Is This Normal? Finder · Eating and drinking
My puppy gulps his food and brings it back up. Is that normal?
By Dr. Steve Pelton, DVM
The short answer
Once, in a puppy who's fine afterward, is usually nothing. Food that slides right back up with no heaving is often regurgitation, which is different from vomiting, so notice what it looked like and grab a quick video if you can. More than once in a day is a call.
Why it happens
Food that comes back up right after a fast meal often never reached the stomach, so it looks almost like it did going down. True vomiting comes with heaving and warning signs, and it points somewhere different.
Which door?
WATCHOnce, then fine.
CALL TODAYIt happens more than once in a day.
Usually normal
- One episode, then bright, playful and eating
When to call
Tick what fits and see which door you're at.
Under 16 weeks, a toy breed, or not done with his shots? Move everything one door closer to GO NOW.
GO NOW means: Head to your vet, if they're open and can see him right away, or to the nearest emergency clinic. Call on the way so they're ready for you.
Not sure which door you're at? That's a call. Call your vet.
Worried right now? Check the Three Doors list, from most urgent down, and stop at the first door that fits.
Is this an emergency?General education, not veterinary advice. Your vet's plan for your puppy comes first.