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My senior dog is throwing up and won't eat. What home remedies help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pomapoo | Female | spayed | 15 lbs

My mom has a 10 year old pom/poo that is having stomach issues. She has been throwing up. She refuses to eat dry dog food and we have been giving her the same dog food she usually eats. Do you suggest some medication we can add to her food?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 28th, 2018

Throwing up can have many causes such as a problem with the stomach and intestines caused by a food over sensitivity, eating something that does not agree with the dog, intestinal parasites, an intestinal blockage, bacterial infection, viral infection, the weather, food change, stress, etc. 
I would fast Misty for 24 hours and then put the dog on bland food for two days, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to regular food slowly over a few days. If this does not clear up the vomiting or if the vomiting increases, or if your dog gets lethargic, it needs to see a veterinarian for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 29th, 2020

    Hello and thank you for your questions.

    Due to Brandy's advanced age, if she has not eaten her normal food in 24 hours, I recommend to have her examined by the veterinarian. Just like humans, there are many many reasons why to tummy can be upset. In a pet Brandy's age, it could be the first sign of kidney disease, liver disease or even cancer. Then again it could be something more minor like a bacterial imbalance or acid reflux. Since she can't talk however, she needs a physical exam to begin figuring things out.

    You may try offering her a bland diet and probiotic. A bland diet can consist of 25% boiled white meat chicken and 75% boiled white rice. This should all be plain. A good probiotic is FortiFlora if you can find it. Also make sure she knows where he bed is by leading her there repeatedly.

    I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 19th, 2019

    Poor Reggie! Try feeding him a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If he refuses to eat the bland diet, he vomits the bland diet, develops diarrhea, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away. I hope this helps!

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 16th, 2017

    You could try feeding more frequent small meals of canned food in an elevated position - try getting her to put her front legs on a chair while eating. If her appetite is decreased or she has trouble breathing let your vet know - they may recommend trying to come in sooner.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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