My dog is dry heaving. Is it an emergency or just an upset stomach?

I am very sorry to hear that Nova is experiencing these problems, I am sure it is very unsettling for you both. There are a number of potential causes of such clinical signs, including dietary indiscretion, pancreatitis, parasite infestation, infection, and ingestion of a toxin or poison. I would believe the most likely cause is a dietary indiscretion, as puppies are known for getting into things they shouldn't. Because you have only noticed one episode, I would continue to monitor Nova at home. Rest Nova's gastrointestinal tract by holding back food for a few hours. Then you can continue with a bland and easily digested food of the boiled chicken breast and white rice diet and provide plenty of fresh water. I also find that boiled, mashed skinless sweet potato is helpful for diarrhoea if it were to begin. If Nova does not improve, has profuse vomiting or diarrhoea, you notice fresh blood, Nova seems lethargic, in pain or depressed I would advise a trip to the veterinarian. Here are some links to helpful resources for you if diarrhea starts; https://www.petcoach.co/article/most-common-causes-of-diarrhea-in-dogs/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-things-you-can-do-at-home-if-your-pet-has-diarrhea/ I hope that answer was helpful and more importantly that Nova feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Marla. If she vomits up the breakfast she ate, becomes lethargic or develops blood in the stool or vomit, then I recommend you seek emergency veterinary care today. This is assuming that she is otherwise healthy. I hope this information helps!

Hi there! Thanks for letting us take care of you today! Dry heaving is concerning that can be seen with emergent conditions like gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), especially if accompanied by a bloated abdomen, severe lethargy, collapse, pale gums and/or inappetence. Other possibilities foreign body obstruction. I recommend that you have Duke evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible if the above clinical signs are observed. Treatment recommendations will depend on the findings. A GDV is a surgical emergency that needs emergency surgery. Hoping that everything goes well with your boy!

I wouldn't be too concerned because Nova is otherwise normal. I'd simply keep an eye on her for now, but I don't think this needs a vet visit. I'd take her into the vet if she stops eating, starts vomiting, has diarrhea, or becomes very lethargic. I hope this helps!

Poor girl. Unfortunately my major concern here is that Winnie may have a foreign body. I would highly recommend fasting her for 6hrs and then offer her a small portion of boiled plain chicken or lean ground turkey and white rice and small amounts of non-flavored Pedialyte to keep her hydrated until you can get her seen by your vet. The vet needs to do a complete physical examination and likely will recommend x-rays if a foreign body ingestion is suspected. Best case scenario is that Winnie has a really upset stomach from something she ingested and not a true obstruction. However, the next best thing is to get her seen by your vet as soon as they are open in the morning. I do hope that Winnie feels better soon! Best of luck and take care

I'm sorry but I can't tell you that either. If it happened once and he seems otherwise normal you can give it a bit and see what happens. If he seems uncomfortable, has vomited multiple times, does not want to eat or has other symptoms I would consider it an emergency. Ultimately, you know Jax best so if you are worried there is no harm in having him examined now.

Labored breathing and vomiting are very concerning signs. In an older, large-breed dog like your girl, I would be worried about bloat as a possible cause of her symptoms - this can be a life-threatening emergency, so needs to be treated right away. Many other things can also cause vomiting, including pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, exposure to something toxic, or an intestinal obstruction. Based on your description, I would recommend taking her to the emergency vet tonight - she may have a serious problem that can't wait until morning.