I recently had an episode with a sick dog, and going through my thought process and actions might be helpful, especially for those who panic when their dog vomits or has diarrhea.

The basics of canine digestive health

First, let's differentiate between vomiting and regurgitation, as well as between vomiting and spitting up yellow bile.  Vomiting occurs when food that has started the process of digestion comes back up.  It will have signs of breakdown and might be unrecognizable from what it went down as.  Regurgitation occurs when the dog throws something back up that it has not started to digest.  Regurgitation is likely to happen during or soon after eating.  As disgusting as it might be, let the dog try to eat it again.  In most cases, something did not go down right the first time (maybe too large of a piece), and the dog needs to try again.  Spitting up yellow bile is not a cause for alarm.  Bile is a digestive enzyme generated when the dog eats or anticipates eating.  If the stomach is empty, these bitter enzymes often cause the dog to spit a foaming yellow substance.  Feed the dog, and then consider adjusting your feeding routine.  Dogs fed precisely at the same time every day get good at telling time with their stomach.  Keep your dog on his toes by feeding him at different times throughout the day.  If your dog does this in the middle of the night, consider giving them a tiny meal before bed, keeping something in the stomach to digest when the bile is generated. Understanding your dog's digestive system can make you feel knowledgeable and empowered in handling these situations.

Vomiting is a natural defense mechanism that allows the body to expel something that shouldn't be there.  It's important to remember this when your dog vomits. Rushing to your vet for a drug to stop it, especially if your dog has ingested something toxic, could keep the toxins in your dog longer. Let the dog's body do what it's designed to do.  

My experience

So, now, onto my sick dog.  The other day, one of my dogs vomited up his entire stomach contents.  I wasn't sure which dog it was until he did it again shortly after the first.  I didn't panic because my dog was not showing any other symptoms; he had just been playing with his doggie best friend next door.  After his second episode, I was pretty sure there was not much left inside, so I monitored him for any additional signs that something else was wrong. Single signs are rarely indicators of serious illness.  When we can put together a complete picture, we can determine if we need to worry or just let the body do its thing.  Vomiting, along with signs of lethargy, pain, or discomfort, or if they stop drinking, pooping, or peeing, is a complete picture that says something more serious might be going on. Any one of those symptoms by themselves is not a reason to rush to the vet. Remember, patience and observation are key in these situations, and they can provide you with reassurance and calm.  

I made sure he did not eat anything for the remainder of the day.  The following morning, he threw up some yellow bile, which told me he was hungry and probably ready to eat.  Had he not done this, I would have continued to fast him until the evening for a complete 24-hour fast, and then I would have brought him back slowly with some bone broth to start and then small amounts of food. Fasting can help the dog's digestive system to rest and recover, but it's important to monitor the dog's condition during the fast. The point of fasting is not to starve the dog; think about the difference you feel between not wanting to eat when you're sick and when you are truly hungry or need calories. Throwing up bile was a good indicator of wanting some food, so I gave him a small amount until I knew he could keep it down.  I still gave him his regular food, but I did not add anything he usually gets, such as his CBD or his joint supplement.  I mixed in some probiotics (Love Bugs from Adored Beast) just in case his tummy was upset by everything.  By the next day, he returned to his regular eating schedule and amounts.  No worse for the wear.

Your Go 2 - First Aid In a Bottle

Investigating for causes

As far as what caused this, it could have been just about anything.  He was outside with his doggie friend, running all over.  My neighbor has a lot of trees, and who knows what he may have found in or behind those trees.  Was there a pesticide someone recently sprayed?  Did he eat a piece of snow melt from the curb as it had snowed earlier that day?  He found an old bone that I caught him chewing on, which could have easily caused it.  The one thing I immediately ruled out was his food. 

I never suspected he ate bad food or there was something wrong with his food.  Pet parents will jump to this conclusion very quickly, but food is the last thing I would suspect.  I have four dogs, and he was the only one who was sick.  There is no way that bad food only affects him and no one else, especially when they all eat the same thing.  As a nutritionist and long-time raw feeder, I know how much this food is tested and how the quality control procedures make it unlikely that a "bad batch" is sent out.  I listed only a few things he might have gotten into, but the list of things he could have exposed himself to is very long.  Dogs don't wear shoes, are way closer to the ground than we are, and put anything and everything into their mouths.  They are not unlike toddlers in this regard.  The chances they get into something outside or inside the house that upsets their stomach is far greater than winning the pet lottery and getting a singularly bad roll of food.  Lastly, don't discount the possibility that he didn't feel good or got nervous about something and threw up.  My dog played pretty hard with his friend; we've all seen or heard of an athlete throwing up on the field during strenuous exercise. It could be something that simple.  Not all illnesses have to be explained or have a reason, especially if they do not reoccur.  Don't make everything with your pet a big deal because not everything is. Remember, your dog's behavior is often normal and not a cause for anxiety, which should make you feel at ease and less anxious. 

Veterinarian visit?

I also want to address whether going to the vet was on my mind.  It was not.  He would have had not only to continue to vomit but display other symptoms in addition to the vomiting.  Things like not pooping, not drinking, not doing things he usually does, like come running when he hears the cheese drawer open or barking at a leaf that blows by.

Lessons learned

This is also a good time to remind pet parents to be aware of potential hazards in their dog's environment and to monitor their behavior and diet to prevent such incidents. Regularly inspecting your dog's play area and being cautious about what they put in their mouths can help prevent situations where they ingest something harmful or dangerous. 

Conclusion and final thoughts

Navigating a situation where your dog is sick can be challenging, but understanding the basics of canine digestive health can equip you with the knowledge and reassurance needed to respond effectively. By distinguishing between vomiting, regurgitation, and other symptoms, you can avoid unnecessary panic and decide when to intervene or monitor your dog. Patience and careful observation are essential in assessing your dog's condition—single symptoms can often be misleading and do not warrant immediate vet visits unless accompanied by more concerning signs. 

In my experience with my dog, maintaining a calm demeanor and following a structured approach to fasting and reintroducing food allowed for a swift recovery. It's crucial to remember that dogs can often bounce back from minor digestive upset, and understanding the role of their behavior and symptoms plays a key role in ensuring their well-being. Ultimately, being a prepared and informed pet parent can make all the difference when facing these unexpected challenges.