If your dog suddenly starts vomiting and you can't reach a veterinarian right away—whether it's late at night, on the weekend, or during travel—knowing how to handle the situation calmly and safely is critical.
While professional care is always the best option, there are several vet-approved emergency methods that you can use at home to manage your dog’s symptoms and prevent the situation from worsening.
Here are five emergency treatments for vomiting in dogs, backed by veterinarian advice, clinical research, and expert experience. This guide is especially tailored for first-time dog owners who want clear, actionable steps to help their dog in a crisis.
1. Fast Your Dog Temporarily to Let the Stomach Settle
Why It Works
Vomiting often stems from stomach irritation. Giving your dog’s digestive system a short rest can help reduce inflammation and prevent further vomiting.
Dr. Karen Becker, an integrative veterinarian, recommends fasting for 12–24 hours in adult dogs and 6–12 hours in puppies (who have faster metabolisms and less energy reserve).
How to Do It
No food for 12 hours for adult dogs, or 6 hours for puppies.
Offer only small sips of water or ice cubes every 30 minutes to prevent dehydration.
If your dog vomits even water, stop immediately and seek emergency help.
Tip: Watch for signs of serious illness like bloody vomit, severe lethargy, or bloating—these require urgent veterinary attention.
2. Use a Homemade Electrolyte Solution to Prevent Dehydration
Why It Works
Vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration. A homemade electrolyte drink helps replace lost fluids and minerals.
According to Arden Grange Pet Nutritionists, this is a safe and effective method when given in moderation.
How to Make It
1 liter of cooled boiled water
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons sugar
Optional: ½ teaspoon of baking soda (for better electrolyte balance)
How to Administer
Use a syringe or spoon to offer small doses: 5–10 ml for small dogs, up to 30 ml for large dogs every 30 minutes.
Stop immediately if vomiting continues.
Note: Commercial rehydration solutions made for pets, such as Pedialyte (unflavored and without artificial sweeteners), are also acceptable if properly diluted.
3. Feed a Bland Diet After Vomiting Stops
Why It Works
A bland diet gives the stomach something easy to digest and is often recommended by veterinarians after GI upset.
It helps reintroduce food without overwhelming the digestive system.
What to Feed
Boiled, skinless chicken breast (no seasoning) Plain white rice
Mix 1 part chicken to 2 parts rice
Feeding Instructions
Start with a few spoonfuls every 4–6 hours.
Gradually increase portions over 2–3 days.
If your dog tolerates this, return to normal diet slowly.
Veterinary hospitals like Arlington Animal Hospital recommend bland diets for 2–3 days after vomiting, transitioning back to regular food gradually.
4. Use Over-the-Counter Medications With Extreme Caution
Certain human medications are considered safe for dogs in very small doses—but never give anything without prior veterinary approval, especially if it's your first time.
Safe Options Include
Famotidine (Pepcid AC):
Reduces stomach acid
Dosage: 0.25–0.5 mg per pound of body weight, given once or twice daily
Pepto-Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate):
Coats the stomach lining
Dosage: 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds, every 6–8 hours Avoid in dogs with bleeding issues or those taking NSAIDs
What NOT to Give
Ibuprofen (Advil), Acetaminophen (Tylenol), or Aspirin – all of which are toxic to dogs
Warning: Always call your vet or a pet poison helpline if you’re unsure. Safe dosages vary by weight, age, and underlying conditions.
5. Monitor Your Dog's Symptoms Closely
Why It’s Important
Even if your dog seems to improve, monitoring ensures you're not missing signs of serious problems. Early intervention saves lives.
What to Track
Number and appearance of vomit episodes Energy levels and behavior
Appetite and water intake
Gum color (should be pink, not pale) Signs of abdominal pain or swelling
When to Seek Emergency Help
Vomiting for more than 24 hours
Vomiting blood or black material
Severe lethargy or collapse
Dehydration signs (dry nose, sunken eyes) Bloated or hard abdomen
Pro Tip: Write everything down. A timeline of symptoms will be extremely helpful to your vet later.
Always Follow Up with a Vet
These five steps can help stabilize your dog after vomiting begins, but they’re temporary emergency solutions.
They are not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis. Vomiting can result from many causes—some mild (dietary indiscretion), others dangerous (pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, toxins).
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, “Even one episode of vomiting should be taken seriously if accompanied by lethargy, pale gums, or behavior changes.”
When in doubt, always call your veterinarian. Early advice can prevent serious complications and possibly save your dog’s life.
Top 10 Questions About Dog Vomiting
1. When should I take my dog to the vet for vomiting?
If your dog vomits once or twice but remains active and alert, it may not be an emergency.
However, seek veterinary attention if your dog:
Vomits repeatedly or cannot keep water down
Shows signs of lethargy, weakness, or collapse
Has a bloated or painful abdomen
Vomits blood or material resembling coffee grounds
Exhibits other symptoms like diarrhea, fever, or seizures
These signs could indicate serious conditions such as poisoning, gastrointestinal obstruction, or organ failure.
2. What home remedies can I try if my dog is vomiting?
For mild cases, you can:
Withhold food for 12–24 hours to let the stomach settle
Offer small amounts of water or ice cubes to prevent dehydration
After fasting, introduce a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice in small portions
Always monitor your dog closely, and consult your veterinarian if vomiting persists or worsens.
3. Can I give my dog over-the-counter human medications for vomiting?
Some human medications, like famotidine (Pepcid AC), may be safe for dogs in specific doses.
However, never administer any medication without consulting your veterinarian, as some drugs can be toxic to dogs.
4. What does the color of my dog's vomit indicate?
The color and consistency of vomit can provide clues:
Yellow or green: Bile, possibly from an empty stomach
White foam: Stomach irritation or acid reflux
Red or black: Presence of blood, indicating potential bleeding
Brown: Could be digested blood or fecal matter, suggesting a serious issue
If you notice unusual colors or substances in your dog's vomit, contact your veterinarian promptly.
5. Should I feed my dog after vomiting?
It's advisable to withhold food for 12–24 hours after vomiting.
Once your dog can keep water down and shows signs of improvement, gradually reintroduce a bland diet in small, frequent meals.
6. How can I prevent dehydration in my vomiting dog?
Offer small amounts of water or ice chips frequently.
You can also provide an electrolyte solution formulated for dogs to help maintain hydration.
Avoid giving large volumes of water at once, as this may trigger more vomiting.
7. Is vomiting in puppies more serious than in adult dogs?
Yes, puppies are more susceptible to dehydration and serious illnesses like parvovirus.
If your puppy vomits more than once or shows other symptoms like lethargy or diarrhea, seek veterinary care immediately.
8. Can I induce vomiting if my dog ingests something harmful?
Inducing vomiting should only be done under veterinary guidance.
Some substances can cause more harm if vomited.
If your dog ingests a toxin, contact your veterinarian or a poison control center immediately for advice.
9. What are common causes of vomiting in dogs?
Common causes include:
Dietary indiscretion (eating garbage or spoiled food)
Infections (bacterial or viral)
Parasites
Toxins or poisons
Organ dysfunction (liver or kidney disease)
Gastrointestinal obstructions
Identifying the cause often requires veterinary evaluation.
10. How can I tell if my dog is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration include:
Dry or sticky gums
Lethargy
Sunken eyes
Loss of skin elasticity (skin stays tented when pinched)
If you suspect dehydration, offer small amounts of water and consult your veterinarian promptly.
So far, we have looked at 5 emergency measures when your dog vomits. I hope this article was of some help to first-time dog owners, and I would appreciate it if you could share this article with anyone who needs it.
