Stomach

After exiting the esophagus, food enters the stomach to begin the digestive process. The stomach mechanically and chemically separates food into smaller pieces prior to entry into the small intestine. Vomiting is a hallmark sign of stomach irritation. Dogs are best known for their indiscriminate eating, so it is not surprising that the most common causes of vomiting include foreign body ingestion (e.g.: rocks, toys), garbage ingestion, and parasites. Large breed dogs may also be at risk of a life threatening condition known as gastric-dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Recovery from GDV requires emergency treatment and surgery to correct the displaced stomach.