Why Did My Pomeranian Throw Up? Understand Causes & How To Stop It

Vomiting in Pomeranians, like in other breeds, can be distressing for both the pet and the owner. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek veterinary care are crucial for effectively managing this issue. Here’s a guide to help you understand why your Pomeranian might be vomiting and what you can do to help.

Common Causes of Vomiting in Pomeranians

1. Dietary Indiscretion

   • Eating Too Fast: Pomeranians often gulp their food, which can cause them to vomit shortly after eating.

   • Inappropriate Foods: Consuming foods that are not part of their regular diet, especially rich, fatty foods, or any spoiled substances.

2. Gastrointestinal Upset

   • Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can upset your Pom’s stomach and result in vomiting.

   • Toxins: Ingestion of toxic substances, including certain plants, chemicals, or foods like chocolate or xylitol (found in sugar-free gums), can lead to severe vomiting.

3. Health Conditions

   • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas often related to the ingestion of fatty foods.

   • Kidney or Liver Disease: These conditions can cause vomiting along with other systemic symptoms.

   • Intestinal Parasites: Common parasites, such as roundworms, can cause gastrointestinal distress.

4. Stress or Anxiety

   • Environmental Changes: Changes in the environment or routine can cause stress-related vomiting.

   • Separation Anxiety: Some Pomeranians vomit when left alone or under stressful conditions due to anxiety.

Steps to Manage Vomiting at Home

If your Pomeranian’s vomiting is mild and they appear otherwise healthy, you might try some home remedies to settle their stomach. However, always monitor them closely and prepare to contact your vet if symptoms persist or worsen.

1. Withhold Food

   • Fasting: Refrain from feeding your Pomeranian for about 12 to 24 hours. This gives their stomach a chance to rest and recover.

2. Provide Hydration

   • Water: Offer small amounts of water frequently to prevent dehydration, which can occur rapidly in small breeds like Pomeranians.

   • Electrolyte Solutions: If advised by your vet, you might offer a pet-specific electrolyte solution to help maintain hydration.

3. Introduce a Bland Diet

   • Bland Foods: After the fasting period, introduce a bland diet gradually. Suitable foods include boiled chicken (no skin or bones) and white rice, or specially formulated gastrointestinal diets available from veterinarians.

   • Small Portions: Feed small, frequent meals rather than large ones to ease the burden on your Pom’s digestive system.

4. Observe and Record

   • Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior and vomiting frequency. Note any changes in the vomit’s appearance and whether other symptoms develop.

   • Keep a Vomiting Diary: Record the times your Pom vomits and what the vomit looks like. This information can be crucial for your veterinarian.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

It’s important to recognize when home care isn’t enough. You should seek veterinary attention if:

• Vomiting Persists: More than a day of vomiting, especially if your Pom cannot keep water down.

• Signs of Dehydration: Symptoms such as lethargy, dry mouth, or sunken eyes.

• Additional Symptoms: Diarrhea, severe or unusual lethargy, abdominal pain, or vomiting blood.

• Suspected Toxin Ingestion: If you think your Pom has ingested something toxic, immediate veterinary intervention is critical.

Preventing Future Episodes

• Diet Management: Stick to a regular, appropriate diet and avoid giving table scraps or foods high in fat.

• Slow Feeding: Consider using a slow feeder bowl if your Pom tends to eat too quickly.

• Regular Vet Checkups: Regular check-ups can help identify and manage underlying conditions before they result in symptoms like vomiting.

By understanding the potential causes and appropriate responses to your Pomeranian’s vomiting, you can ensure they receive the best care and maintain their health and happiness. Always prioritize professional veterinary advice over home treatment, especially in cases of repeated or severe symptoms.

Advanced Care and Observations

For Pomeranians who continue to exhibit vomiting despite initial home treatment, or where vomiting is severe, further veterinary care and advanced diagnostics may be necessary. Here’s what that might involve and how you can support your dog through the process.

Further Diagnostic Tests

1. Bloodwork: Comprehensive blood tests can help determine if there is an underlying systemic issue such as kidney or liver disease.

2. X-rays or Ultrasound: Imaging can identify blockages, foreign bodies, or abnormalities in the stomach and intestines.

3. Endoscopy: This procedure allows a vet to look directly inside the stomach and take biopsies if needed, which can be crucial for diagnosing chronic or elusive gastrointestinal problems.

Advanced Treatments

1. Intravenous (IV) Fluids: For severe dehydration, your vet might administer fluids intravenously to quickly rehydrate your Pom and correct electrolyte imbalances.

2. Prescription Medications: Depending on the diagnosis, your Pom may require specific medications such as antiemetics (to control vomiting), antibiotics (if an infection is present), or other targeted treatments.

3. Hospitalization: In some cases, especially if the vomiting is severe or the dog is very lethargic, hospitalization might be necessary to provide supportive care and close monitoring.

Ongoing Management and Prevention

1. Diet Adjustments: Depending on the cause of the vomiting, your vet may recommend a permanent change in diet, such as a hypoallergenic formula or a diet designed for sensitive stomachs.

2. Regular Monitoring: Keep regular appointments with your vet to monitor your Pom’s health and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

3. Stress Reduction: Work on creating a calm environment for your Pom to minimize stress-related vomiting. This can include regular exercise, consistent routines, and anxiety-reducing techniques like calming music or pheromone diffusers.

Recognizing Emergency Situations

While many cases of vomiting can be managed at home or with standard veterinary care, there are certain circumstances where immediate emergency intervention is required:

• Repeated Vomiting: If your Pomeranian vomits repeatedly within a short period, or attempts to vomit but nothing comes out (which can be a sign of bloat, a life-threatening emergency).

• Blood in Vomit: Presence of blood, which can appear as fresh red blood or coffee grounds, suggests serious complications.

• Accompanied by Severe Symptoms: Such as extreme lethargy, unresponsiveness, or significant abdominal pain.

Building a Supportive Environment

• Comfort: Ensure that your Pomeranian has a comfortable, quiet place to rest and recover. Keep their bedding clean and provide a warm environment.

• Hydration: Continue to encourage small, frequent amounts of water intake to maintain hydration.

• Observation: Keep a detailed log of your Pom’s vomiting episodes, dietary habits, and behavior changes to share with your veterinarian. This information can be invaluable in diagnosing and treating the problem effectively.

Conclusion

Vomiting in Pomeranians can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from minor to severe. Understanding these causes and knowing the appropriate steps to take, from home care to emergency response, can make a significant difference in your Pom’s health and well-being. Always prioritize consultation with a veterinarian, especially in cases of persistent, recurrent, or severe vomiting, to ensure the best care and treatment for your beloved pet.