Pet Vomit – Causes, Cleaning and Treatments

Few things can disrupt the peace of pet owners as abruptly as the unmistakable sounds dogs and cats make just before they’re about to vomit. It seems like an unspoken rule that they must choose the carpet over the easily cleaned kitchen floor. Removing pet-vomit stains from the carpet requires extra care to prevent any lasting marks

Causes of Vomiting

For both cats and dogs, vomiting often occurs from eating too fast, overeating or eating something undesirable. Cats vomit more often from hairballs, while dogs can vomit from motion sickness, stress and worms. Both will vomit if they exercise immediately after eating or the vomiting could be the cause of more serious conditions and should be taken to a vet to be fully examined.

Cleaning Vomit

1. Scrape up the vomit. If there is a lot use paper towels and get as much solid waste up as possible.
2. Sprinkle baking soda over entire stain. The baking soda will neutralize the bile that causes the yellowish stain to appear. Allow to the soda to dry completely; this could take a few hours – speed up the process by using a small fan or blow-dryer.
3. Vacuum up the residue, which hopefully has absorbed the stain. If a mark still remains, use a pet-stain remover such as Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor Remover or Melaleuca Sol-U-Mel.
4. When using a liquid cleaner, pour or spray it on. Then use light-colored towels, rags or paper towels t o blot up the residue. NEVER rub it into the carpet fibers. Use the cleaner generously, and stand on the towels to press down as hard as you can, repeating until the towels come up clean.

Above steps may be used on upholstery, too. Just be careful with testing any cleaners first ensure you don’t ruin your fabric.

Treatments

If your pet is experiencing prolonged or unusual vomiting, we advice to seek professional guidance from your veterinarian. Additionally, making dietary changes (like changing your brand of kibble) may be beneficial, as they may be reacting to the food they are eating. Remember to consult your vet for expert assistance. Lastly, to help prevent dehydration in our beloved furry companions, you might also consider investing in a waterfall drinking fountain. 

Hairball Remedies:

Groom Regularly: Regular grooming, such as brushing or combing, can help remove loose hair from the cat’s coat, reducing the amount of hair that ends up in their stomach and potentially forming hairballs.

Specialized “Hairball Formula” Food: Many cat food brands offer specialized formulas designed to reduce hairballs. These foods typically contain higher levels of fiber and other ingredients that can help minimize shedding and encourage hairballs to pass through the digestive system.

Use Hairball Product or Laxative: Some pet stores and veterinarians offer hairball remedies in the form of products or laxatives. These products can help lubricate the digestive tract and aid in the passage of hairballs.

Discourage Excessive Grooming: While grooming is natural for cats, excessive grooming can lead to more hair ingestion. Engaging your cat in other activities, providing toys, and ensuring they stay mentally and physically stimulated can help reduce excessive grooming.

**It’s important to note that if a cat is experiencing severe or chronic issues with hairballs, it’s advisable to consult with a veterinarian for a more personalized and targeted approach to managing the problem. Additionally, always follow the specific instructions on any hairball remedy product and consult with a vet if you have concerns about your cat’s health.