VOMITTING

Question
OUR 6 R OLD JRT MOLLY IS HEALTHY AND GOES TO THE VET YEARLY FOR HER SHOTS AND PHYSICAL, RECENTLY SHE HAS STARTED TO LICK THE FLOOR AND GROUND OUTSIDE CAUSING HER TO VOMIT UP GRASS, LEAVES AND WHATEVER ELSE SHE LICKED. WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THIS BEHAVOIR AND HOW DO I STOP IT. IT'S ALMOST LIKE SHE IS TRYING TO MAKE HERSELF VOMIT COULD SHE BE DOING THIS ON PURPOSE? AND WHY?

Answer
Hi Lori,
Yes, she absolutely IS doing this on purpose and the reason they do it is because they have an upset stomach. My dog Jody does the exact same thing. It's nothing to worry about unless she is doing it every day. I have found that giving a saltine cracker takes the behavior away and calms the stomach down. When you see her start licking the floor, try giving her a cracker. If she is really nauseous though, she will continue to do this until she vomits.  If she is doing it often you should take her to be seen by your veterinarian. Be careful this time of year because there are so many things that can make our dogs sick including antifreeze, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and poinsettias. Best of luck Lori.