Bringing a puppy into your life is like welcoming a little bundle of joy—full of energy, mischief, and endless love. But along with all the happiness comes responsibility, and nothing makes a pet owner more anxious than seeing their puppy unwell. One of the scariest moments for any dog owner is when their puppy starts throwing up. “The puppy is vomiting” makes us start to worry. The first time I saw my puppy, Max, vomit, my heart sank. I had so many questions—Why is this happening? Is he sick? Did he eat something bad? Should I call the vet?
Vomiting in puppies can be caused by something as simple as eating too fast or as serious as a life-threatening illness. That’s why it’s important to understand the possible reasons behind it, how to help your puppy recover, and when you should seek veterinary care.
In this article, we’ll explore:
Common causes of vomiting in puppies
When vomiting is normal and when it’s a concern
Home remedies and treatments
Signs that you should call the vet immediately
Why Is My Puppy Throwing Up? Common Causes
Puppies are naturally curious, which means they tend to explore the world with their mouths. They chew on things they shouldn’t, eat too fast, and sometimes swallow things that upset their stomachs. While occasional vomiting may not be serious, repeated or severe vomiting can indicate a deeper problem.
Here are some of the most common reasons why puppies throw up:
1. Eating Too Fast
Some puppies gobble up their food as if they haven’t eaten in days. This can lead to regurgitation (when food comes back up undigested). Unlike vomiting, regurgitation happens suddenly, without nausea or retching.
Solution:
- Use a slow feeder bowl to make them eat more slowly.
- Feed smaller meals more frequently.
2. Dietary Indiscretion (Eating Something Bad)
Puppies have a habit of eating things they shouldn’t—grass, dirt, garbage, spoiled food, or even socks! This can cause mild stomach upset or, in serious cases, an intestinal blockage.
Signs of an obstruction:
Repeated vomiting
No bowel movements or straining to poop
Lethargy and weakness
Abdominal pain
If your puppy ate a foreign object and is vomiting frequently, contact your vet immediately.
3. Sudden Diet Change
Did you recently switch your puppy’s food? A sudden change in diet can shock their digestive system, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. Apart from that, a healthy person should know that one cannot change one’s eating habits repeatedly. This causes physical problems in that person and makes them mentally unprepared. It is also effective for puppies.
Solution:
- Transition to new food gradually over 7-10 days.
- Mix a small amount of the new food with the old food and increase it slowly.
4. Food Allergies or Intolerance
Some puppies are sensitive to certain ingredients in food, such as dairy, chicken, grains, or artificial additives.
Symptoms of a food allergy or intolerance:
- Vomiting after eating specific foods
- Itchy skin or excessive scratching
- Chronic diarrhea
- Ear infections
If you suspect food allergies, consult your vet about a hypoallergenic diet.
5. Parasites (Worms)
Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and giardia, are common in puppies and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating.
Signs of worms in puppies:
Vomiting (sometimes with visible worms in it)
Bloated stomach
Diarrhea or bloody stools
Poor appetite and weight loss
Solution:
Regular deworming is essential. If your puppy hasn’t been dewormed, take them to the vet for a stool test and treatment.
6. Infections (Parvovirus, Distemper, etc.)
Some viral and bacterial infections can cause severe vomiting in puppies. The most dangerous one is parvovirus (parvo), which is highly contagious and life-threatening.
🚨 Signs of Parvo:
- Severe vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea with a foul smell
- Extreme weakness and lethargy
- Fever or low body temperature
If you suspect parvo, rush your puppy to the vet immediately! Early treatment is critical for survival.
7. Motion Sickness
Some puppies get car sick, just like humans. If your puppy vomits only during car rides, it’s likely due to motion sickness.
Solution:
- Avoid feeding your puppy before car rides.
- Keep the car well-ventilated.
- Try short trips first and gradually increase the duration.
- Ask your vet about motion sickness medication if needed.
8. Poisoning (Emergency!)
If your puppy ate something toxic, vomiting may be a warning sign. Common household toxins include:
Chocolate
Grapes & raisins
Onions & garlic
Medications (human painkillers, antidepressants, etc.)
Household cleaners or chemicals
Signs of poisoning:
- Excessive drooling
- Tremors or seizures
- Pale gums
- Difficulty breathing
If you suspect poisoning, go to the vet immediately!
When Should You Worry? Signs That Vomiting Is Serious
While occasional vomiting may not be a major concern, certain signs indicate a serious problem. Call your vet if:
Your puppy is vomiting multiple times in a row
There is blood in the vomit (bright red or dark, like coffee grounds)
Vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea
Your puppy is lethargic or unresponsive
They refuse to drink water and show signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes)
Vomiting lasts more than 24 hours
🚨 If you see any of these signs, seek veterinary care immediately!
Home Remedies: How to Help a Vomiting Puppy
If your puppy is vomiting but still playful and alert, you can try these home remedies:
1. Withhold Food for 6-12 Hours
Giving their stomach a break can help stop vomiting. However, never withhold water—hydration is crucial!
2. Offer Small Amounts of Water
- Give small sips of water every 30 minutes.
- If your puppy refuses water, try unsalted bone broth or unflavored Pedialyte to replenish lost fluids.
3. Introduce a Bland Diet
After the fasting period, feed small portions of easy-to-digest food:
Boiled chicken (skinless, boneless) & plain white rice
Pumpkin puree (great for soothing the stomach)
Gradually transition back to their regular diet over 2-3 days.
4. Monitor Their Behavior
- If vomiting stops and they return to normal, it was likely a minor stomach upset.
- If vomiting continues or worsens, consult a vet.
You should pay attention to certain things, such as when your dog or puppy vomits, whether he vomits at a certain time, or whether he always vomits shortly after eating. If you notice any of these, take him to the vet as soon as possible and take action.
Final Thoughts: Should You Be Worried?
Vomiting in puppies can be caused by simple dietary mistakes or serious health issues. The key is to observe your puppy’s behavior, energy levels, and other symptoms.
✅ If your puppy vomits once or twice but acts normal, it’s probably not serious.
🚨 If vomiting is persistent, bloody, or accompanied by weakness, see a vet immediately.
Puppies rely on us to take care of them, and sometimes, even small signs can mean something bigger. Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
I hope this article helps ease your worries! If your puppy has ever had a vomiting episode, let me know how you handled it. ❤️
