Infectious diseases: Parvovirus, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, pyelonephritis (kidney infection), or peritonitis (inflammation of the inner lining of the abdominal cavity; due to fungal or bacterial infection spread via the bloodstream, or bacterial migration subsequent to diseases/disorders affecting abdominal organs, such as tumors or interruption of blood supply).
Miscellaneous disorders: Pancreatitis, gastritis, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, gastric dilatation-volvulus (non-productive vomiting), motion sickness, gastrointestinal ulcers, or peritonitis (due to irritants such as bile or urine in the abdominal cavity).
Toxicity: Ethylene glycol (antifreeze), chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, alcohol, ibuprofen, naproxen, carprofen, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, cardiac glycosides (digitalis compounds), iron, zinc, vitamin D, ma huang and guarana (ingredients found in some herbal supplements), rodenticides (metaldehyde, cholecalciferol, ANTU, and many others), organophosphate insecticides, synthetic pyrethrins (insecticides, including permethrin, fenvalerate, and others), petroleum products, or toad poisoning.
Acquired/Non-infectious diseases: Pyloric stenosis (in older dogs), gastrointestinal obstruction, chronic kidney disease, or kidney failure.
Foreign bodies: In stomach or intestines.
Tumors: In intestines, stomach, or liver.
Trauma: Penetrating abdominal wounds that cause peritonitis by lacerating internal organs, or introducing foreign materials, bacteria, or other infective organisms.
Congenital/Inherited disorders: Chronic hepatitis (in Doberman Pinschers, Bedlington Terriers, West Highland White Terriers), portosystemic shunt, idiopathic hepatic fibrosis, or pyloric stenosis (in brachycephalic breeds).
Drug reactions: Azathiaprine (immunosuppressant), cyclosporine (immunosuppressant), tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline hydrochloride, imipramine hydrochloride, clomipramine hydrochloride), griseofulvin, mitotane, cephalosporins, or chemotherapy agents.
Allergies/Hypersensitivities: Allergic gastritis (food allergy) or anaphylaxis.
Nutritional: Malabsorption syndrome.
Endocrine disorders: Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease), pyometra, or primary hyperparathyroidism.
Parasites/Parasite-borne diseases: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick paralysis, salmon poisoning disease (a bacterial disease contracted by eating salmon, trout or Pacific giant salamanders parasitized by flukes that carry the infective organism).
What to do: Vomiting may or may not be an emergency, depending on the cause, duration, and presence of other symptoms. If your dog vomits once and has no other signs of illness, no action is necessary. If your dog vomits three or more times in 24 hours or shows other signs of illness such as listlessness or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. If you’re not sure what to do, contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic for advice.
Disclaimer: DogChannel.com’s Dog Medical Conditions are intended for educational purposes only. They are not meant to replace the expertise and experience of a professional veterinarian. Do not use the information presented here to make decisions about your dog’s ailment. If you notice changes in your dog’s health or behavior, please take your pet to the nearest veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic as soon as possible.