Vomiting is one of the most common reasons dogs come to the ER – but not all cases are the same. In Los Angeles, our emergency medicine team at TrueCare for Pets sees everything from minor upset stomachs to life-threatening bloat. Here’s how to tell when it’s serious.
When to worry about vomiting.
Take your dog to the ER if they’re experiencing:
- Vomiting multiple times in a day
- Vomiting with blood
- Signs of abdominal pain or bloating
- Lethargy, shaking, or collapse
- No appetite, water intake, or urination
- Suspected ingestion of a toxin or foreign object
These signs can point to dangerous conditions like pancreatitis, bloat, GI obstruction, or poisoning.
How we treat vomiting emergencies.
We begin with diagnostics such as x-rays, ultrasound, and bloodwork. Treatment may include:
- IV fluids and electrolytes
- Anti-nausea and pain medications
- Hospitalization for monitoring
- Surgery if an obstruction is found
Dog vomiting emergencies at TrueCare for Pets Los Angeles — FAQ.
Vomiting can be a sign of something minor or a serious medical emergency. If your dog vomits multiple times in one day, brings up blood or foam, seems bloated or in pain, refuses food or water, becomes weak or collapses, or may have eaten something toxic, it is time to seek emergency veterinary care right away.
Yes. Vomiting in dogs can signal critical health issues such as gastric dilatation-volvulus (also known as bloat), pancreatitis, kidney or liver disease, or intestinal blockages from swallowing foreign objects. These conditions can progress quickly and require immediate medical attention.
Do not give your dog any human medications unless advised by a veterinarian. Do not wait too long to seek care, especially if vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or abdominal swelling. And do not assume the cause is just a bad reaction to food. Dogs are known to mask pain, which can delay proper treatment.
At TrueCare for Pets in Los Angeles, we frequently treat dogs with serious vomiting caused by eating non-food items like toys or bones, ingesting toxic substances such as chocolate or xylitol, suffering from pancreatitis, or developing complications from heatstroke or organ dysfunction.
When your dog arrives, we typically begin with diagnostic testing like blood panels, x-rays, or ultrasound to pinpoint the issue. Treatment may involve intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, medications to control nausea and pain, and in some cases, emergency surgery to remove obstructions or treat internal damage.
Yes. Our emergency hospital at 1535 South La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. We are always ready to treat urgent cases, including severe vomiting, gastrointestinal blockages, and bloat.
Knowing where to go before an emergency happens can help you get your dog the urgent care they need without delay.
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