If your pet seems to leave a gross pile of half-digested food on the floor every time you turn around, you should know that vomiting is never normal. Especially in senior pets, vomiting is a good reason to visit your family veterinarian to determine the cause. While you may have been concerned about your younger pet ingesting a toxin or getting into the trash, your mellowed senior pet is less likely to indulge in mischievous behavior. Vomiting in senior pets is more likely caused by a sensitive stomach or systemic disease condition. Here are seven possible causes for your senior pet’s frequent vomiting.

#1: Gastrointestinal sensitivity in senior pets

As your pet ages, their gastrointestinal (GI) tract may become more sensitive to foods that stray from their normal diet. Treats and table scraps, and particularly rich or high-fat foods, can upset your pet’s stomach, causing rejection of the drool-worthy treat. Although you want to shower your senior with love, excess treats and human food may reward them with a stomach ache instead. Your senior pet’s GI tract thrives on a predictable, easily digestible diet, so stick to their normal pet food, and express your love with extra snuggles. 

#2: Pancreatitis in senior pets

Your pet’s pancreas produces enzymes that help digest fats. Since your senior pet eats a steady pet food diet, their pancreas releases a predictable amount of lipase with each meal. However, if your senior pet eats a high-fat meal, such as a cheeseburger or holiday feast, their pancreas will release a surge of enzymes to digest the fat. The excess enzymes may trigger intense inflammation that begins in the pancreas but can spread to other abdominal organs. Vomiting is a common pancreatitis sign, along with abdominal pain, lethargy, and fever. Pancreatitis typically requires hospitalization with intravenous fluids and medications for recovery, and severe cases can become life-threatening.

#3: Chronic kidney disease in senior pets

After years of support, your senior pet’s internal organs may begin to wear down and no longer work properly. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops when the kidneys lose enough function that they can no longer adequately remove normal metabolic wastes from your pet’s body. Toxic waste accumulation can cause nausea and vomiting and is often a first CKD sign. Unfortunately, CKD does not typically cause clinical signs until the disease has advanced, and 75% of kidney function has been lost. Seeking veterinary help immediately is critical so that treatment can be initiated as soon as possible.

#4: Liver failure in senior pets

Your pet’s liver performs many important functions, from producing important blood proteins and bile to removing toxins, to storing nutrients. If this critical organ fails, your pet’s entire body may be affected. Liver disease can also cause your pet to feel generally poor, and may cause nausea and vomiting. While liver failure is not curable, pets can often be supported with special diets, medications, and supplements that can provide a good quality of life.

#5: Cancer in senior pets

The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that approximately 25% of dogs will develop cancer at some point in their life, and almost 50% of dogs over age 10 will be affected. While cancer statistics in cats are not available, the frequency is likely similar. As in people, cancer in your pet is more likely as their tissues and cells age. GI cancer, such as a stomach tumor or intestinal cancer, can affect the GI tract directly, causing inflammation or a physical blockage. Cancer’s effects are often felt body-wide, and other cancer types may cause general illness signs, such as lethargy, decreased appetite, nausea, and vomiting.

#6: Endocrine disorders in senior pets

Your pet’s endocrine system produces and secretes hormones that control many important body functions. If an endocrine disorder causes a hormone excess or deficiency, your pet may experience various clinical signs, including vomiting. Common endocrine disorders include:

* Diabetes mellitus

* Hyperthyroidism

* Hypothyroidism

* Cushing’s disease

* Addison’s disease

Endocrine disorders typically also cause other clinical signs, but vomiting may be an early indication that something is wrong.

#7: Pyometra in female senior pets

If your female pet has not been spayed, her uterus is susceptible to infection every time she goes through a heat cycle. An infection can cause your female pet’s uterus to fill with bacteria and pus, which may be seen as vaginal discharge, or worse, retained inside the uterus. Bacterial toxins and inflammation can make your female pet extremely sick and can cause vomiting, as well as other clinical signs, including:

* Decreased appetite

* Lethargy

* Fever

* House soiling

* Abdominal distension

Pyometra is a serious condition that can lead to sepsis and death without immediate treatment. Affected females are typically spayed to remove the infection source, and may be hospitalized for intravenous fluids, medications, and monitoring during recovery.

If your senior pet’s vomiting, or another ailment, has decreased their quality of life and treatment is no longer effective, you may choose to support them with veterinary hospice care, or elect for in-home euthanasia with a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area. Our telehospice service can help you evaluate your pet’s quality of life, and make important choices about their final days.