My 7-month-old puppy is throwing up spit and food. What's wrong?

I am sorry to hear about Bongo! I would recommend having him examined by a veterinarian for this issue to determine the underlying cause for the problem. We do worry in young dogs with these symptoms about a condition called megaesophagus, which is where the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach is abnormally wide and can cause food to not fully pass into the stomach and then to be regurgitated back up (often being mistaken for vomiting). We also worry about things like intestinal parasites, and things like dietary sensitivity/intolerance. The vet can examine her and get a detailed history on her symptoms and may recommend testing such as a fecal exam to check for parasites and x-ray to check for stomach or esophagus abnormalities.

Regurgitation can happen with over-activity but if this is happening regularly it needs to be assessed. Conditions like megaesophagus can cause regurgitation, especially in puppies. I would suggest having her examined by a veterinarian to make sure there is no underlying illness causing this problem.

No, this isn't normal. It could be a symptom of megaesophagus, which is when the esophagus is enlarged and there is decreased motility of food leading to regurgitation. Penelope could be swallowing back down her food. Megaesophagus can lead to aspiration pneumonia. She could also be eating too fast, causing her to vomit back up her food. I would have Peneople seen by a vet for this on Monday. The vet can diagnose what is causing this behavior and can discuss treatment options with you.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Chance. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian. If he is having abdominal contractions, this usually indicates vomiting. Regurgitation can also happen where the food passively slips up. In this case, there are not abdominal contractions and the puppy seems surprised when it happens. Finally, if a puppy has a respiratory tract infection, coughing can bring up a white foamy material or sometimes food if he gags. The veterinarian will examine him and determine which of these scenarios are occurring and how best to treat him. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Burger. The first step is to determine if he is vomiting or regurgitating as they have different causes. Vomiting is signified by retching and abdominal contractions. There may be signs of nausea that precede an episode. Regurgitation is the passive expulsion of esophageal or stomach contents. The material will slip up often times surprising the animal. You can try to video an episode to show your veterinarian. If he is regurgitating you will want to take chest x-rays to look at the size and shape of his esophagus. A dilated esophagus known as megaesophagus can result in pneumonia on the animal frequently chokes on its food. I hope this information gives you a starting point!

Poor girl. She may have a condition that is causing this such as megaesophagus. I am not sure if your vet has ran any tests yet, but I would recommend starting with thoracic radiographs and perhaps even a barium series will need to be done to detect a possible megaesophagus. Form there the vet will prescribe medication if this conditon is confirmed. The main concern with a pet that regurgitates is aspiration pneumonia. This is why they suggest to elevate the food bowl to allow gravity to help keep the food down. However most owners have to make a gruel (water mixed with food and then puréed) and also give pro-motility drugs (i.e. Metoclopramide) in addition to help manage this condition. Here is more information on megaesophagus if this is confirmed to be the cause of your pet regurgitation episodes. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3480 I hope this helps you with Cozy’s regurgitation episodes. Best wishes and take care.

Hi there. Sorry to hear Pluto isn't feeling well. Vomiting after every meal is something you will have to take him in to have evaluated fully by your veterinarian. Possible causes include gastric reflux, esophageal sphincter issues, a condition called megaeophagus, etc to name a few. Unfortunately there will be a need for further diagnostics before any conclusions can be made in a case like yours. Your first step will likely be x rays to rule out any anatomical issue (a tumor pressing on your esophagus, a megaesophagus, or structure), and will progress from there.