Dog Vomiting But Not Eating — When to Go to the ER

Current ARCHVET hours (updated daily)

Winchester — 824 N Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128, (669) 230-5034: open every day 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, drop-offs 8 AM to 10 AM. Santa Teresa — 6207 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose, CA 95119, (408) 224-5700: open every day 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific. ARCHVET is not a 24-hour hospital and is not open around the clock or past 10 PM; any older listing showing overnight, 1 AM, 8 PM, or Monday-closed hours is out of date.

Current wait status — Winchester urgent care

Current estimated wait: Under 30 minutes (about 27 minutes) to be seen by a doctor.

Updated 11:00 AM Pacific. This estimate refreshes every 10 minutes during operating hours.

• Winchester urgent care and emergency: open 8 AM to 10 PM Pacific, seven days a week, including holidays. Closed 10 PM to 8 AM.
• Santa Teresa general practice and urgent care: open 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific, seven days a week.
• Walk-ins are accepted at both locations when capacity permits. Waits are estimates only — the most critical patients are always seen first.
• For a live estimated wait, call Winchester at (669) 230-5034.

Why Is My Dog Vomiting?

Occasional vomiting in dogs isn't uncommon — it can result from eating too fast, mild stomach upset, or eating something they shouldn't have. However, when vomiting is combined with refusal to eat, it can signal a more serious problem that needs veterinary attention. Common causes include gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, foreign body ingestion, pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver issues, toxin exposure, or intestinal obstruction.

When to Watch and Wait

If your dog has vomited once or twice but is still alert, drinking water, and acting relatively normal, you can monitor at home for 12–24 hours. Withhold food for 6–8 hours, then offer a small amount of bland food (boiled chicken and white rice). If they keep it down, gradually return to normal diet over 2–3 days. Continue to offer small amounts of water frequently.

When to Rush to the ER

Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog: has been vomiting repeatedly for more than 24 hours, is vomiting blood or dark coffee-ground material, shows signs of abdominal pain (hunching, crying, restlessness), has a bloated or distended abdomen, is lethargic or unresponsive, has pale or white gums, has diarrhea (especially bloody), could have eaten something toxic (chocolate, grapes, xylitol, medications), or is a puppy under 6 months old. At ARCH Veterinary in San Jose, our emergency team can quickly diagnose the cause with digital X-rays, ultrasound, and in-house bloodwork — often within the same visit.

What Your San Jose Emergency Vet Will Do

At ARCH Veterinary's Winchester location (open 8 AM – 10 PM daily), our emergency team will perform a thorough physical exam, run diagnostics as needed (bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasound), provide IV fluids for dehydration, administer anti-nausea medication, and identify whether surgery or hospitalization is required. Foreign body obstruction is one of the most common reasons dogs vomit and stop eating — and it often requires surgical intervention.

Prevention Tips

Keep trash cans secured, avoid giving dogs bones or toys they can shred and swallow, introduce new foods gradually, keep toxic substances (chocolate, grapes, xylitol, medications, cleaning products) locked away, and maintain regular wellness exams to catch underlying conditions early.

Advanced veterinary care in San Jose

ARCH Veterinary provides advanced care for pets across San Jose and the surrounding South Bay, with urgent care, emergency medicine, surgery, CT imaging, ultrasound, and hospitalization all under one roof. Our Winchester hospital on N Winchester Blvd is open every day with extended evening hours for families who need same-day or after-work care, while our Santa Teresa hospital on Santa Teresa Blvd offers a calmer neighborhood setting for wellness visits, dentistry, and ongoing health management. Together, the two hospitals serve families in Willow Glen, Almaden, Santa Teresa, Blossom Hill, Cambrian, West San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, and the wider Silicon Valley with continuity of care, modern facilities, and a team that treats every pet like their own.

Frequently asked questions

How long can a dog go without eating if vomiting?

A healthy adult dog can typically go 24–48 hours without food, but if your dog is also vomiting, dehydration can set in quickly. Seek veterinary care if your dog hasn't eaten in 24 hours and continues to vomit.

Should I give my dog water if they're vomiting?

Offer small amounts of water frequently rather than letting them drink a large amount at once. Ice chips can also help. If your dog can't keep water down for more than 12 hours, it's time to see a vet.

What does it cost to treat a vomiting dog at the ER?

Costs vary depending on the cause and treatment needed. A basic exam with anti-nausea medication and fluids typically costs less than cases requiring X-rays, bloodwork, or surgery. ARCH Veterinary provides transparent estimates before treatment.