By Urgent Pet Care Center Team
It’s always unsettling to see your dog is throwing up — especially when you don’t know why. A dog throwing up once might be nothing to worry about, but repeated vomiting, the presence of blood or other abnormal material can indicate a more serious problem.
At Urgent Pet Care Center in Edmond, OK, we see dogs every day who come in for sudden vomiting, loss of appetite, or other digestive issues. Our highly experienced team can quickly assess and recommend the best treatment plan to get your pet feeling better.
This guide will walk you through common causes of vomiting in dogs, when to visit an emergency pet hospital, and what you can expect from a same-day visit.
Why is my pet throwing up?
It’s important to know, vomiting is not a disease-it’s a symptom. Understanding why your dog is throwing up helps you decide what to do next.
Common Causes of Vomiting in Dogs
- Dietary indiscretion (“garbage gut”) – Dogs love to eat things they shouldn’t, from table scraps to socks.
- Infections or parasites – Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can =the stomach.
- Toxins and poisons – Chocolate, xylitol, medications, household chemicals, and certain plants are all common culprits.
- Foreign bodies – Toys, bones, or fabric can get stuck in the stomach or intestines.
- Metabolic disease – Pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver problems, diabetes, or hormonal conditions can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Common Causes of Vomiting in Cats
- Hairballs (trichobezoars) – Cats groom themselves often, swallowing hair that may be vomited back up later.
- Dietary intolerance or rapid eating – Eating too fast or food sensitivities can lead to regurgitation or vomiting.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Chronic GI inflammation is a common cause of recurring vomiting.
- Toxins – Lilies, certain medications, and many household items can be deadly to cats.
- Systemic diseases – Hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or liver disease are frequent causes of vomiting in older cats.
- Foreign bodies or string ingestion – Swallowing yarn or ribbon can cause dangerous intestinal blockages.
Is That Really Vomiting? How to Tell the Difference
Not every episode of “throwing up” is true vomiting. Recognizing what’s happening can help your veterinarian diagnose your pet faster.
| Symptom | Description | Common Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Vomiting | Active process with abdominal heaving; may include bile or digested food. | GI irritation, toxins, or illness |
| Regurgitation | Passive return of undigested food soon after eating; no abdominal effort. | Esophageal disorders, rapid eating. |
| Coughing or gagging | Looks similar to vomiting but produces little or no material. | Respiratory or tracheal problems. |
| Hairball (cats) | Cylindrical clump of hair and saliva. | Normal grooming behavior unless frequent. |
If you’re unsure what your pet is doing, record a short video to show your urgent vet — it’s very helpful for diagnosis.
Key takeaway:
Dogs often vomit due to eating something they shouldn’t, while cats are more likely to vomit because of chronic illness, hairballs, or dietary issues.
How to Tell if It’s an Emergency
Sometimes, the reason why your dog is throwing up is minor. Other times, it’s a sign your dog’s life could be in danger.
Call Urgent Pet Care Center at (405-870-8722) if your dog:
- Vomits 2 or more times in 24 hours
- Can’t keep water down
- Has blood in their vomit (red or “coffee-ground” appearance)
- Shows signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy)
- Has a swollen, firm or painful abdomen
- Appears weak, shaking, or collapsing
- Recently ate something poisonous (chocolate, grapes, medications, etc.)
- Is a puppy, senior dog, or a small breed with repeated vomiting
If your dog meets any of these criteria, visit Urgent Pet Care Center or your nearest emergency pet hospital immediately.
Even if the symptoms seem mild, it’s always better to have your pet evaluated by an urgent vet to rule out serious causes. Dogs can decline quickly, especially when vomiting leads to dehydration.
What Happens During an Urgent Pet Care Visit for Vomiting
At Urgent Pet Care Centers, our team provides same-day care to identify and treat the cause of your dog’s vomiting. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Initial evaluation
We start by asking about your dog’s symptoms, diet, recent activities, and possible toxin exposure. Then, we perform a physical exam to assess hydration, abdominal discomfort, and other visible signs.
2. In-house diagnostics
At Urgent Pet Care Center in Edmond we can perform on-site blood work, urinalysis, X-rays and ultrasounds. These tools help us to rule out infections, organ disease, or blockages. While your pet may not require all of these tests, having the capability means that we can quickly and conveniently assess your pet.
3. Supportive care
For mild to moderate cases, we provide fluids, anti-nausea medication, and sometimes a bland diet recommendation. If your pet’s condition is more serious, we will discuss referral to a 24-hour emergency pet hospital for round-the-clock treatment and monitoring.
4. Follow-up guidance
We’ll walk you through home care, warning signs to watch for, and how to gradually reintroduce food once your dog is stable.
What You Can Do at Home (Before or After the Vet Visit)
- Withhold food for 8–12 hours to give their stomach time to rest.
- Provide small sips of water or ice cubes to prevent dehydration.
- Reintroduce bland food like boiled chicken and rice once vomiting stops.
- Monitor closely — if vomiting returns or other symptoms appear, call your vet.
Avoid giving over-the-counter human medications unless specifically prescribed by a veterinarian. Some can be toxic to dogs.
Preventing Future Episodes
You can’t prevent every upset stomach, but these steps reduce your dog’s risk of vomiting:
- Feed consistent, high-quality meals on schedule.
- Keep trash, food scraps, and household chemicals out of reach.
- Avoid sudden food changes—transition slowly over 7–10 days.
- Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date.
- Supervise dogs that chew or swallow non-food items.
If vomiting happens more than occasionally, schedule a vet visit to uncover any underlying issues.
Why Should You Choose Urgent Pet Care Center in Edmond?
When your pet suddenly gets sick, you don’t have time to wait for an appointment. Urgent Pet Care Center bridges the gap between your regular vet and a 24-hour Emergency/Specialty vet hospital — providing same-day, walk-in care for non-life-threatening issues.
We are locally owned, veterinarian-led, and committed to:
- Fast, professional care without the ER price tag
- Evening and weekend hours for your convenience
- Compassionate support for both pets and their people
Whether your dog is throwing up, limping, or showing other concerning symptoms, our Edmond team is here to help — no appointment needed.
When in Doubt, Don’t Wait
Vomiting can be mild, or it can be the first sign of something much more serious. If your dog is throwing up repeatedly, can’t keep water down, or seems lethargic, visit Urgent Pet Care Centers in Edmond, OK for quick answers and relief.
Your pet’s health matters — and getting timely care can make all the difference.
Before you arrive, call us at 405-870-8722.
This article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). While reviewed for accuracy and clarity by UPCC, it should be considered general information. We still recommend contacting the UPCC team for personalized advice.
