(And What To Do About It)
Throwing up now and again is totally normal for your Weimaraner. If your Weim throws up but is otherwise acting normal, it’s usually not a big deal. The following are the most common reasons why Weims vomit:
Eating Too Fast or Too Much
This one might sound silly -— and whose Weim doesn’t eat too fast?! But eating too fast can actually make your dog feel sick. It’s probably the same feeling you have when you overindulge on Thanksgiving. More serious than vomiting is that eating too fast could be linked to bloat, which is more common in Weimaraners than most other breeds. When he gobbles up that kibble he is also woofing down air that could get trapped.
What to do about it: Most people recommend splitting your dog’s food rations into multiple meals a day —- at least two. Brake-Fast bowls or putting large rocks or chains in your Weim’s bowl will help slow your Weim down! Better yet, why not use your dog’s food as training treats and spread it throughout the day!
Eating The Inedible
Rocks, sticks, underwear, pantyhose, we have heard it all! Some Weims are simply NOT discriminating.
What to do about it: Vomiting and poor appetite are the first signs of obstructions. Take your Weim to the vet.
Intestinal Parasites
This problem is much more common in puppies, but can also be an issue in adult dogs when the parasite burden is large. Usually your dog will have diarrhea as well as vomiting, and may act like he doesn’t feel well or be acting totally normal. The vomit may be small amounts throughout the day and doesn’t appear to be related to meals.
What to do about it: This one requires a vet trip, especially in a puppy. If you are fairly sure it is worms in an adult dog you can try a dewormer first, but only if you feel comfortable with this. Since puppies don’t have as much reserve and can get dehydrated and malnourished much more quickly, it is advisable to take them to your vet —- armed with a poop sample, of course!
Too Many Table Scraps
This is probably the most common one in Weims, since they are well-known for their over-indulgences. Vomiting can be simple vomiting or it could also be pancreatitis if the dog appears ill in addition to the vomiting.
What to do about it: If your dog is just vomiting, you can give Pepto Bismol (1tsp per 20lbs) every 4-6 hours. You can also give Pepcid AC or Zantac (1/2 tablet for dogs 20-60lbs, 1 tablet for dogs over 60lbs). Your dog can also have an adult dose of GasX (Simethicone) for gas or if you suspect bloat. Consult your vet for specific information regarding your dog and his or her health needs!
Food Intolerances
This is a common one in Weims, since food intolerances, IBS, and allergies are common and often overlooked. Often symptoms of this are soft, frequent stools in addition to vomiting that occurs after a meal.
What to do about it: You may be able to find out the culprit yourself by trying an elimination diet, but the first step is usually to try a grain free food. If that doesn’t help, start trying different novel proteins or one of the limited ingredient kibbles. Or you could always go raw!
Empty Stomach
Vomiting bile usually happens with young puppies and usually in the morning, or after a prolonged period of not eating.
What to do about it: You can combat this by spacing meals closer together, adding a meal later at night, feeding a small snack before bed, and/or feeding breakfast early in the morning.
He Just Has A Tummy Ache!
Just like us, sometimes dogs have a plain old bellyache. Often they will eat spiky plants or nasty tasting things to induce vomiting—their bodies tell them that they need to empty their stomach and vomiting is the fastest way to do it. All dogs eat grass, but when your dog has a stomachache, he will really chow down to get results.
What to do about it: Nothing. Your dog already fixed his problem and he will be good as new once he empties his tummy!
When To Go To The Vet
Serious causes of vomiting include, viruses like parvo, ulcers, uterine infections, kidney and liver diseases and tumors. According to vetinfo.com, these symptoms should send you to the vet’s office screaming:
- Severe vomiting that comes on suddenly
- Weakness
- Fever
- Suspected foreign body ingestion
- Bloody diarrhea
- Pain (abdominal or otherwise)
- Seizures
- Blood in the vomit
How To Induce Vomiting
If your dog has eaten something in the past few minutes, you can use hydrogen peroxide to make him give it back. If he ate something caustic (a chemical that might burn his throat) or something that could potentially tear the mucosa (anything sharp!), do NOT induce vomiting. Use your judgment or call a vet. Usually an adult Weim takes 20mL or more of hydrogen peroxide. We give a dose and wait 5-10 minutes, then give another dose. If after a few doses your dog has not vomited, call your vet.
Hey you made it to the end of the article!
If you want more tips like this, just enter your email address below to get 'em for free!
By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from JustWeimaraners. I'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Surviving life with Weims!
goDog Plush With Chew Guard Technology
Zogoflex Hurley Durable Dog Bone Chew Toy for Aggressive Chewers
KONG - Extreme Dog Toy - Toughest Natural Rubber
Nylabone Classic Power Chew
The information you have provided is very useful. My Weim is our second and we have a good idea of what to expect. The problem of her throwing up after drinking a lot of water which is mostly water with some clear mucus started after she spent one day in the kennel. At first she did not want to eat only drink but after a while she did eat only to throw it up shortly thereafter. Don’t understand why this is happening as she was fine when I brought her into the kennel which is a very nice and clear facility. I will watch her and if it continues I will bring her back to the vet. Thanks again
Our 7 year old Weimar stole a pipping hot 🥩 large steak. She started leaning to the left and weak on her feet. She threw up a large white thick glob. No meat! Seems to be fine now. Gross what’s that glob?
Yikes, I have no idea! It’s great that she seems to be feeling fine now though. Keep an eye on her and if you ever figure it out, please update!