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My dog is dry heaving for 4 hours. Could this be a GDV emergency?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 6 years and 8 months old | 80 lbs

My dog is dry heaving. Should i be alarmed? He has been doing this off and on for about 4 hours.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on August 17th, 2017

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!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 20th, 2018
Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This is definitely not GDV. GDV dogs are in extreme pain, laterally recumbent (won’t move out of lateral position) in most situations, actually vomiting up all water and food. If he is attempting to vomit but nothing is coming out then he likely has an upset stomach or could even have a hairball (possible in dogs that overgroom). Another possible thing this could be is a reverse sneeze. Look this up on YouTube to ensure this isn’t what you are mistaking for a dry heave.

It’s best to take a video of the “dry heaving” to show your vet so that we can propely identify what this is so that we can treat him properly. Otherwise, he sounds stable for now and may get over this spell on his own.

Best wishes with your pet Loki moving forward. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on August 16th, 2019
Considering the signs you described GDV is not likely at all.
This is likely to be caused by a gastrointestinal inflammation of other origin at the moment, most likely related to dietary indiscretion.
As a first approach, I would suggest to withhold food for the next 8 hours and then start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days.
I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice diarrhoea, more vomiting, lethargy or inappetence.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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