Vomiting is extremely common in cats and dogs. Dogs are guilty of dietary indiscretion far more often than cats, and scavenging behaviour is a frequent precursor to an upset stomach. Dogs and cats have a very easy vomit reflex and the slightest irritation of the stomach brings these things back up. It can happen to dogs and cats of any age, breed or sex. Dogs are naturally curious animals and will chew on anything they can get their paws on. Raiding the garbage can for ?snacks? has long been the past time of many dogs and is a common source for ?Garbage Gut.

Occasional pet vomiting can happen because of fur balls or other mysterious, fairly benign reasons. You may notice your pet vomiting, not eating, drooling and they may have abnormal bowel movements. A few other reasons are certain medications (aspirin), food allergies, parasites, liver or kidney disease, cancer, infectious diseases (parvovirus), physical obstructions (lodged bone or ball) and motility disorders (the stomach does not contract properly).

Treatment

Treatment will rely on the underlying cause of the vomiting. Treatment varies on a case-by-case basis depending on the cause of the vomiting. It is important to recognize when your animal requires veterinary treatment. There are several solutions and treatments that can help a dog who experiences chronic vomiting and stomach-ache.

The first thing that you must do is access the severity of the frequency of vomiting. If your pet cannot even retain water and is persistently vomiting than wait no longer than 24 hours before getting him to the vet. This could be an indication of a blockage or obstruction that needs to be treated with IV and or surgery.

However if your pet is only intermittently vomiting and can hold down fluids than try these home remedies.

Solutions:

1.Fasting

Allow 24 hours of fasting in order to allow the stomach to heal. Allow access to small amounts of water. After 24 hours try bland foods, such as cooked rice, start small and gradually increase to normal feeding amounts. After 48 hrs mix the rice with a small amount of their regular food. If they are able to handle this then after 72hrs go back to their normal food diet.

2. Offer Ice

Some pets may be reluctant to drink water. Try offering a few ice chips. It is very important to keep them hydrated.

3. Tea Time

Like people, peppermint tea can help ease an upset tummy. After allowing the tea to cool give ? cup per 10lbs of body weight, three times per day. Cats can get 1 tablespoon 3 times per day.

4. Pepto-Bismol

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CATS. For dogs you can give them 1ml/10lbs, 3 times per day but not more than 7 days.

5. Homeopathic

Nux Vomica is a homeopathic remedy for vomiting. Give 1/30c strength tablet per 10lbs of body weight, twice daily for 3-5 days.

6. Ginger

Ginger is another remedy for upset stomachs. Give 25mg per 1lb of body weight.

One area to look at if your pet is experiencing chronic vomiting is their diet. A diet change may be in order. Try switching to a hypoallergenic food or homemade allergy diet food. Below I have included one such allergy diet recipe.

Boiled white fish/canned tuna 1 cup

Boiled cooked potatoes or Cooked Rice 1 cup

Calcium Carbonate or Tums 1 teaspoon (tablet)

Corn Oil 1 tablespoon

Potassium Chloride (table salt) 1 teaspoon

Multivitamin 1 tablet

Mix all ingredients together and divide into equal portions, feeding 2 ? cups in the morning and 2 ? cups in the evening.

I cannot stress the importance of providing your pet with a proper nutritional balanced diet. Most of the commercial pet food that is available will actually cause sicknesses and health problems in pets. To learn more about what is in pet food, how it is made and the problems it can cause please see the website below. The best type of pet food you can give your furry friends is homemade. You will also find healthy homemade recipes, such as the one above, at the same website.

Yes there are things that you can do to keep your pet healthy and avoid huge vet bills. However, as in the case of any pet illness should the symptoms persist or become worse see veterinarian care immediately.