Dogs may be our loyal companions and beloved family members, but sometimes their behavior can be downright gross. If you’ve ever had the misfortune of witnessing your pup eat their own vomit, you know the feeling of repulsion and confusion it can bring. But is it actually safe for dogs to eat their vomit? It’s a question many pet owners have, so we’ll provide some insight into the topic.
The short answer is that it can be safe for dogs to eat their own vomit, depending on the situation. However, there are certain circumstances in which it is not recommended. We’ll take an in-depth look into the various factors at play, and provide tips to help you make an informed decision on the safety of allowing your pup to eat their own vomit.
Why Do Dogs Eat Their Own Vomit
While eating vomit is undoubtedly disgusting to humans, it is a completely normal behavior for dogs. Dogs will consume their own vomit because it contains food. Eating vomit could also have an instinctive component because it could help hide the dog from potential predators. Dogs can also vomit as a sign of illness, so covering up the signs increases their chance of survival. Regurgitation, which to the untrained eye may resemble vomiting, may even be a sign of maternal behavior. More than 60% of breeders in a study on Swedish dogs reported seeing regurgitation in their animals. This behavior is part of the natural weaning process. As a result, eating food that has been regurgitated by a puppy is normal!
Last but not least, some anxious dogs may eat their own vomit. Your rescue dog may eat their waste or vomit if they have previously received reprimands for having accidents inside the home. It should go without saying that you shouldn’t punish your dog for having accidents inside; instead, redirect them by interrupting them and bringing them to their designated bathroom area. If they come in first, commend them and give them a treat. Punishments can make your dog anxious and encourage bad habits like eating poop and vomit.
Why do dogs throw up?
First, we need to distinguish between 2 separate conditions. Dogs can regurgitate in addition to vomiting, and the two are not the same thing and don’t have the same causes.
Is My Dog’s Vomit Harmful When Consumed
Although it can be unsettling to see your dog consuming their own vomit, most of the time it is not harmful. There is little risk in your dog eating these leftovers if their vomiting was brought on by eating too quickly. However, it’s crucial to clean up the mess and stop your dog from eating it right away if your dog is vomiting because they ate something harmful or poisonous. In order to get rid of the dangerous item or substance, your dog will vomit, and if they eat it again, they will only get sick again. Be alert for vomit that contains blood, foreign objects, or anything else that isn’t their usual food.
Although it is typically safe for dogs to eat their own vomit, some owners would not want to encourage this behavior. Your dog could suffer a terrible outcome if they eat something harmful and then proceed to eat their vomit before you can stop them. Therefore, whenever possible, it’s best to clean up your dog’s vomit before they can access it. Since trying to eat their own vomit is a natural behavior for dogs, you shouldn’t punish your dog for it. Instead, divert their attention elsewhere and tidy up the mess as soon as you can.
FAQ
Is it OK to let a dog eat its own vomit?
Since it is still food, if the dog has regurgitated regular food, it is safe for them to eat it again. However, there is a good chance that they are simply re-consuming the poison or unwholesome food that initially made them ill if they have already vomited something up.
Why do dogs vomit and then eat it?
Regurgitation is a normal part of the weaning process for dogs in the wild because it’s in their nature. Mama dogs will regurgitate their food for their pups after they have chewed it up. Consider it a “bridge food” between breast milk and solid food.