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Why does my GSD dog throw up every time after drinking water?

Why does my GSD dog throw up every time after drinking water

Reasons and Treatments for German Shepherd Dogs Vomiting and Throwing

Your dog drank water, vomited once, and then stopped; need not worry. However, every time your dog drinks water, he throws you, you may need to investigate. Dogs can throw up due to various reasons. They may have eaten too fast, something gross, a little heavier meal, or food and water without any intervals. Or perhaps, your dog has an upset tummy or some indigestion going within.

Your dog may throw up due to several reasons; however, a few of them associate specifically after they drink water. Vomiting in dogs after drinking water can occur due to several reasons. For pet parents who are concerned about why their dog is doing this more often, here’s everything they need to know about.

In this detailed article, we discuss why does your dog throw up after drinking water. We will list all the reasons and how to prevent that in the future. What you should do about that and when it is time to visit the vet? How to handle your German Shepherd dog vomiting all the time?

Article Published on 29th December 2021 » Updated on 12th January 2022

aditi chef editorWritten By Sergey Uhanov Certified Veterinarian.
Sergey Uhanov is a certified veterinarian for dogs over 10 years, breeding 3 dogs. He loves dogs and has his own pet clinic in Israel. He likes to help other people with their dogs by sharing his experience and knowledge.


Why does my GSD keep vomiting after drinking water?

Vomiting is termed as one of the vital functions in dogs. While most of the time it is stress-free, sometimes it can be a sign of some potentially serious diseases.

Common reasons that make a dog vomit after drinking water

  • While drinking water really fast, dogs may at times puke it out. It can happen once or multiple times, though, simply due to their habit.
  • Drinking too much water at once will obviously make your dog throw out all the extra.
  • It is advisable for both dogs and humans to keep at least a 30 to 45 minutes gap between eating and drinking as it aids in better digestion. However, at times when one fills up the stomach with food and then water, Vomiting becomes obvious.
  • Dogs who are habituated to drinking purified water may throw up after drinking tap water. Or maybe you have just changed the place, and the new water is making your dog’s stomach upset.
  • Water that is not meant for humans to drink can also upset a dog’s digestion.
  • Drinking water right after coming home from a hot sunny day can result in your dog vomiting. It is important to cool down the body a little bit before hopping into the bowl of water.

7 Reason why dogs throw up after drinking water

Uncommon and potentially serious reasons for dog throwing up right after drinking water

If your dog threw up once in a while after drinking water, you could take it lightly.

Though if the pattern repeats, you may require to put necessary attention over it.

Here’s all that can probably be a reason.

Due to bacterial or intestinal parasitical infection.

By drinking contaminated or stagnant water, your dog can develop a bacterial or parasitical infection.

Especially because such water may contain Salmonella, campylobacter, and Leptospira, drinking it may cause Vomiting in dogs.

Due to Esophageal Dysfunction.

Uncommon yet possible, if your dog is throwing up after drinking water, he is suffering from Esophageal Dysfunction.

This dysfunction often occurs due to a rare condition called megaesophagus.

It further leads to building up water and food in the throat, and if your dog eats or drinks more, he will obviously throw up right after.

Due to Gastrointestinal Blockage.

If your dog has eaten something which has caused him Gastrointestinal blockage, he will now throw up everything.

Obviously, because some of the things your dog has eaten are still left indigested, giving no space for more food and water.

It can be anything from some food items to a small ball or toy.

Due to Blue-Green Algae.

It is common to make your dog avoid drinking water from pools and lakes.

However, it is also important to clean your home tank from blue or green algae buildup.

Your dog throwing up after drinking water is maybe because your water tank isn’t cleaned for long.

Due to Bile Reflux or Acid Reflux.

It is common for dogs to throw up after drinking water due to Bile Reflux or Acid Reflux.

Bile and Acid Reflux is a liquid substance that is meant for separating nutrients from waste matter.

However, when your dog’s digestive tract is not working well a few times, your dog may start throwing up even after drinking water.

Due to Dehydration.

If your dog is dehydrated and quickly gulps on a lot of water, he/she may end up throwing it all.

Other signs of dehydration may include lethargy, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite.

Due to food sensitivity or excessive gas issues.

For the time your dogs are throwing up water after drinking it, it is because there is some gas build-up inside their stomach.

Or the last solid thing they ate developed them food sensitivity, and now they are unable to take even water.

Additional medical reasons that can make dogs throw up after drinking water include:

  • Acute kidney failure
  • Acute liver failure
  • Cancer
  • Parvovirus
  • Colitis
  • Uterine infection
  • Viral infections
  • Heatstroke
  • Constipation
  • Pancreatitis
  • Certain medications
  • Intestinal inflammation
  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Accidental Consumption of Isopropyl Alcohol, Sanitizers, or Disinfectant Sprays.

What to do when my GSD keeps Vomiting after drinking water?

Before taking up any big step, make sure your dog is Vomiting and not just regurgitating.

Vomiting and regurgitating are two different functions in dogs. Regurgitating is the process of bringing up the swallowed food again in the mouth.

While Vomiting is an uncontrolled process, regurgitating is a controlled process.

Thus, if your dog is just regurgitating, there isn’t anything to worry about. However, if he is vomiting, here are a few things you can do in order to help.

  • Do not allow any food or water to your dog for about 6 to 8 hours. It may sound rude to many but keeping your dog deprived of food and water for up to 6 to 8 hours when they are sick is completely fine. This way, you are letting their stomach and digestive system take a rest and rejuvenate.
  • If your dog has a habit of drinking a lot (really a lot) of water at once, offer them small portions.
  • Make sure the water they drink is as pure as what humans drink. You can consider boiling and cooling it down before feeding them as well.
  • Feed your dog bland and light food if they have puked more than once a day.

It will take up to three days for your dog to return to its healthier self. However, if it takes any longer; you may now need to see their VET super soon.

When to see the Vet? Dog throwing up

If your dog is throwing up repetitively and unstoppably after drinking water, it is time to consult the VET.

Once you have marked out all the possible causes, a VET will more likely investigate the case fully.

Here are a few cases that are alarming for a quick VET appointment:

  • Uncontrolled Vomiting.
  • Blood, mucus, or green fluid in their vomit.
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased or lost appetite.
  • Inactivity or severe lethargy.
  • Decreased or increased urination.
  • Abdominal pain or visible uneasiness in dog
  • Bloating
  • Collapse

Are German Shepherd prone to digestive issues like Vomiting?

Yes, German Shepherds, have a tendency to experience digestive issues, including Vomiting, gas, bloating, and runny poop.

Despite how powerful they look from the outside; Shepherds are prone to suffer from several internal issues just like any other dog.

Eating or drinking something that doesn’t agree with their stomach will make them throw it all out.

Also, because breed specifically they have some dedicated need, feeding them something alien can upset their digestion.

What is with German Shepherds vomiting?

Your German Shepherd Vomiting may not always be a sign of illness, and as commonly, they vomit simply for cleaning their esophagus and maintaining a healthy breath.

However, over and apart, there could be several common and unusual health conditions that can make your German Shepherd vomit.

Here, we have explained a few of them:

  • If you have started a new medicine for your Shepherd and they recently are vomiting repeatedly, it may be the side-effects of that medicine.
  • Dehydration and excessive heat in German Shepherds can result in Vomiting after eating or drinking.
  • German Shepherds, too, are prone to high fever, which can possibly make them vomit at times.
  • Ear infection at times can lead to nausea followed by Vomiting after eating or drinking in German Shepherds.
  • During instances when your German Shepherd has injected a whole bone or a toy, they will throw up every next thing they eat and drink. Obstruction isn’t an avoidable issue as it may prove even fatal for many.
  • Nature never intended German Shepherds or other dog breeds to have fatty food. Thus, if they happen to eat some, they may end up throwing up right after.
  • Stress and anxiety in German Shepherds can lead to nausea and Vomiting.
  • It is common for dogs to vomit after suffering a head injury. However, the same is unavoidable, and dog owners should consult VET the next minute.

German Shepherds Vomiting – How to handle?

Before showing up at the VET hospital, there are a few home remedies you can try to ease down your puking dog.

  • Your German Shepherd is throwing up frequently because you are not feeding him the right food. Or maybe the dog is allergic to the food you are offering him. Here, consider looking upon all the recent food changes you have made. If you have introduced any new eatable, remove it quickly and monitor the effects.
  • Keep your German Shepherd from eating from the trash. Dogs, by nature, are habitual of poking their heads into trash piles, and there they end up eating all ugly things and then the next hour throwing up all out.
  • Give your Shepherd canine probiotics. It contains gut-balancing probiotics, digestive enzymes, and other formulas that aid in digestion. If you see your Shepherd throws up commonly, you can start giving him probiotics. Though before starting even the over-the-counter medications, it is safe to consult a VET first.
  • For German Shepherds who are throwing up quite frequently, ginger tea works really well. Ginger tea or ginger powder (only fresh) helps in settling their stomach.

For preparing Ginger tea,

On a pan, take one cup of water and add one tablespoon of grated ginger.

Let it cook until one boil and then off the heat.

Now let the tea come to room temperature.

Finally, strain it and serve the cooled-down ginger tea to your dog.

  • Feed pumpkin or pumpkin puree to your Shepherd. Pumpkin is highly fibrous, and consuming it helps down in soothing the stomach.
  • For dogs, it is advisable to use only fresh pumpkins. You can either boil pumpkin pieces or feed them or make blend them into a puree.
  • Lastly, if you are unsure why your German Shepherd is throwing up constantly, then go to your VET.

German Shepherd Throwing Up in Life Stages

During different stages of life (Age), German Shepherds may throw up due to several distinctive reasons. Here’s a quick look at some most possible of them:

German Shepherd puppy throwing up (Vomiting)

Of all stages, puppyhood is when your German Shepherd will throw up more likely. Most commonly because their immune system and bladder are still in the developing stage.

Further, puppies throw up or experience loose motions during their teething phase. Or, after vaccination, your Shepherd puppy becomes more suspectable of throwing up.

German Shepherd adult throwing up (Vomiting)

German Shepherd adults throwing up can depend upon endless factors. There could be several common or serious conditions, from fever to diarrhea, internal infections, or organ failure.

Old German Shepherd throwing up

With growing age, German Shepherds lose their digestion, and they now may not be able to handle food items that they used to eat happily when young. Also, moving towards old age, their kidney and liver may start slowing down.

You may not notice it externally, but their organs lose health more commonly.

Thus, with old German Shepherds, you may end up noticing throwing up more frequently.

Wrapping up…

Vomiting can be both common and abnormal for dogs. Even if it is right after they drank water, came home from heat, or ate their meal, Vomiting can occur anytime. Always pay attention to what quality of water your dog is drinking.

While you and your dog are away from home for a day, consider taking your dog’s drinking water along. Avoid allowing him to feed on the lake, pool, or other still water.

If the frequency of throwing up grows, reach your veterinarian as soon as possible. Overall the remedies, a doctor’s guidance is always safer.

sargey

Sergey Uhanov, a certified veterinarian, has authored all of the content here. With over 20 years of experience in dog care and breeding three dogs of his own, he has a deep passion for these furry friends. Sergey owns a pet clinic in Israel where he provides care and treatment to dogs. He enjoys sharing his expertise and knowledge to assist others in caring for their dogs.

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