What to Do When Your Dog Regurgitates
📝 Summary
Regurgitation refers to the act of bringing food back up and re-eating it, a behavior normally seen in ruminants like cattle and sheep. When a dog shows signs of regurgitation, it means the dog vomits up undigested kibble, chews it, and swallows it again.
1 Overview
Causes of Dog Regurgitation
1. The dog ate too much. Most dog owners have experienced this. Dogs are small animals that get hungry very easily; eating a little less is fine, but eating too much often leads to discomfort and vomiting. If the vomited material is foamy and still very sticky, it is generally an esophageal problem. If vomiting persists, take your pet to the vet for a checkup right away.
2. The dog eats too fast. Dogs also tend to gulp their food down. They often vomit the food right after swallowing and then eat it again – this is a normal, common physiological phenomenon, and owners need not be overly anxious.
3. Gastrointestinal ulcer. If the vomit is yellow-green, it means bile has been brought up, and you should usually see a doctor for this color of vomit! This can indicate many conditions – besides the kidney, liver, and pancreatic issues mentioned above, there is also the possibility of a gastrointestinal ulcer!
4. Acute gastritis. If what the dog throws up is clear and white, it indicates acute gastritis, which is also fairly common. If the dog’s appetite is not affected, owners do not need to worry too much.
If the above occurs, withhold food from the dog for 12 hours. If any other abnormal symptoms reappear, take it to the hospital for a thorough examination.
Want to learn more about pet health?
Explore our pet health channel for more science-based care guides
Read More Articles →