Why do dogs vomit?

Have you ever arrived home to find your dog in apparent pain, heaving and coughing followed by a very unpleasant about of vomiting? At some time or another everyone's dog has vomited, so thence the question. "Why do dogs vomit?" The reasons for a dog vomiting are many but since I am not a vet I can't give you all of the scientific explanations nor all of the technical whys and wherefores. What I will do though is tell you a little of my own experiences in hopes that these will help you the next time your dog is vomiting.

Dogs have been a large part of my life since I was a child. As a toddler I was terrified of canines, so my parents proceeded to purchase me my very own four footed friend. Well that little guy was the terror of the back yard but it cured me of my apprehension towards dogs. From that time I have had innumerable dogs of every shape, size and race. I have lived and traveled in many different countries and had many different experiences both good and bad but dogs have always been my steady companion throughout all my travels. Their unquestioning love and loyalty, their desire to please and make happy and their amazing ability to over look your faults and see you as a friend is truly unique. When you love a dog and a dog loves you there are few things in the World which can compare.

One thing that I have learned over the years is not to panic when my dog starts to heave and vomit. Usually the dog is simply trying to clean out his digestive system. In fact if you have ever seen your dog eat grass you should know that this is the very reason why he is eating it as the grass induces vomiting. One thing you should beware of is that dogs often try to eat their own vomit. So if you do see your dog heaving, vomiting or eating grass you should be prepared to clean it up right away to avoid this dirty and distasteful habit. If your dog continues vomiting then you should most definitely take him to a professional, especially if your dog is vomiting blood or any other colored fluids. Make sure that if your dog is not well that he always has plenty of liquids and if he appears sick check his stools for consistency and content and any vomit as well.