What to Ask Your Veterinarian When Your Dog Is Vomiting or Not Eating

Vomiting and appetite loss are two of the most common reasons dogs are seen by a veterinarian, and the range of possible causes is wide. This article is preparation guidance only. It does not diagnose or recommend treatment.

General education only. This article does not diagnose conditions, recommend treatments, or provide dosing. Every medication decision must be made with your veterinarian, who knows your pet's history and current health.

What to record before the appointment

• How many times your dog has vomited and over what period.
• What the vomit looked like, including whether anything unusual was present.
• The last time your dog ate and drank normally.
• Any access to garbage, plants, chews, toys, or anything unusual.
• Bowel movement changes, energy level, and drinking habits.
• All current medications and supplements, with names and strengths.

Questions to ask

• What are the most likely explanations given the examination?
• Do you recommend bloodwork or imaging, and what would each rule out?
• Is there any concern about an obstruction or a toxin?
• What should I watch for at home tonight?
• What would make this an emergency?
• If medication is prescribed, what is it treating and how long should it take to help?

Signs owners are usually told to treat as urgent

Veterinary teams commonly ask to be contacted right away for repeated vomiting, an inability to keep water down, a distended or painful abdomen, collapse, or suspected ingestion of a foreign object or toxin. If you are unsure, call your clinic or an emergency hospital and describe what you are seeing. Do not wait to see how it goes overnight if you are worried.

Prescriptions after the visit

If your veterinarian prescribes medication, the clinic can send it directly to VetFaster. Delivery across Alberta within 72 hours, and you may save up to 40% on eligible prescribed pet medications compared with typical clinic pricing. For urgent starts, ask your clinic whether the first doses should be dispensed on site.

How ordering works with VetFaster

VetFaster is a prescription coordination and delivery service. It is not a veterinary clinic and does not decide what your pet is prescribed. Your veterinarian writes the prescription and sends it to VetFaster directly by fax at +1 825-256-5399, then the order is filled and shipped to you.

• Your veterinarian examines your pet and issues the prescription.
• The clinic sends the prescription to VetFaster on your behalf.
• You can create a VetFaster account and review your order online.
• Delivery across Alberta within 72 hours.

You can read the full process on the How It Works page, browse what is stocked on the pet medication catalogue, or check coverage on the Alberta service area page.

Next step

For follow up prescriptions and ongoing refills, VetFaster keeps the process simple. Sign up with VetFaster and ask your veterinary clinic to send the prescription over by fax. Questions first? Use the contact page or read the frequently asked questions.

Related reading

• Cerenia for dogs and cats in Alberta
• What to ask when your dog is limping
• VetFaster frequently asked questions