Dog and Cat Vomiting: At-Home Remedies That Work

If your dog or cat is vomiting, it’s natural to wonder, “Is this serious?" and “Is there anything safe I can give my pet to stop the vomiting now?" In this article, I’ll guide you through the signs, common causes, and how to distinguish between vomiting and regurgitation. You’ll also find my most effective at-home remedies to help your pet.

Signs of Vomiting in Pets

The first sign many pets show is nausea, which includes drooling, increased licking, and swallowing. This is typically followed by vomiting, with retching and stomach contractions. Other signs that might accompany vomiting include:

• Abdominal pain
• Decreased appetite
• Weakness and lethargy

The vomit often appears frothy, with a dark yellowish tinge due to bile, and sometimes may contain small specks of blood. This indicates that the stomach is irritated (gastritis), often due to something your pet has ingested—like garbage, a plant, or even medication from the vet.

Types of Vomiting: Acute vs. Chronic

Vomiting can be either chronic or acute. Chronic vomiting may occur, for example, when a cat throws up hairballs regularly, typically once a week. On the other hand, acute vomiting is more concerning and typically requires veterinary attention if it persists for more than a few hours.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Pets

The list of potential causes of vomiting is long, but the most common include:

• Garbage Gut: When pets consume something they shouldn’t.
• Medications: Some drugs can irritate the stomach.
• Parasites: Intestinal worms or infections can lead to vomiting.
• Food Allergies: Certain ingredients may upset your pet’s stomach.
• Liver or Kidney Disease: Serious illnesses that affect the digestive system.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause vomiting.
• Cancer: Tumors can interfere with digestion.
• Infectious Causes: Viruses like parvovirus can lead to vomiting.
• Metabolic Disorders: Thyroid disease or diabetes can contribute.
• Physical Obstructions: Swallowed objects like balls or bones.
• Motility Disorders: When the stomach doesn’t contract properly.

Vomiting vs. Regurgitation

One important distinction pet owners often miss is the difference between vomiting and regurgitation. Vomiting is active, with retching and gagging, and the stomach contents are forcefully expelled. In contrast, regurgitation is passive; food simply sits in the esophagus and comes out without the forceful motions of vomiting.

The most common cause of regurgitation in dogs is megaesophagus, where the esophagus becomes enlarged. Occasional vomiting can be normal, but frequent vomiting should always be investigated by a veterinarian.

When to See a Veterinarian

If your pet is vomiting persistently and cannot even keep water down, it’s crucial to get them to the vet within 24 hours. This could indicate a severe issue, like an obstruction, that may require IV fluids or even surgery. If your pet is still drinking water and vomiting only intermittently, you can try some of these at-home remedies first.

Effective At-Home Remedies for Vomiting Pets

1. 24-Hour Fast
   The most important step is to allow your pet’s inflamed stomach time to heal by fasting for 24 hours. Provide only water, and after 24 hours, introduce bland food such as plain cooked white rice, equal to the amount of food you would normally give. After 48 hours, you can mix the rice with their regular food, and gradually reintroduce their regular diet after 72 hours.

2. Controlled Water Intake
   It’s crucial that your pet stays hydrated, but do not let them drink too much at once. Offer smaller amounts of water throughout the day. If your pet is reluctant to drink, try offering ice cubes, which may encourage drinking.

3. Peppermint Tea
   Peppermint tea is a popular remedy for upset stomachs. Brew a strong cup, allow it to cool, and give your dog ¼ cup per 10 lbs of body weight, three times a day. For cats, offer 1 tablespoon three times daily.

4. Ginger
   Ginger is another effective remedy for vomiting. You can use dried ginger (25 mg per lb of body weight) or ginger tincture (1 drop per lb of body weight twice daily). Alternatively, you can make ginger tea by boiling a peeled inch of ginger root in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Give your pet 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight twice daily.

5. Petroleum Jelly for Hairballs
   For cats, petroleum jelly (Vaseline) can be an easy and effective remedy for hairballs and vomiting. Place a ¼ inch of petroleum jelly in your cat’s mouth, or put it on their front paws if they resist. Use twice daily for five days. There are flavored versions available from pet stores, such as Felaxin and Laxatone, which are easier for pets to ingest.

6. Homeopathic Remedy: Arsenicum
   A homeopathic remedy I’ve used with great success is Arsenicum, which is especially effective for garbage gut and food poisoning. The dosage is 30C every 2 hours for 1–2 days.

Diet Changes for Chronic Vomiting

If your pet experiences chronic vomiting, I strongly recommend switching to a hypoallergenic food or a homemade allergy diet. At the very least, change to a high-quality food. Some pets respond particularly well to more natural diets, such as Innova or California Natural.

Conclusion

By now, you should have a good understanding of the common signs and causes of dog and cat vomiting. You’ll be able to distinguish between vomiting and regurgitation, and assess whether you can treat your pet at home or if a vet visit is needed. If your pet is intermittently vomiting and able to keep some water down, you can try remedies like a 24-hour fast, peppermint tea, ginger, petroleum jelly, and the homeopathic remedy Arsenicum.

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