Why Do Dogs Eat Their Own Sick: The Real Reason + What To Do
Alright, fellow dog lovers, let’s talk about one of those… shall we say… quirky dog behaviors that can leave us scratching our heads (and sometimes gagging a little). Yes, I’m talking about the age-old mystery of why our beloved pooches sometimes decide to have seconds of their own upchuck. It’s a scene we’ve all likely witnessed, right? One minute they’re looking a bit green around the gills, and the next, they’re enthusiastically cleaning up their own mess. If you’ve ever felt a mix of bewilderment and mild disgust, you’re definitely not alone!
It’s easy to jump to conclusions. Maybe they’re just really, really hungry. Maybe they’re being gross for the sake of it. Or perhaps, in our human brains, we think, "If I threw up, I’d never want to see that again!" But the truth is, our furry friends operate on a different set of rules, and their motivations are often quite fascinating. Understanding these reasons can actually make us better pet parents, and honestly, it’s just plain interesting to peek into the canine psyche.
It’s Not About Being Finicky (Usually!)
The main reason your dog might be re-eating their vomit is actually rooted in their evolutionary history. Think way back, to when dogs were wilder, more scavenging creatures. In that world, waste was a valuable resource. Imagine a wolf pack. If one wolf got sick and threw up some undigested food, it was still perfectly good nutrition for another member of the pack. Especially for pups who were still learning to forage, this was a smart way to get a meal without expending too much energy.
It’s a bit like us humans and, I don't know, finding a perfectly good, albeit slightly crumpled, cookie that fell on the floor. If you’re really hungry, and it looks okay, you might just risk it. Our dogs, in their own way, are doing something similar. They’re not being deliberately disgusting; they’re being resourceful.
Furthermore, sometimes the vomit isn't fully digested. If your dog wolfed down their food too quickly – a common occurrence for many of our speedy eaters! – their stomach might not have had a chance to properly break it down. The result? Partially formed food makes its way back up. From your dog's perspective, it's just a partially eaten meal that’s suddenly available. Why let good food go to waste, right?
The “I Don’t Feel Well” Clue
Here’s another really important angle: sometimes, a dog eating their vomit is a sign that they’re trying to help themselves feel better. This is particularly true if they’ve eaten something that didn't agree with them. In the wild, a dog might eat grass to induce vomiting, clearing out something that’s making them feel sick. While they aren’t always deliberately eating grass to vomit, if they do throw up, and the vomit still contains irritants, they might be trying to get it all out.
Think of it like this: if you’ve got a little tickle in your throat, you might try to cough it up. It’s an instinctive way to clear something uncomfortable. For dogs, re-eating their vomit, especially if it’s undigested or contains something that caused the upset, can be their natural way of trying to finish the job of getting rid of whatever made them feel queasy in the first place.
It’s a survival mechanism, plain and simple. In a world where a stomach ache could mean serious trouble, their instinct is to expel whatever is causing the distress. And if that expulsion comes up partially formed, well, it’s still potentially something they can process if they manage to keep it down.
The Social Aspect: Mommy Knows Best!
This is a really heartwarming one. Mother dogs often lick their puppies clean, and that includes cleaning up their messes, which can include vomit. This behavior is crucial for hygiene and for preventing predators from smelling the puppies. So, when your adult dog throws up, and another dog (or even their human, though less common!) cleans it up, it can trigger a comforting, familiar response for the dog who was sick.
It’s a subtle echo of that maternal care. For a dog who is feeling a bit vulnerable after being sick, having their mess tidied up can feel safe and reassuring. It's a little slice of that puppyhood security, even for our grown-up companions.
So, Why Should You Care?
Okay, so it’s a natural behavior, rooted in instinct and survival. But that doesn’t mean we should just turn a blind eye (or nose!). As responsible pet owners, there are a few key reasons why we should pay attention to this behavior:
Reason 1: It’s a Health Indicator. While an occasional, isolated incident of re-eating vomit might not be a huge deal, if your dog is doing it frequently, or if the vomit itself looks unusual (like containing blood, foreign objects, or looking like coffee grounds), it’s a red flag. It could signal a more serious underlying health issue, like a stomach upset, pancreatitis, or even something they’ve ingested that they shouldn’t have.
Reason 2: The “Gross Factor” for Us. Let’s be honest. As much as we love our dogs, nobody enjoys the sight and smell of re-consumed kibble. For hygiene reasons, and frankly, for our own peace of mind, it’s best to prevent this from happening if we can. A clean-up is much easier and more pleasant than a re-do.
Reason 3: Preventing the Cycle. If your dog is prone to eating their vomit, they might be more likely to get sick again. It’s a bit of a vicious cycle. They eat something bad, they throw it up, they eat the vomit (which might still have bits that upset them), and then they feel sick again. Breaking this cycle is good for their overall well-being.
What Can You Do About It?
The good news is, you’re not helpless! There are several things you can do to manage this behavior:
1. Clean It Up IMMEDIATELY! This is your first and most important line of defense. As soon as you see your dog throw up, get to it! Grab your paper towels, your cleaning spray, and whisk it away before they even have a chance to consider it a snack. The quicker you are, the less likely they are to re-engage.
2. Slow Down Their Eating. If your dog is a speed-eater, this can contribute to them throwing up undigested food. Invest in a slow-feeder bowl. These bowls have obstacles that force your dog to eat more slowly, helping with digestion and reducing the chances of them re-eating their meal if it comes back up.
3. Monitor Their Diet. Are they getting into the trash? Eating questionable things in the yard? Keep a close eye on what your dog is consuming. If you suspect they ate something they shouldn’t have, contact your vet. Sometimes, a controlled vomit might be recommended by a professional, but never try to induce vomiting yourself without veterinary guidance.
4. Consult Your Vet. If this is a frequent occurrence, or if you notice other concerning symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, it’s time for a chat with your veterinarian. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions that might be causing the vomiting.
5. Consider Taste Aversion Sprays (with caution). Some owners have had success with pet-specific taste aversion sprays. These are usually bitter-tasting and can deter a dog from eating something they shouldn’t. However, this is usually a last resort and should be discussed with your vet to ensure it's appropriate for your dog and won’t cause any other issues.
At the end of the day, our dogs’ quirky habits often stem from deep-seated instincts that served them well in their ancestral lives. While the “eating their own sick” maneuver might be a little unnerving for us humans, understanding the why behind it can help us be more compassionate and effective pet parents. So, next time you witness this particular display of canine resourcefulness, take a deep breath, grab your cleaning supplies, and remember that your dog is just being a dog – a wonderfully, sometimes weirdly, instinctual creature.