Diagnosing Chronic Vomiting in Dogs

Chronic vomiting in dogs is typically considered to be regular and persistent vomiting that continues for at least two weeks at a time. While it's very common for many dogs to vomit occasionally or even more frequently, such periodic vomiting or continued vomiting that lasts for this long are potentially signs of a serious health concern. Unfortunately, dogs tend to bring about vomiting in themselves due to a number of factors, including their inability to distinguish between healthy food sources and potentially threatening non-food items when they're eating. Still, it's important to not take chronic vomiting too lightly; work with a vet to diagnose your pet so that you can determine the cause of the vomiting, and so that you can begin to treat it, if necessary.

Recognizing Other Symptoms

One of the best ways to begin to go about diagnosing your dog's chronic vomiting is to watch out for other symptoms. Vomiting can be the sign of gastrointestinal distress; in these cases, it's likely that you'll see other symptoms related to eating and processing of food as well. Dogs with organ damage can begin to vomit regularly; symptoms that accompany these conditions may be widespread and more serious. There are a host of other types of conditions which may lead your pet to vomit periodically or even every day. Watch out for any of the following symptoms which may take place concurrently:

  • Diarrhea (regular or bloody)
  • Presence of worms or eggs in stool
  • Increased flatulence
  • Discoloration of the lips, eyes, nose, tongue or other parts of the body
  • Abdominal distension
  • Irritability
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Significant increase in appetite
  • Increased or decreased urination
  • Hives, rashes or other points of irritation on the skin

If you notice any of these other symptoms taing place at the same time, or if you see other symptoms which may lead you to believe that they are related to your pet's chronic vomiting, take note of them carefully and bring them with you when you visit the vet.

Types of Vomiting

It's important for the proper diagnosis of chronic vomiting that you know a bit more about the vomiting itself. When does it occur during the day? Does it take place before, during or after meals? What is the color and consistency of the vomit? All of these pieces of information can help your vet to determine exactly what is wrong with your pet.

Process of Diagnosis

The diagnostic process itself will involve a physical examination of your dog. Your vet may also run a series of other tests, depending upon what he suspects to be the cause of the vomiting. These include potential blood tests, x-rays, biopsies and more. By combining knowledge of the various symptoms that your pet experiences with the results of these various tests, you and your vet will be able to accurately determine what is leading your pet to vomit regularly. Then, you'll be able to go about properly treating the condition and restoring your pet's health to normal.

 

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