Why should oral drugs not be administered to vomiting animals?

When it comes to administering oral medications to animals that are vomiting, the key concern is how the drug is absorbed in the body. Oral medications require a functioning gastrointestinal (GI) tract for proper absorption. If an animal is actively vomiting, the medication may not remain in the stomach long enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream effectively. The contents of the stomach could be expelled before the medication has the chance to dissolve and be absorbed through the intestinal walls, leading to insufficient therapeutic effects and a potential need for re-dosing.

Administering oral drugs during episodes of vomiting could result in repeated treatments and ineffective therapy, which can complicate the animal’s condition and delay recovery. Thus, ensuring that an animal can properly digest and absorb medication is crucial for its overall treatment and well-being.