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My dog is trying to vomit and retching. What should I do now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male

I am house a 12 year old cocker spaniel/lab and he has been trying to vomit since 7pm this evening after his dinner. He has vommited once but that was just all the grass he ate. Should i be worried? Because i am.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 28th, 2017

Hello, I am so sorry for your concerns about Louis vomiting. If he is continuing to vomit, or is continuously retching, then yes, he should be seen by his veterinarian. But if he is quiet, then you can rest his stomach for about 12 hours. Then introduce a bland diet of 25% boiled, skinless chicken & 75% boiled white rice. If Louis is hungry, only give him a tablespoon or two every hour or so. Continue this for a day, then transition him back to his regular diet. If he refuses all food, or continues to vomit after eating &/or drinking, please have Louis evaluated. I hope he is feeling better soon. Take care.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
If he continues vomiting and/or retching then I am concerned and he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. He may just be stressed, have an upset stomach from eating something abnormal, or could have a medical condition causing nausea and vomiting. If it continues or he seems lethargic then you should have a vet take a look at him to determine the cause and treat. He may need an anti-nausea medication to help. Hope he feels better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Anna M., DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 20th, 2017
Poor Memphis! He may have eaten something spoiled that is upsetting his system, but if he is continuously trying to vomit for over an hour, I recommend bringing him right in to the vet. Constant gagging/retching accompanied by general distress, heavy breathing, and a distended abdomen can be a symptom of bloat or GDV (gastric dilatation & volvulus), in which the stomach twists and begins to fill with air, compromising blood flow to major organs, and is a life threatening emergency.

If Memphis is acting pretty normal in between his vomiting episodes and you think he just has an upset tummy (perhaps from those fatty bones), then you can withhold food for 6 hours and see if symptoms resolve, then offer small amounts of bland food such as white rice and cooked chicken breast - but if he's acting off in any other way, then I'd take him immediately to the vet. Hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog is retching but not throwing up. Should I be worried?

Hi, I would definitely have him checked over to make sure that he is comfortable and resting and that he is not just getting progressively worse. Offer small amounts little and often. Unproductive retching can be a sign of something potentially serious. Hope all goes well !

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Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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