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Why does my dog retch, lick lips, and eat grass in the evening?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 6 years and 6 months old | 49 lbs

Have a golden doddle that in the evening she starts retching, licking her lips and breathing heavily at times during this . She gets very anxious to go out side and eat grass. When she does this she does not throw up. I have tried rice, sweet potato.and in despite situations I give her peroxide. Lately not even that works. Not sure what to do for her to ease her comfort.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 14th, 2018

I am so sorry to hear about Maddie! It definitely sounds like she is battling nausea in the evenings. Dogs often eat grass to try to settle their stomach. The question is why? Have you changed foods? Have you started going to the dog park after dinner? Is she nauseous at any other time of day? Losing weight? Pregnant? Getting into the trash/cat litter every afternoon? Because so many things can cause nausea, I would highly recommend you see your vet as soon as possible. He or she will ask many more questions, do a good physical exam and potentially recommend x-rays and/or bloodwork to help determine what is going on. In the meantime, I would not recommend peroxide as this is actually damaging to the gut lining and I try to avoid it except in emergencies. Rice and sweet potato won’t hurt but they are unlikely to stop vomiting. When Maddie seems nauseous, pick up the food and water. Reintroduce water 4 hours after any vomiting or after she seems comfortable again. Reintroduce a small meal 13 hours after any vomiting. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Maddie!
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Waxing and waning gastrointestinal signs in a golden doodle make me very suspicious of something called Addison’s disease. Also, IBD and food sensitivities are possible as well. We know that peroxide causes damage to the stomach lining and should only be given in an emergency situation when emesis is needed and a veterinarian is not available. I would encourage you to consider having her evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. You may consider asking your veterinarian for cerenia (anti nausea medication) to have in hand when she starts to act this way. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach:

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 12th, 2018

    I'm so sorry to hear about Hadley! I do suspect that she is nauseous as drooling and lip smacking are common signs of this. However, since you have no proof yet that she did eat anything weird, I would NOT recommend the peroxide. This is actually damaging to the gut lining and I try to avoid it if at all possible. Just like a human, this could be a short-term bout of nausea from eating something weird from the trash/outside/etc. It may pass on it's own or she may vomit once and be fine. I would take away food and water for now. Introduce a small amount of water in 4 hours (or if she vomits, 4 hours after the vomiting episode). If she keeps that down, she can probably have a small breakfast in the morning (1/4-1/2 of her normal meal). If at any point she vomits - especially if she vomits more than once or twice - I'd recommend the emergency clinic. This also goes if you see anything else unusual (tremors, collapse, gasping, etc.) They will likely offer x-rays, bloodwork, anti-nausea medication, and fluids IV or under the skin to help with hydration and gut movement. Please feel free to reach out to me by text or phone consultation if you need more help. Best of luck to you and Hadley.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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