An essential veterinary guide for pet owners in Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara and the Costa del Sol.
By Dr. Alberto Fernández Jiménez, MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon & Co-Founder of TINAVET Marbella
There are few things more worrying than seeing your dog or cat being sick.
One moment, everything seems normal. Your dog is playing, your cat is curled up in their favourite place, and life is carrying on as usual.
Then suddenly, something changes.
Your pet starts retching. They vomit. Perhaps they look at you afterwards as if nothing happened. Or perhaps they become quiet, uncomfortable and unwilling to eat.
And immediately, the questions begin.
Is it something they ate?
Could it be serious?
Should I give them food or water?
Should I wait, or call the vet?
As a veterinary surgeon, I understand how unsettling those moments can be.
During our years working as vets in Birmingham, my wife Rocío and I learned that one of the most valuable things we can give pet owners is not simply a diagnosis or a treatment. It is the knowledge to recognise when something is wrong and the confidence to make the right decision.
That philosophy is at the heart of TINAVET Marbella, the veterinary clinic we have founded together in San Pedro de Alcántara.
Because vomiting is not a disease in itself. It is a symptom.
Sometimes the cause is relatively minor. But sometimes vomiting is the first warning sign of something much more serious.
And knowing the difference can save your pet's life.
Why is my dog or cat vomiting?
The short answer: Dogs and cats can vomit because of anything from eating something unsuitable or having a temporary stomach upset to serious conditions such as poisoning, an intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis or kidney disease.
One isolated episode in an otherwise healthy, bright and comfortable adult pet may not be an emergency.
Featured image for TINAVET Marbella's veterinary guide to vomiting in dogs and cats, presented by Dr. Alberto Fernández Jiménez, MRCVS, veterinary surgeon and co-founder.
But repeated vomiting, blood, weakness, abdominal pain, a swollen belly or an inability to keep water down are warning signs that need prompt veterinary attention.
The most important thing is not simply how many times your pet has vomited, but how they are behaving and what other symptoms are present.
What actually happens when a pet vomits?
Vomiting is the body's way of bringing material up from the stomach or upper digestive tract.
It usually involves nausea, abdominal contractions and retching before food, fluid or stomach contents are expelled.
You may notice your pet:
Licking their lips repeatedly
Drooling more than usual
Swallowing frequently
Becoming restless or uncomfortable
Contracting their abdomen
Retching before bringing something up
Vomiting is different from regurgitation.
Vomiting usually involves effort and abdominal contractions.
Regurgitation is often passive: food or water comes back up without obvious retching, sometimes shortly after eating.
This distinction matters because regurgitation can point towards problems with the oesophagus rather than the stomach.
If possible, take a short video of what happens. It can help your vet understand the symptoms.
Seven common reasons dogs and cats vomit
1. Eating something they shouldn't
Dogs are particularly talented at finding things they are not supposed to eat.
Leftovers from a family barbecue, food dropped by children, rubbish, spoiled food or a sudden change in diet can all upset the digestive system.
Cats may also react to unsuitable food, plants or unfamiliar treats.
A mild stomach upset can cause one or two episodes of vomiting, but not every case of vomiting after eating is harmless.
If symptoms continue or your pet seems unwell, veterinary advice is needed.
2. Hairballs in cats
Hairballs are a familiar concern for cat owners.
Cats groom themselves using their tongues, swallowing small amounts of loose fur. Sometimes that hair accumulates and is brought back up.
An occasional hairball may not be concerning in an otherwise healthy cat.
However, frequent vomiting should never automatically be dismissed as “just hairballs”.
Repeated retching, loss of appetite, weight loss or vomiting without producing a hairball may indicate another problem.
And if your cat appears to be coughing rather than vomiting, that distinction is especially important because respiratory conditions can sometimes be mistaken for hairballs.
3. Gastrointestinal infections and parasites
Viruses, bacteria and intestinal parasites can cause vomiting, sometimes together with diarrhoea.
Puppies and kittens can become dehydrated much more quickly than healthy adults.
In young dogs, especially those that are not fully vaccinated, serious infectious diseases such as canine parvovirus must also be considered.
If your puppy is repeatedly vomiting, weak or has diarrhoea, please seek veterinary advice promptly.
4. Swallowing a foreign object
This is one of the situations I worry about most.
Dogs and cats can swallow socks, plastic toys, baby pacifiers, bones, hair ties, ribbon, string or many other household objects.
Some objects pass through the digestive tract. Others become trapped in the stomach or intestines, causing a potentially life-threatening obstruction.
Warning signs can include:
Repeated vomiting
Refusing food
Abdominal pain
Lethargy
Difficulty passing stools
A swollen or uncomfortable abdomen
If you think your pet has swallowed an object, do not wait for vomiting to begin.
Read our guide: What to Do If Your Dog or Cat Swallows Something They Shouldn't.
5. Poisoning or toxic substances
Some everyday products can be extremely dangerous for pets.
Examples include chocolate, grapes and raisins for dogs, certain human medications, household chemicals, rodenticides and lilies for cats.
Vomiting may be one of the first symptoms of poisoning, but some toxins can cause serious damage before obvious symptoms develop.
If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Never try to make your pet vomit at home unless a veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so.
6. Pancreatitis
The pancreas helps with digestion and blood sugar regulation.
When it becomes inflamed, a condition known as pancreatitis, pets may develop vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy and a reduced appetite.
Pancreatitis can range from mild to severe.
Some affected dogs appear very uncomfortable, adopt unusual postures or refuse food entirely.
Diagnosis and treatment depend on the individual case and may require blood tests, imaging, fluids and medication.
7. Underlying medical conditions
Sometimes vomiting has nothing to do with something your pet has recently eaten.
It can be associated with:
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis
Hormonal disorders
Chronic intestinal inflammation
Gastrointestinal ulcers
Certain cancers
Other systemic illnesses
This is particularly important in older dogs and cats.
Repeated vomiting should not simply be accepted as a normal part of ageing.
When is vomiting an emergency?
This is the most important section of this article.
Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog or cat has any of the following symptoms:
Repeated or persistent vomiting, especially if your pet cannot keep water down
Blood in the vomit, including dark material resembling coffee grounds
Severe weakness, collapse or unusual unresponsiveness
A painful, hard or noticeably swollen abdomen
Difficulty breathing
Repeated attempts to vomit without producing anything
Suspected poisoning
Suspected ingestion of a foreign object
Vomiting together with severe or bloody diarrhoea
Signs of significant dehydration
Vomiting accompanied by marked lethargy or refusal to eat
Puppies, kittens, elderly animals and pets with existing medical conditions need particular care, because they may deteriorate more quickly.
A special warning for dogs: trying to vomit but nothing comes out
If your dog repeatedly tries to vomit but produces little or nothing, especially if their abdomen is swollen, this could be a life-threatening emergency called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), or a twisted stomach.
This condition requires immediate veterinary treatment.
Do not wait to see whether the symptoms improve.
A special warning for cats: not eating
Cats can become seriously unwell when they stop eating.
Prolonged food refusal can put them at risk of additional complications, including hepatic lipidosis, particularly in overweight cats.
If your cat is vomiting and refusing food, seek veterinary advice promptly. Do not impose a prolonged fast at home.
What should I do immediately if my dog or cat vomits?
The first step is to assess how your pet is feeling overall.
Step 1. Check their behaviour
Ask yourself:
Are they alert?
Are they walking normally?
Are they breathing comfortably?
Do they seem painful?
Are they interested in their surroundings?
A pet who vomits once and then returns to normal is different from a pet who vomits and becomes weak, withdrawn or distressed.
Step 2. Look at what they have vomited
You do not need to examine it closely, but noticing its appearance can help.
Was it undigested food?
Yellowish fluid?
Foam?
A hairball?
Was there blood?
Could there be part of a toy or another object?
Take a photograph if possible.
Yellow vomit does not automatically mean a minor problem, and the colour of vomit alone cannot tell us the cause.
Step 3. Think about what happened beforehand
Did your dog eat something unusual?
Has your cat been chewing plants?
Have you changed their food?
Could a toy or object be missing?
Have they had diarrhoea or any other symptoms?
This information is extremely useful during a veterinary consultation.
Step 4. Make sure water is available, but do not force it
If your pet is alert, comfortable and no longer vomiting, you can offer small amounts of fresh water.
Do not force food or water into their mouth.
If they repeatedly vomit after drinking, they need prompt veterinary attention.
Step 5. Be careful with food
If a healthy adult dog has vomited once but seems completely well, your vet may advise monitoring and offering a small portion of their usual food or an appropriate easily digestible diet once vomiting has settled.
For cats, prolonged withholding of food is not recommended. If your cat has vomited once and otherwise seems well, offer their normal diet in an appropriate small portion and monitor them closely.
Do not follow prolonged fasting advice found online without speaking to your veterinarian, especially for cats, puppies, kittens or animals with diabetes or other illnesses.
Step 6. Never give human medication without veterinary advice
Some human medicines can be dangerous or toxic to dogs and cats.
Do not give painkillers, anti-nausea tablets, antibiotics or other medication from your medicine cabinet unless specifically prescribed for your pet.
And never use salt, hydrogen peroxide, oil or other home remedies to induce vomiting.
Step 7. Contact your vet if symptoms persist or you are uncertain
If your pet vomits again, develops additional symptoms or simply does not seem right, contact a veterinary professional.
You know your pet's normal behaviour better than anyone.
A change that concerns you deserves attention.
Can I monitor my dog or cat at home after vomiting once?
Sometimes, yes.
For an otherwise healthy adult dog or cat that has vomited only once, is alert, comfortable, interested in food and water, and has no other symptoms or suspected toxin or foreign-body exposure, a short period of close observation may be reasonable.
But monitoring should not mean ignoring the problem.
Watch for further vomiting, appetite changes, unusual behaviour, abdominal discomfort and difficulty drinking.
If vomiting recurs or your pet becomes unwell, arrange a veterinary assessment.
There is no universal safe number of vomiting episodes. The age, health, size and overall condition of the animal all matter.
How do veterinarians find out why a pet is vomiting?
At TINAVET Marbella, our approach begins with something very simple: listening.
Understanding your pet's medical history and what happened before the vomiting is often the first step towards an accurate diagnosis.
Depending on the symptoms and examination findings, your vet may recommend:
A thorough clinical examination
We assess hydration, temperature, heart rate, gums, abdominal comfort and overall condition.
Blood tests
Blood tests can help identify dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, inflammation, problems affecting the kidneys or liver, and other metabolic conditions.
Urine and faecal tests
These can help investigate urinary or metabolic conditions, intestinal parasites and other possible causes.
Abdominal X-rays
Radiographs can sometimes reveal swallowed objects, abnormal gas patterns or signs suggesting an intestinal obstruction.
Abdominal ultrasound
Ultrasound allows us to examine abdominal organs and intestinal structures in greater detail.
It can be particularly valuable when looking for gastrointestinal disease, foreign bodies or other abdominal abnormalities.
Not every pet needs all of these investigations. The right diagnostic plan depends on the symptoms and clinical findings.
How is vomiting treated?
There is no single medication that is right for every vomiting dog or cat.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
It may include:
Veterinary-prescribed anti-nausea medication
Fluid therapy for dehydration
A carefully selected diet
Treatment for intestinal parasites
Medication for an underlying illness
Hospital monitoring
Endoscopic removal of an object in selected cases
Surgery for certain gastrointestinal obstructions
The most important point is that stopping the vomiting is not always the same as treating the disease causing it.
A pet may improve temporarily with medication while a more serious condition remains undiagnosed.
That is why a proper clinical assessment matters.
What about vomiting in puppies and kittens?
Young animals deserve special attention.
Their smaller bodies have less reserve, and repeated vomiting can lead to dehydration and changes in blood glucose more quickly.
If your puppy or kitten vomits repeatedly, refuses food, becomes quiet or develops diarrhoea, contact a vet without delay.
Vaccination status is also important, particularly in puppies.
Early intervention can make a significant difference.
Does Marbella's climate make vomiting more dangerous?
Marbella's warm climate does not mean vomiting automatically has a different cause.
However, in hot weather, dehydration can become an additional concern.
A dog vomiting after a walk in the heat, or a cat that has been trapped in a hot space, may need assessment for heat-related illness as well as gastrointestinal problems.
Be especially cautious during hot periods in Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara, Guadalmina, Nueva Andalucía and Puerto Banús.
For more advice, read our article Heatstroke in Dogs and Cats in Marbella.
How can I reduce the risk of vomiting?
Not every cause is preventable, but some simple habits can reduce avoidable risks.
Keep household chemicals, medication and toxic foods out of reach.
Avoid sudden changes to your pet's diet.
Choose toys that are appropriate for your pet's size.
Supervise chewing and play with unfamiliar objects.
Keep string, ribbon and hair ties away from cats.
Follow a veterinary-recommended parasite prevention plan.
Keep vaccinations up to date.
Avoid giving rich table scraps and unsuitable human food.
Arrange regular health checks, particularly for senior pets.
Seek advice when vomiting becomes recurrent rather than assuming it is normal.
Prevention is not about controlling every moment of your pet's life.
It is about creating a safer environment and recognising problems early.
A personal message from Alberto
One of the things I love most about veterinary medicine is the relationship we build with animals and their families.
Over time, you learn that a worried owner's questions are never really just about vomiting, diarrhoea or a blood test.
Behind every question is someone who loves their pet and is afraid something might happen to them.
Rocío and I understand that feeling.
When we decided to build TINAVET Marbella together, we wanted to create a place where owners could ask questions freely, understand what was happening and feel involved in every decision about their pet's health.
Because veterinary medicine should never feel like a mystery.
If your dog or cat vomits, you do not need to know every possible disease.
You do not need to diagnose the problem yourself.
You simply need to recognise when something might be wrong, avoid unsafe home remedies and know when to ask for help.
Sometimes, the answer will be reassuring.
Other times, acting quickly could make all the difference.
And that is why I believe good veterinary care begins long before an emergency. It begins with understanding.
How TINAVET Marbella can help
At TINAVET Marbella, Rocío and I are committed to providing clear, compassionate and professional veterinary care for dogs and cats.
Our veterinary services include consultations, diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing, internal medicine, preventive care and selected surgical procedures, according to clinical needs and availability.
We are based in San Pedro de Alcántara, serving families from Marbella, Guadalmina, Nueva Andalucía, Puerto Banús and surrounding areas of the Costa del Sol.
Whether you are Spanish, British or another international resident, we want you to feel confident discussing your pet's health in English or Spanish.
If your dog or cat is seriously unwell or showing emergency warning signs, seek immediate veterinary attention. Do not wait for an online appointment request to be confirmed.
For general questions, non-urgent veterinary advice or appointment enquiries, you can contact TINAVET Marbella.
Because your pet deserves thoughtful medical care.
And you deserve clear answers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vomiting in Dogs and Cats
Why is my dog vomiting but acting normal?
A dog may vomit once after eating something unsuitable or experiencing temporary stomach irritation. If they are otherwise bright and comfortable, close observation may be reasonable. If vomiting continues or other symptoms appear, contact your vet.
Why is my cat vomiting after eating?
Possible causes include eating too quickly, regurgitation, hairballs, food intolerance or gastrointestinal disease. Repeated episodes should be investigated rather than considered normal.
When should I worry about my dog vomiting?
Seek urgent veterinary care if your dog vomits repeatedly, has blood in the vomit, appears weak, has abdominal pain, cannot keep water down or may have eaten something toxic or obstructive.
Is yellow vomit in dogs dangerous?
Yellow vomit may contain bile and can occur when the stomach is empty, but it can also be associated with other conditions. The colour alone cannot determine how serious the problem is.
Can I give my vomiting dog or cat human medication?
No. Never give human medication without veterinary instructions. Some medicines used by people can be toxic or inappropriate for pets.
Should I stop feeding my cat after vomiting?
Do not impose prolonged fasting on a cat without veterinary advice. If your cat has vomited once and otherwise seems well, offer a small amount of their usual food and monitor them. If vomiting recurs or they refuse food, contact your vet.
Can vomiting mean my pet has swallowed something?
Yes. A swallowed toy, sock, bone, string or other object can cause an obstruction. If foreign-body ingestion is suspected, veterinary assessment is needed even if your pet initially appears well.
Is vomiting more dangerous for puppies and kittens?
It can be. Young animals may become dehydrated or develop low blood sugar more quickly. Repeated vomiting, weakness or refusal to eat in a puppy or kitten requires prompt veterinary advice.
What is the difference between vomiting and regurgitation?
Vomiting generally involves nausea, retching and abdominal contractions. Regurgitation is usually passive, with food or fluid coming back up without obvious effort.
Where can I find veterinary advice for a vomiting dog or cat in Marbella?
TINAVET Marbella is an English- and Spanish-speaking veterinary clinic in San Pedro de Alcántara, serving Marbella and surrounding areas. Contact the clinic for non-urgent enquiries. If your pet shows emergency symptoms, seek immediate care from an available veterinary emergency service.
Veterinary information is intended to help owners make informed decisions and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or personalised treatment.
