Persistent vomiting

Persistent vomiting requires veterinary intervention.

Vomiting is one of the ways the stomach gets rid of irritating agents. There are many causes of vomiting. To determine why an animal is vomiting, we first need to know whether the vomiting is acute (i.e. lasting less than a week) or chronic (i.e. lasting more than a week). If vomiting is acute, advanced diagnostic tests are not always necessary. However, if the vomiting doesn't stop within a day, or if other symptoms develop, your veterinarian will need to examine the animal. Often, it's simply best to discuss the situation with your vet and ask for advice.

Chronic gastritis occurs when the stomach becomes inflamed and irritated over a long period, resulting in chronic, episodic vomiting in dogs and cats. Animals suffering from chronic gastritis experience intermittent vomiting, usually for periods lasting weeks or months. Chronic gastritis is not usually associated with meals. It may be accompanied by loss of appetite and weight, and abdominal pain.

In itself, vomiting is not alarming. However, if vomiting persists and the patient does not respond to treatment, a veterinarian should be consulted. The first step is to withhold food and water for 12 to 24 hours, so as not to further irritate the stomach.

After depriving the animal of food and water for 12 to 24 hours, small amounts of sugar water (e.g., a teaspoon of sugar in a cup of water) or electrolyte solutions (Gatorade® or Gastrolyte®) can be offered gradually and frequently. If the animal retains the liquid and is no longer vomiting, you can try feeding small quantities of easily digestible food for a week starting the next day. Recommended foods are boiled chicken or beef with rice, a cooked egg, cottage cheese, baby food containing meat or, ideally, commercially prepared food for sick animals, available from your veterinarian. If the animal vomits food or water at any time, discontinue treatment and consult your veterinarian immediately.