Anti-Vomiting Medications For Dogs

When you notice that your dog is not feeling well, it's normal to get nervous, especially when they begin to vomit. However, before panicking, know that there could be a multitude of reasons your dog has thrown up. Thankfully, there are several anti-vomiting medications that can help curb a dog's upset stomach.

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There are many causes of vomiting in dogs. Some are mild, like motion sickness, and others are more severe. They could have eaten something suspect, it could be due to a diet change, or it may be a viral infection. If the vomiting persists, it may be time to add an anti-vomiting medication for dogs into the mix.

Before administering any medication, have your veterinarian evaluate your dog to find the cause of the vomiting. Medications for vomiting can be used alone but are commonly used in a multilayered approach to address the different aspects contributing to the dog's upset stomach.

If vomiting persists while the dog is on medications or if the dog is vomiting so much that they can't keep the pills down, see your veterinarian for a reevaluation of their condition.

You can give the drug Cerenia for a dog's upset stomach. Cerenia, or maropitant citrate, is a newer medication that can be given to your dog in injectable form under the skin or orally in a tablet. The medication is designed to be given once a day for four to five days and typically will substantially reduce nausea and vomiting.

Cerenia will take effect quickly, and improvement signs in your dog should follow. If Cerenia does not work and your dog continues to vomit despite the administration of this drug, your dog may have a more serious condition and should return to the veterinarian for a recheck. If the dog is vomiting to the point where they won't hold down a pill, the injectable form may be required until the vomiting stops.

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If the vomiting is secondary to a stasis of the bowel, metoclopramide, also known as Reglan and Maxolon, can be a medication of choice. For dogs who have had severe colitis, GI surgery, or bloat, the bowel may have slowed or stopped, causing digestive fluid or food to back up in the stomach.

Metoclopramide acts to stimulate the bowel muscle back into action. Once the normal motility is restored, the fluid in the stomach will pass downstream, and vomiting should stop. Metoclopramide is available in tablet form and an oral syrup. It is also available as an injection that your veterinarian will administer under the skin, especially if vomiting is a concern.

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Dogs with ulcers as either a primary problem or secondary to another issue will often vomit due to their stomach lining being eroded and feeling nauseous constantly. Sucralfate, also known as Carafate, is a chalky substance that is given as a pill or in an oral suspension that acts to coat the stomach and buffer the tissue from the stomach acids. This allows the tissue to heal and decreases the nausea that causes vomiting. It can be given up to four times a day.

Sucralfate should be given by mouth on an empty stomach. Do not administer it at the same time as other medications, as sucralfate may inhibit their absorption. This medication should take effect within one to two hours; however, the effects may not be visibly noticeable right away. Sucralfate does have a few side effects. The most commonly reported side effect is constipation. Vomiting has also been reported.

Omperazole, commonly known as Gastrogard and Prilosec, is designed to slow acid production in the stomach. Dogs with ulcers from any cause can often feel sick and vomit due to their raw stomach wall. Omperazole will cut production of the acids eroding the wall, facilitating healing. This medication is often used in conjunction with other medications, as it works over time and offers limited immediate relief.