What should I give a dog that is vomiting? - briefly
If your dog is vomiting, it's crucial to withhold food for at least 12-24 hours to allow the stomach to rest. You can offer small amounts of water frequently during this period to prevent dehydration.
What should I give a dog that is vomiting? - in detail
When your dog is vomiting, it's important to take immediate action to prevent dehydration and support their recovery. Here are some steps and tips on what to give a dog that is vomiting:
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Withhold Food and Water: Initially, withhold food and water for 12-24 hours to allow the stomach to settle. This gives your dog's digestive system time to recover.
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Rehydration: After the initial fasting period, offer small amounts of water frequently. You can also mix a little bit of unseasoned chicken broth or ice chips with the water to encourage your dog to drink more. Ensure that the liquid is at room temperature.
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Gradual Reintroduction of Food: Start by offering a bland diet to gradually reintroduce food into your dog's system. A common recipe for a bland diet includes:
- 2 parts cooked white rice
- 1 part boiled and drained chicken (ensure it’s boneless and skinless)
Feed this mixture in small amounts every few hours. Gradually increase the amount over a day or two, ensuring your dog is able to keep it down without vomiting.
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Probiotics: Consider adding probiotics to your dog's food once they are back on a regular diet. Probiotics can help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in their gut, which may have been disrupted by the vomiting episode.
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Avoid Rich Foods and Treats: Steer clear of rich, fatty foods and treats during recovery. These can irritate your dog's stomach and trigger further vomiting.
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Medications: If your vet has prescribed any medications for nausea or to protect the stomach lining (such as Pepcid or Famotidine), administer them as directed. Never give human medication to your dog without consulting a veterinarian first.
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Monitor for Improvement: Keep an eye on your dog's condition and look for signs of improvement, such as reduced vomiting and increased appetite. If your dog shows no improvement or gets worse, seek immediate veterinary care.
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Prevent Access to Potential Irritants: Ensure your dog cannot access any substances that could irritate their stomach further, such as household chemicals, plants, or other pets' food.
By following these guidelines, you can help support your dog through a bout of vomiting and facilitate a smooth recovery. However, if the vomiting persists for more than 24 hours, or if your dog shows signs of severe dehydration (such as lethargy, dry gums, or sunken eyes), contact your veterinarian immediately.