Working at an animal hospital for some time, I have learned about some effective home remedies to help give some relief to vomiting dogs. However, I have also learned that while mostly effective, these home remedies may not work for all dogs, and that in some instances medical attention is required to solve the problem. Here are some basic guidelines:

-Fast the dog. This will give his gastro-intestinal tract some rest and time to recover. With food out of the way, there should be less vomiting. If the dog vomits yellow bile it simply means the dog is vomiting on an empty stomach.. Usually, a 24 hour fast is necessary for adult dogs while puppies should not be fasted for more than 12 hours.

-See if your dog can keep water down. If not take water away and try to re-offer it later. If you are concerned about dehydration try to offer ice chips . Ice chips are better tolerated than just gulping down water.

-After the fasting period, when the vomiting should have ceased, take away his normal food and replace with boiled chicken and rice or boiled hamburger and rice. If you use chicken make sure it is skinless, if you use burger make sure the fat is drained off. Make the rice the bulky part of the meal. Keep giving this diet until the dog seems to get better. Then, re-introduce gradually the regular food. This should be done slowly over a few days.

-Provide some unflavored Pedialyte or Gatorade to help replenish lost electrolytes if your dog is able to keep liquids down. If not, you can freeze one or the other and offer it frozen to prevent further vomiting.

-Do a hydration check. Try to lift the dog's shoulder blade or back skin in a tent. If the skin returns back promptly he is well hydrated, if it takes a few seconds or worse remains lifted it means the dog needs immediate vet attention and fluids given under the skin or intravenously.

-Check his gums. Have him seen immediately if his gums turn pale, whitish, grayish or purple. Normal gums should be a healthy bubble gum pink. Try as well to press your finger on his gum. The gum should become whitish and return promptly pink. If it takes a few seconds the dog again needs to be seen ASAP.

-Ask your vet if you can try to give over the counter Pepto Bismol. He will give you dosing instructions if he thinks it may be helpful. As with any medications there may have side effects. Pepto contains aspirin so do not give if you know your dog has an allergy to aspirin.

-Have him seen by a vet if the dog becomes lethargic, the vomiting continues regardless of diet change or stops and then returns, other symptoms develop such as diarrhea, inappetance, or fever. The dog may have parasites, gastro-enteritis, pancreatits, a foreign body ingestion (usually along with vomiting), parvo, and many other serious conditions that need prompt vet attention.

-Parvo is a potentially deadly disease in puppies, so if you pup has not been vaccinated or has not yet finished his vaccine series consider this as a possibiility. Parvo causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea often of a foul odor, lethargy, and inapettance.

Vomiting may be the simple result of the dog getting into your trash can and getting an upset tummy. He may have roundworms especially if he is a puppy. It may be due to a recent abrupt diet change. These are usually mild cases of vomiting that resolve within 24 hours.. However, if any worrisome or out of the ordinary symptoms arise along with the volmiting, do not hesitate to have him seen by a vet promptly. Chances are that it may be just a minor issue, but as with most issues, if caught promptly it likely will not evolve into a more serious and costly issue.

Disclaimer: this article is not to be used as a diagnostic tool not as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your dog is sick, please report to your veterinarain promtly for a hands on examination.