Finding a puddle of vomit on your floor is never pleasant, but it’s a common experience for pet owners. While vomiting can signal a serious health issue, not every upset stomach requires an emergency vet visit. Understanding when to monitor at home versus when to seek immediate care can save you unnecessary stress while ensuring your pet gets appropriate treatment.
At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, we receive many calls from concerned pet parents about vomiting. Our team of UC Davis-trained veterinarians provides both routine and emergency care, helping you make the right decision for your pet’s specific situation.
Common Causes of Pet Vomiting
Vomiting in pets can result from many different causes, ranging from minor to serious. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn’t)
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Sudden changes in diet
- Motion sickness
- Parasites
- Viruses or bacterial infections
- Foreign body obstruction
- Toxin ingestion
- Pancreatitis or other organ diseases
The cause of your pet’s vomiting plays a major role in determining whether emergency care is necessary.
When You Can Monitor at Home
In many cases, a single vomiting episode doesn’t require immediate veterinary attention. You can often monitor your pet at home if:
Your Pet Vomits Once or Twice, But Otherwise Seems Normal
If your otherwise healthy adult pet vomits once or twice but continues to be active, alert, and interested in their surroundings, it’s usually reasonable to wait and watch. Many pets occasionally vomit from minor stomach upsets that resolve on their own.
Your Pet Maintains Good Energy and Hydration
A pet that continues to drink water normally and maintains their usual energy level after vomiting is showing positive signs. Good hydration is particularly important, as dehydration can quickly become dangerous.
No Concerning Additional Symptoms Are Present
If vomiting occurs without other worrisome symptoms (like those described in the next section), monitoring at home is often appropriate for 12-24 hours.
When to Call Your Regular Vet
Some situations warrant contacting your regular veterinarian during normal business hours:
Repeated Vomiting Over 24 Hours
If your pet vomits multiple times within a 24-hour period, even if they otherwise seem okay, it’s best to check with your vet. Repeated vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Vomiting With Decreased Appetite
When vomiting is accompanied by reluctance to eat for more than 12-24 hours, your pet should be examined. Loss of appetite can signal a more significant problem.
Chronic, Intermittent Vomiting
Pets that vomit occasionally but repeatedly over weeks or months should be evaluated to identify underlying causes, which might include food sensitivities, inflammatory bowel disease, or other chronic conditions.
When Emergency Care Is Necessary
Certain situations require immediate veterinary attention, regardless of the time of day:
Continuous or Projectile Vomiting
If your pet can’t keep anything down or is vomiting forcefully, this could indicate an obstruction or severe inflammation requiring urgent intervention.
Blood in Vomit
Vomit that contains fresh red blood or material that looks like coffee grounds (digested blood) is always a reason to seek emergency care.
Lethargy or Collapse
A pet that becomes very weak, unresponsive, or collapses after vomiting needs immediate medical attention.
Known Toxin Ingestion
If you know or suspect your pet has consumed something toxic (like certain plants, human medications, chocolate, xylitol, or antifreeze), don’t wait—seek emergency care immediately.
Distended or Painful Abdomen
A hard, swollen belly or signs that your pet is in pain when their abdomen is touched could indicate a life-threatening condition like bloat or an obstruction.
Symptoms of Dehydration
Sunken eyes, dry gums, decreased skin elasticity, or excessive panting can indicate dehydration, which requires prompt treatment.
Special Considerations for Different Pets
The urgency of vomiting varies depending on your pet’s age, size, and species:
Puppies and Kittens
Young animals have less reserve and can become dehydrated quickly. If a puppy or kitten under 6 months old vomits more than once, contact your vet promptly.
Senior Pets
Older pets often have underlying health conditions that make vomiting more concerning. When senior pets vomit, they typically warrant a lower threshold for seeking veterinary care.
Brachycephalic Breeds
Flat-faced dogs like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers are at higher risk for aspiration pneumonia when they vomit. These breeds should generally be seen sooner rather than later.
Home Care While Waiting for Veterinary Advice
If you’re monitoring your pet at home or waiting for a vet appointment, these steps may help:
Withhold food for 6-12 hours to rest the stomach, but continue to offer small amounts of water. After the fasting period, offer a small amount of bland food (like boiled chicken and rice) if your pet seems interested.
Avoid giving human anti-nausea medications, which can be harmful to pets. Instead, follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for appropriate treatments.
Connect With Our Veterinary Team
At Broadway Veterinary Hospital, our family-owned practice offers both scheduled appointments and emergency services for pets experiencing vomiting and other concerning symptoms. Our team of UC Davis-trained veterinarians provides thorough diagnostics and effective treatments for gastrointestinal issues of all kinds.
If you’re unsure whether your pet’s vomiting requires immediate attention, call us at (916) 446-6154 for guidance. For urgent situations, use our contact form to alert us that you’re on your way with an emergency case.
