Let’s be honest: dogs are not exactly picky eaters. From table scraps to that mysterious thing they found on the sidewalk, our four-legged friends often treat their stomachs like trash cans.
Because of this, every pet parent eventually faces the dreaded sound of their dog retching in the middle of the night.
Most of the time, it’s just a case of “dietary indiscretion” (fancy vet talk for “he ate something he shouldn’t have”). But sometimes, a stomach upset is a warning sign of conditions like Enteritis or Gastric Hemorrhage.
So, how do you know when to clean it up and wait, and when to rush to Paalan Pet Hospital?
1. The “One-Off” Rule
If your dog vomits once but is otherwise acting normal—wagging their tail, playing, and drinking water—it is usually safe to monitor them at home. Take away their food for 12 hours to let their tummy rest, then reintroduce bland food (like boiled rice and curd/chicken).
2. When to Hit the Panic Button
There are specific signs that tell us this isn’t just a tummy ache. If you see these, you need to see Dr. Gaurav Godara immediately:
- There is blood: If the vomit is bright red or looks like coffee grounds, this indicates internal bleeding (Gastric Hemorrhage). This is a life-threatening emergency.
- It won’t stop: If your dog tries to vomit repeatedly but nothing comes out, or if they vomit more than 3 times in an hour, this could be a blockage.
- Puppy alert: If your dog is a puppy and has vomiting accompanied by foul-smelling diarrhea, we have to test for Parvovirus immediately. In puppies, hours matter.
3. The Hidden Danger: Dehydration
The vomiting isn’t always what kills the pet; often, it’s the dehydration that follows.
Quick Home Test: Gently pinch the loose skin on the back of your dog’s neck. If it snaps back into place instantly, they are hydrated. If it stays up like a tent or moves back slowly, they are critically dehydrated and need IV fluids.
How We Treat It
At Paalan Pet Hospital, we don’t just guess. We use advanced diagnostics to see what is happening inside. Is it a bacterial infection causing Enteritis? Is it a viral load? Or did they swallow a toy? With our sterile surgical theater and experienced medical team, we are equipped to handle everything from simple hydration therapy to emergency stomach surgeries.
The bottom line: You know your pet better than anyone. If they look miserable, hunched over, or just “not right,” don’t wait for it to pass.