Dogs will eat the most horrible things. We’ve researched articles about dogs eating roadkill, the poop from other animals, and more. However, this one really takes the cake. We really need to warn anyone with a sensitive stomach that this article will be pretty gross.
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What happens if a dog eats human vomit? That’s a common question on the Internet. It was as a surprise when working on this article! But it probably shouldn’t surprise us too much because dogs sometimes eat some very strange, awful things sometimes.
When Does a Dog Eat Human Vomit?
How does it happen that a dog will eat something like this? Well, if a pet parent has been out partying too much, they may come home, get sick and go to bed without cleaning up the mess. Their dog finds the vomit and cleans it up.
In another scenario, it can happen that a pregnant woman is pretty sick and needs a bucket by her side of the bed at night. She may wake up and get sick, then go back to sleep. As she sleeps, her dog may find the bucket and its contents, and you know the rest of the story.
Dogs who eat vomit may also be experiencing a nutritional deficiency, which means they may lack the essential nourishment to stay healthy. Some dogs who have a nutritional deficiency may try to eat anything and everything, including their own or other animal’s feces.
Dogs who do this may also not be getting enough to eat. They then eat vomit, trash, and other things to fill their stomachs.
So, eating vomit can be normal for a dog; however, if your canine companion tries to do this on a regular basis, it’s best to call the vet. They can determine if your fur baby may be suffering with an underlying health issue, such as a nutritional deficiency.
Why Do Dogs Eat Vomit?
One reason is that mother dogs will sometimes eat some food and then regurgitate it for their puppies to eat. This makes the food easier for the puppies to eat when they’re still needing their mother’s milk but are beginning to need some solid food.
In addition, dogs are able to smell food in vomit. Yes, while that’s gross, it’s true. This is because their noses are so much more sensitive than our own.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWill Human Vomit Make My Dog Sick?
Yes, it’s possible, but it’s not a common issue. A dog could pick up pathogens from human vomit; humans do carry viruses and bacteria that can make a dog sick. For instance, human vomit can transmit salmonella, staphylococcus aureus, influenza A, noroviruses, and more. The potential for transmission is low; however, it does exist.
In most cases, dogs that eat human vomit will not get sick. However, eating something like this can cause digestive issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc. It’s possible that a dog could even develop pancreatitis from eating human vomit.
Even so, if your dog has eaten human vomit and becomes ill, then it’s probably a good idea to call the vet. It’s possible your dog has an upset stomach; however, it could also be pancreatitis. This is a condition that needs to be treated by the vet.
What If Human Vomit Had Alcohol in It?
The concern here is that alcohol is very toxic for dogs; however, it depends on the amount of alcohol in the vomit and how much vomit a dog has eaten. It is possible that a dog could eat enough vomit with alcohol to cause death, though this is rare. Signs of alcohol poisoning in dogs include diarrhea, lethargy, and intense vomiting. If your dog develops these symptoms, call the vet immediately.
What Should I Do If My Dog’s Eaten Human Vomit?
First, try to stay calm. It’s pretty gross when your dog eats anything, but especially vomit. We understand. But keeping your cool at this time can help you and your fur baby.
Next, assess your dog’s behavior. Is he showing any symptoms of being ill (see above)? Watch for symptoms such as stomach upset, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If your fur baby develops these or other concerning symptoms, call the vet immediately.
So, in most cases, your canine companion should be OK. If your dog shows any concerning symptoms, such as repeat vomiting, etc. then be sure to contact the vet right away. Your veterinarian will be the best source of information on how to proceed.
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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