Why does my dog eat grass and throw up every morning?

Understanding Chow's Morning Digestive Issues

It is certainly concerning to see Chow, at 10+ years of age, struggling with morning vomiting after eating grass. In senior dogs like Chow, this behavior often points to a few common medical possibilities that warrant a conversation with your veterinarian.

Why Might Chow Be Doing This?

• Bilious Vomiting Syndrome: This is very common in senior dogs. When a dog has an empty stomach for a long period (like overnight), bile can irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea. The dog may eat grass to soothe the stomach, which then triggers a vomit reflex.
• Gastrointestinal Sensitivity: As dogs age, their digestive tracts can become more sensitive. Even if Chow has had no known health conditions previously, he may be developing a mild chronic gastritis or motility issue that requires attention.
• Underlying Senior Health Concerns: Given that Chow is a senior dog, it is important to rule out metabolic issues, such as kidney or liver changes, which can sometimes manifest as nausea. Since we have no records of blood work in his medical history, a wellness checkup is the best way to get a clear picture.

Recommendations for Next Steps

1. Schedule a Veterinary Appointment: Because Chow is 10+, please schedule a checkup in Naples to rule out underlying issues. Discuss his appetite, activity level, and the frequency of these episodes. Blood work is often recommended for senior dogs to ensure their internal organs are functioning properly.
2. Adjust Feeding Schedules: To address potential bilious vomiting, try giving Chow a small, easily digestible meal or a snack right before bedtime. This helps prevent the stomach from being completely empty for too long overnight.
3. Prevent Access to Grass: If he is eating grass specifically to induce vomiting, limiting his access during his early morning outdoor time can help break the cycle while you work to identify the root cause.

Since I don't have his medical history on file, please keep a "vomit log" noting the time, color, and frequency of these episodes to help your vet diagnose the issue faster. Wishing you and Chow all the best as you get to the bottom of these morning tummy troubles!