Symptoms : Sudden vomiting (sometimes bloody), audible stomach rumbling, pain in the abdomen, increased thirst, vomiting after drinking water, dazed state, dehydration
Causes : Spoiled food or food causing allergies, foreign body in the stomach, roundworms, poisoning, medications that dog does not tolerate, gastric ulcers. Infectious diseases like distemper and leptospirosis as well as chronic disorders of the livers and kidneys can also give rise to gastritis.

Effect : Frequent vomiting causes and acid base imbalance in the body that may result in even more nausea and subsequent vomiting. If this condition continues for quite some time, a chronic gastritis (stomach inflamation) will occur.

If a dog vomits occasionally, all that is usually necessary is to withhold food for a day and then put the dog on a gastrointestinal diet for 1-3 days. If there is no improvement, take the animal to the vet. The vet can control vomiting and prevent dehydration by intravenous theraphy with saline and electrolyte solutions and by giving drugs that relieve cramping and the urge to vomit.

Follow up care : Gastrointestinal diet given in 3 to 4 small daily portions.
Prevention : Never serve food too hot or too cold. To prevent acidification of the stomach, give the dog a small snack before going to bed. Never give medications on an empty stomach.