Why Dogs Throw Up After Eating

Is your dog vomiting after eating? When a dog throws up recently eaten food, you're rightfully concerned, but there are a few things that could be bothering his stomach.

First, cover the basics: Have you made changes to your dog's nutrition recently? Does he compete with other pets for food? Has he recently eaten grass? These are all possible reasons his stomach doesn't agree with him after dinner. Find out why they may make your dog sick and when you should bring him to the veterinarian.

Transitioning to a New Dog Food

Sudden changes to your dog's food may result in gastrointestinal issues, so switching dog food (varieties or brands) too quickly can upset his stomach. Above all, it's important to transition to a new dog food slowly, typically over 7-10 days. Before you make the decision to change dog foods, check with your veterinarian. If you continue to see signs of stomach issues or your dog does not stop vomiting, you should bring him in as soon as you can. He may have an allergy or food intolerance, or he may have a more serious problem (foreign body in the stomach, systemic disease, etc.).

If you've recently begun the transition to a Hill's® brand food, be sure to start small and gradually build up the amount until it's the only food you're only offering.

Quick Eating due to Anxiety

Although most pet parents assume that a dog vomiting after eating may have a sensitivity to the food, it isn't necessarily the case. Anxiety or fear may be the driving force to why a dog throws up after eating. Does your dog compete with other dogs in the house for food? This sense of territory can make him eat faster, which may overload his stomach and decrease the amount of saliva normally swallowed with the food that acts as a buffer. And just like us, nervousness and stress can make your dog feel queasy and increase acid in his stomach.

When dogs eat too quickly, they don't take the time to chew their larger pieces of kibble. They also ingest a significant amount of air, both of which can come back up by regurgitation or by vomiting. If possible, feed your anxious dog in a secluded area, without any other animals around. Start with small meals and gradually build back up to a normal-sized dinner once you see he's calmed down at each meal.

There can be other underlying issues associated with a dog's anxiety that can affect his ability to keep his food down. Have there been changes in the house that might have disrupted his routine? Have you moved lately or changed your work schedule? Changes like this can make your dog anxious, which can affect his digestive system. If you suspect that something like this could be why your dog is throwing up after eating, continue to show him you love him. Give him praise, pet and play with him, and reassure him that everything is okay. Slowly, over time he will adapt to the changes and get back to his old self. It is still important to monitor his eating habits to make sure that there isn't a larger issue at hand–if it is happening more than once every few weeks, you should consult your veterinarian. Vomiting due to other health concerns is more common than due to anxiety.