What to feed a dog that vomits? - briefly
If your dog is vomiting, it's crucial to withhold food for at least 12-24 hours to allow their stomach to rest. After this period, gradually reintroduce a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice in small amounts.
What to feed a dog that vomits? - in detail
When a dog is vomiting, it's crucial to adjust their diet to support their recovery and prevent further upset. Here’s a detailed guide on what to feed a dog that vomits:
Firstly, ensure your dog has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Dehydration can exacerbate symptoms, so keeping them hydrated is essential. If they refuse to drink, try offering ice chips or a small amount of water with a syringe.
After the initial vomiting episode, it's best to withhold food for 12-24 hours to allow their stomach to rest and settle. This period gives the digestive system time to recover before introducing new food.
When reintroducing food, start with small amounts of a bland diet. A common recommendation is a combination of boiled chicken and rice. The chicken should be boneless and skinless, cooked thoroughly, and chopped into small pieces. Mix it with white rice that has been cooked without any added salt or seasoning. This simple meal is easy to digest and less likely to cause further upset.
Feed your dog in smaller, more frequent meals rather than their usual larger portions. Offer a tablespoon of the mixture every two to three hours for the first day. If there’s no vomiting after 24 hours, gradually increase the portion size over the next few days while continuing with frequent small feedings.
Avoid giving your dog any treats, table scraps, or their regular food during this period. Stick to the bland diet until they show signs of improvement and have gone at least 24 hours without vomiting.
If your dog has diarrhea along with vomiting, it might be helpful to include a small amount of canned pumpkin (not pie filling) in their food. Pumpkin is high in fiber and can help firm up their stools. Start with just a teaspoon mixed into the chicken and rice and adjust as needed based on your dog’s response.
In cases where vomiting persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, abdominal pain, or blood in the vomit, consult a veterinarian immediately. Chronic or severe vomiting can indicate serious health issues that require professional attention and treatment.
By following these steps, you can help your dog feel better and recover from vomiting episodes more quickly. Always remember that if symptoms worsen or do not improve within 48 hours, a veterinary visit is necessary to rule out any underlying medical conditions.