If you’re a dog owner, you’ve likely faced this gross moment. Your dog throws up, and before you can even react, they’re turning around to eat their own vomit. It’s a behavior that makes most of us say, “Why?”
You might wonder if your dog may have a serious health issue, or if this is just one of those weird habits that domestic dogs have. The good news is that this behavior is very common in dogs. This article will explain why dogs vomit, why they feel the need to eat it, when you should actually be concerned, and how you can stop the behavior.
Why Do Dogs Vomit?
First, it’s important to know that vomiting is a natural process for a dog’s body to get rid of something upsetting. It’s different from regurgitation. When a dog vomits, it’s an active process. When a dog regurgitates, it’s a more passive action where undigested food comes up from the esophagus.
Common reasons for vomiting include:
- Eating Too Fast: When dogs gulp down food, they swallow a lot of air. This can cause their stomach to get upset and bring the food back up.
- Eating Something Bad: Dogs are curious. They often eat things they shouldn’t, like garbage, spoiled food, or grass. Their body’s reaction is to get rid of it quickly.
- A Simple Stomach Bug: Sometimes, dogs just have a mild upset stomach, much like we do.
- Motion Sickness: Car rides can make some dogs feel sick, especially when they are young.
- Sudden Diet Changes: Switching your dog’s food too quickly can upset their digestive system.
Most of the time, a single episode of vomiting is not a major cause for alarm. Your dog might vomit once and then seem perfectly fine, ready for their next meal or a game of fetch.
Why Do Dogs Eat Their Vomit?
This is the big question. While it seems disgusting to us, the act of dogs eating their vomit is rooted in their biology and history.
It’s an Instinct from Their Wild Ancestors
The wild ancestors of our domesticated dogs had to survive in the wild. Leaving evidence of a meal—like a dog’s vomit—could attract predators. By eating it, they would hide their scent and stay safe. This instinct is still strong in our pets today.
It Still Smells Like a Meal
A dog’s world is guided by smell. To you, vomit is gross. But to your dog, the undigested food in their vomit still smells like the meal they just ate. They don’t see it as waste; they see it as a second chance to digest their food.
A Misguided Way to Self-Soothe
Sometimes, the acid from vomiting can irritate a dog’s throat. Eating the material back may temporarily soothe that feeling, even if it just leads to more vomiting later.
So, while you may want to discourage the behavior, it’s often normal for dogs to eat their own vomit. The real concern isn’t always that they ingest it again, but why the dog is vomiting in the first place.
When Should You Be Concerned?
While the act of eating vomit is often instinctual, the vomiting itself can be a red flag. You need to pay attention to the underlying cause.
You should contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:
- Frequent Vomiting: If your dog is sick multiple times in a short period.
- Blood or Bile: Blood can look like red streaks or coffee grounds, while bile is a yellow-green fluid.
- Lethargy or Pain: If your dog seems weak, in pain, or isn’t acting like themselves.
- You Suspect a Blockage: If you see pieces of a toy or other foreign object in the dog’s vomit, or if they are trying to vomit but nothing comes out.
- They Don’t Eat Their Next Meal: A loss of appetite is a common sign that something is wrong.
Remember, the goal is to figure out why the dog vomits so you can address the root problem.
How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Their Vomit
Even though it’s a natural behavior, most owners want to know how to stop their dog from eating their vomit. It’s unhygienic and can sometimes reintroduce irritants. Here are some simple steps to help you break the habit and manage your dog from eating his vomit.
Clean Up Immediately
The fastest solution is to be quicker than your dog. Keep cleaning supplies handy so you can remove the mess as soon as it happens. This is the most direct way to prevent dogs from eating their own vomit.
Address the Root Cause of the Vomiting
The best way to prevent the behavior is to prevent the vomiting itself.
- For Fast Eaters: Use a slow-feed bowl. These bowls have ridges and patterns that make it harder for your dog to gulp their food. You can also spread their food out on a baking sheet or use a special puzzle toy.
- Check Their Diet: Make sure you are feeding your dog a high-quality food. If you need to change their food, do it slowly over a week by mixing the new food with the old food. This gives their stomach time to adjust.
- Prevent Scavenging: Keep your trash in a secure cabinet or can with a lid. When on walks, pay attention so they don’t pick up and eat things off the ground.
Use Training to Your Advantage
You can teach your canine companion to stay away from the mess.
Teach the “Leave It” Command: This is a powerful tool. It tells your dog to immediately back away from something.
- Hold a treat in your closed hand.
- When your dog sniffs it, say “Leave it.”
- The moment they pull away, praise them and give a treat from your other hand.
With practice, you can use this command to stop your dog from eating their vomit.
Redirect Their Attention: If your dog gets sick, call them to you in a happy voice and give them a high-value treat. This rewards them for moving away from the vomit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a dog to eat its vomit?
Yes, for a healthy dog, it is a common, instinctual behavior. The main concern is figuring out why they vomited. If the vomiting is frequent or severe, then you need to look for an underlying cause.
Should I punish my dog for eating its vomit?
No, you should never punish your dog for this. It is a natural instinct, and your dog does not understand that it’s “disgusting” or “wrong.” Punishment will only confuse and scare them. Focus on management and training, like using the “Leave It” command and cleaning up quickly.
Why does my dog eat other animals’ vomit?
This behavior is driven by the same strong instinct and reliance on smell. To your dog, another animal’s vomit may still smell like food. While it is even more unhygienic (as it can spread parasites or bacteria), the motivation is largely the same: a potential food source that their instincts tell them not to waste.
Should I let my dog eat grass?
Many dogs eat grass, and it often makes them vomit. It’s generally safe if the grass is chemical-free. However, frequent grass-eating and vomiting can be a sign of an underlying gastrointestinal issue, so it’s best to mention it to your veterinarian.
When is it time to call the vet?
Call your veterinary professional if you see blood, if your dog is very lethargic, if they are in visible pain, or if the frequent vomiting continues for more than a day.
Conclusion
While it may be one of their less charming, varied habits, a dog eating its vomit is usually just a sign of their ancient instincts. It’s a normal behavior for domestic dogs that is rooted in their history.
As a pet owner, your main job is to be observant. By understanding the difference between a simple upset stomach and a sign of a serious health issue, you can ensure your puppy gets the care they need. Using the tips above to manage their diet and train them can help you discourage the behavior and keep your pup happy and healthy.
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