Long-time pet parents have had to deal with canine vomit probably more than once, so they know how to act when their dog is throwing up clear liquid.
You might be lost for what to do next if this is your first experience of the situation. Should you be bothered about it? How can you even be sure that the liquid is just water?
Regurgitation or Vomiting: Which is Your Dog Doing?
It is essential to understand the distinction between both situations. What may seem like your dog vomiting may simply be regurgitation. The dog may be spitting food or water that wasn’t properly digested. In this case, regurgitation is happening, and the content may be a clear liquid.
With vomiting, the process is more forceful. The watery substance comes from deep within the dog’s GI tract.
An easy way to differentiate between both cases is that vomiting is often accompanied by retching, while regurgitation is a gentler process. Regurgitated contents are often more watery, unlike vomits that come in different colours.
If the liquid is clear, it is probably a mixture of water and saliva, and this is happening because your dog drank excessive water. But frequent vomiting can be a symptom of other serious problems. Also, it is important to note not that not all clear vomit is water.
Why Do Dogs Vomit Water?
One possible reason your dog is vomiting water is that it drank too much water too quickly. If there is too much water in the dog’s stomach, the liquid can force itself up. Some dogs drink too much water while having fun in the sprinkler or when they feel nauseous.
Other explanations for dogs vomiting water include:
Dietary indiscretion/ ingesting the wrong food
Food sensitivities
Infectious diseases
Gastrointestinal inflammation
Improper digestion
You should learn why your dog is throwing up water to be sure your furry companion is sound healthwise.
Fortunately, occasional vomiting that stops on its own is often nothing to worry about. But finding out the cause is still worth it so you can prevent reoccurrence.
Should You Be Worried If Your Dog Is Vomiting Water?
Dogs, like humans, occasionally vomit, which ordinarily is no cause for alarm. When vomiting comes with other unusual symptoms though, it may be time to plan that trip to the vet.
Take note of the other factors surrounding the dog’s vomit. Here are some questions to ask yourselves that can help you determine if the vomiting is a sign of a more serious condition:
1 How often is my dog vomiting water?
If the vomiting or regurgitation is a one-off situation, your dog is probably fine. Just monitor the pet and try to find out the cause. However, a case of continuous vomiting calls for your concern, and you should treat it as an emergency.
2 Is vomiting a lone symptom?
Simply watching your dog throw up water can be worrisome on its own, let alone when it comes with the loss of appetite or fatigue. Symptoms like diarrhoea and lethargy are not good signs and could point to an underlying condition.
3 Is it causing a behaviour change?
You know your dog well and can tell when it picks up unusual behaviour. This is why it is necessary to monitor it closely after you notice the vomiting. Report any suspicious behaviours to the vet to be followed up.
4 How much water is my dog throwing up?
You should be concerned when your dog is vomiting too much liquid or producing nothing at all. If the dog appears restless and is trying to vomit, but nothing is coming out, contact your vet. The dog could be struggling with a serious health issue.
Does The Color of The Liquid Your Dog is Vomiting Matter?
Yes, the appearance of the liquid matter can help determine the cause of the vomiting.
If the liquid looks white and foamy, this may be an indication of acid buildup in your dog’s stomach. Some vomits may be accompanied by a slimy mucus which is drool. In this case, the vomiting was likely a result of stomach irritation. Red particles in the water may signify bleeding, and worms indicate an infection.
Conclusion
So long as the dog acts normal after throwing up water, there is no need to panic. It is still a good idea to book an appointment with your veterinarian when the vomiting becomes frequent, or if you need help tracing the cause.
Article Supplied