September 18, 2024, 11:13 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Dogs that vomit on an empty stomach are usually suffering from irritation or inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis), although this can have many different causes.
Common causes of vomiting that require veterinary treatment include infections and the ingestion of foreign bodies, poison, or other things that irritate the stomach. Stomach disorders and diseases in other organs, such as the pancreas, gall bladder, and kidneys, also often lead to vomiting. A vet should examine dogs that vomit several times on an empty stomach to rule out serious causes.
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Common factors
Stress and feeding are also common causes of dogs vomiting on an empty stomach. Like humans, dogs can develop gastritis or stomach ulcers due to stress. Vomiting can, therefore, also be a symptom of pain, anxiety, or excessive demands (physical and psychological). Nervous, restless dogs may also be susceptible to stomach problems related to stress. If the dog vomits on an empty stomach, feeding should always be checked, as an unfavorable food composition, feeding frequency, or feeding hygiene can promote vomiting.
For example, a high-protein and high-fat diet promotes the production of a lot of stomach acid and delays gastric emptying. Both can contribute to the stomach acid irritating the mucous membrane. If the dog vomits after his stomach has been empty for a long time, it can help to offer him several small meals. For example, if the dog vomits in the morning, a small amount of food or a very soft-boiled potato in the late evening is often enough to solve the problem. Potatoes are rich in potassium and can, therefore, help to neutralize excess stomach acid.
Important: Medications that neutralize stomach acid (antacids) should typically only be administered for a few days and not longer. Insufficient stomach acid can lead to the proliferation of unwanted bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract or to food fermentation in the stomach, potentially causing regurgitation and vomiting.
Food allergies and intolerances can also result in vomiting, though itching and diarrhea occur much more frequently in affected dogs.