwing Up?
Vomiting can be a sign of a more serious health condition, but vomiting in puppies is usually caused by their rapidly developing digestive systems. Serious health conditions linked to vomiting in puppies include parvovirus (or parvo), food allergies, parasites, poisoning and intestinal obstructions.
How Can I Tell the Difference Between Vomiting and Regurgitation?
Vomiting in puppies is characterised by bringing up a mix of partially undigested food, bile, or both. It also causes retching and nausea, whereas regurgitation is a quick, passive expulsion of undigested food shortly after eating. It is usually tubular-shaped, as it has often been stuck in the oesophagus.
Does the Type of Dog Food My Puppy Eats Affect Why They Throw Up?
Yes, your puppy’s food could be causing them to vomit, especially if the food has been introduced too quickly or if it is high in fat. Your puppy may also be allergic to their food; common allergens include beef and chicken.
Is It Normal for Puppies to Throw Up Occasionally After Eating?
Yes, it is very normal, as their digestive systems are still developing.
Should I Change My Puppy’s Diet if They Keep Throwing Up?
It may be necessary to change their diet if they keep throwing up; you should always consult your vet to make sure.