Why Is My Dog Throwing Up Undigested Food? A Guide to Regurgitation
Written By: Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva, VMD, cVMA | Professional Services Veterinarian, Wild Earth
Does your dog throw up undigested food hours after eating?
As pet parents, seeing our dogs experience any health issue can be concerning. According to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, approximately 14-20% of dogs experience regurgitation episodes at some point in their lives, with chronic cases affecting about 5% of the canine population.
When it comes to dogs regurgitating food, understanding the difference between vomiting and regurgitation is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Keeping our pups healthy is our number one priority, and every pet parent knows how scary it is when we notice any signs of illness or discomfort in our fur babies.
A less talked about, but still common symptom experienced by some dogs is vomiting, or more accurately, regurgitating undigested food several hours after eating.
We know that food begins to be digested once it reaches the stomach, so why is undigested food coming up hours after eating? Shouldn’t the food already be digested?
As it turns out, there are several possible reasons, such as esophageal obstruction, Megaesophagus, congenital disease of heart blood vessels, acid reflux, and Gastric Hypomotility - keep reading to find out more about what they are!
Understanding Dog Regurgitation vs. Vomiting: What's the Difference?
Regurgitation and vomiting in dogs are distinct problems with different underlying causes. While both result in food coming back up, the processes and treatments vary significantly:
Regurgitation in Dogs:
- Passive process without abdominal muscle contractions
- Contains undigested food, often in kibble form
- Usually occurs shortly after eating
- Related to esophageal issues or problems with food entering the stomach
Vomiting in Dogs:
- Active process involving stomach retching
- Contains partially digested food
- Can occur hours after eating
- Often related to stomach or intestinal issues
Which is It? Vomit or Regurgitation
Before diving into these causes, let’s first differentiate vomiting and regurgitating as they are very different, and there are different causes for each. Vomiting is an active process with stomach retching involved, whereas regurgitation is a passive process.
When a dog is regurgitating, you will not see their abdominal muscles contract, and the contents are usually undigested kibble. Regurgitation usually occurs when there is an issue with the esophagus or food entering the stomach. Differentiating between the two is the first step!
Possible Causes
1. Esophageal Obstruction
Esophageal obstruction occurs when something is blocking the esophagus such as a toy or bone, and therefore food cannot pass to the stomach. It is very dangerous, not only because food cannot pass, but also because these items can often completely perforate the esophagus. Esophageal obstruction can also result from cancer if a tumor blocks the passage of food.
2. Megaesophagus
Megaesophagus is a condition where the esophagus gets dilated, weakening the muscles. As a result, food does not move through the esophagus normally and can be easily regurgitated. Megaesophagus can either be congenital or acquired.
3. Congenital Disease of Heart Blood Vessels
This should be considered if a puppy is regurgitating food at weaning. This condition is called persistent right aortic arch, and it results when an embryonic branch of the aorta (a heart blood vessel) fails to regress. It essentially pushes on the esophagus and blocks food from passing through to the stomach.
4. Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when gastric acid leaks into the esophagus and causes inflammation. This, in turn, can lead to irritation, and your dog may regurgitate their food when it comes into contact with the irritated portion of the esophagus.
5. Gastric Hypomotility
Gastric hypomotility typically occurs in older dogs, and results in vomiting undigested or partially digested food hours after eating. This cluster of diseases can be primary or secondary, meaning it is caused by a stomach issue vs something outside of the gastrointestinal tract, respectively.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
If your dog is regurgitating undigested food, it's essential to consult your veterinarian promptly. To help with diagnosis:
- Record when the regurgitation occurs
- Take videos of the episodes if possible
- Note any changes in eating habits or behavior
- Keep track of the frequency of incidents
Prevention and Management Tips
Research from the American Journal of Veterinary Research suggests these evidence-based management strategies:
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals
- Use elevated food bowls when appropriate
- Keep your dog upright for 15-30 minutes after eating
- Remove access to small toys or objects that could cause obstruction
Wrap Up
Regurgitation of undigested food in dogs can indicate various underlying health conditions, from minor issues to serious medical concerns. Early intervention and proper veterinary care are crucial for your dog's health and well-being. If you notice your dog regularly bringing up undigested food, don't wait – schedule a veterinary consultation to identify and address the root cause.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment of your pet's specific condition.
