Vomiting – is it an emergency?
A single episode of vomiting may not seem serious. But in Tampa’s heat or after a busy day of play, persistent or severe vomiting could signal a true emergency. Here’s how to know when it’s time to bring your dog or cat to BluePearl Tampa's emergency medical team.
When vomiting becomes an emergency.
Call or visit your emergency vet right away if your pet:
- Vomits more than once in 24 hours
- Has blood in vomit or stool
- Also shows signs of lethargy or collapse
- Has a bloated or painful abdomen
- Refuses food or water
- Recently got into trash, medications, or toxic foods
- Is a small breed dog or puppy (they dehydrate quickly)
Why vomiting happens – and why fast care matters.
At BluePearl Tampa, we see vomiting cases caused by:
- Foreign objects (toys, bones, clothing)
- Pancreatitis or GI inflammation
- Heat exhaustion
- Toxin ingestion (grapes, chocolate, xylitol)
- Bloat (especially in large breed dogs)
- Intestinal blockage
The longer the symptoms last, the harder they are to treat – and the more dangerous dehydration becomes.
Preventing vomiting emergencies.
- Avoid giving fatty or unfamiliar table scraps
- Keep trash secure and household toxins locked away
- Supervise outdoor time – especially near wildlife or water
- Know your dog’s normal behavior and appetite
Pet Vomiting Emergencies – FAQ
While a single episode of vomiting may be harmless, repeated or severe vomiting can be life-threatening, especially in Tampa’s heat. Contact an emergency vet right away if your pet:
- Vomits more than once in 24 hours
- Has blood in their vomit or stool
- Seems weak, lethargic, or collapses
- Has a swollen or painful belly
- Stops eating or drinking
- May have ingested something toxic or harmful
- Is a small breed or a young puppy, which can dehydrate rapidly
If in doubt, it’s always safer to get your pet checked immediately.
At BluePearl Tampa, we treat vomiting caused by:
- Ingested foreign objects (toys, bones, socks)
- GI issues like pancreatitis or gastritis
- Exposure to Florida heat or heatstroke
- Toxin ingestion (e.g., chocolate, grapes, xylitol, medications)
- Bloat or gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), especially in large breeds
- Intestinal blockages or infections
The faster we identify the cause, the better the chance of successful treatment.
When you visit BluePearl Tampa, our emergency team may provide:
- Diagnostic testing such as x-rays, ultrasound, or lab work
- Intravenous (IV) fluids to combat dehydration
- Anti-nausea and pain-relief medications
- Hospitalization or monitoring as needed
- Emergency surgery if an obstruction is found
Every case is different. Our goal is fast, compassionate care tailored to your pet’s condition.
Yes. Vomiting can signal anything from minor stomach upset to life-threatening problems like bloat, toxin ingestion, or organ dysfunction. If vomiting is frequent, forceful, or paired with other symptoms like weakness or abdominal pain, it's important to act quickly.
While not all cases are preventable, these steps can help:
- Keep trash, medications, and toxic foods out of reach
- Avoid feeding fatty table scraps or unfamiliar treats
- Monitor outdoor activity, especially in hot or wild areas
- Learn your pet’s normal habits so you can spot when something’s off
- Avoid heat exposure and always provide clean water
BluePearl Pet Hospital in Tampa is open 24/7 for emergencies. We’re located at:
3000 Busch Lake Blvd., Tampa, FL 33614
No appointment is necessary. If your pet is vomiting and you're unsure what to do, give us a call or come in. We’re here to help any time, day or night.
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