Why vomiting once isn't an emergency for a 15 kg dog
A single episode of vomiting after eating an artichoke heart is usually just stomach irritation from the sudden fiber load. Your dog's size means he can handle this better than a smaller pet would. The real concern isn’t the artichoke flesh itself — it’s whether he swallowed any tough, fibrous stem pieces that might irritate his intestines or cause a partial blockage as they move through.
Since the vomiting happened hours after eating, his system is already processing the food. Watch for any signs of discomfort like repeated gagging, belly pressing, or reluctance to lie down. These could suggest a stem fragment is causing trouble deeper in his gut. For now, withhold food for 4-6 hours to let his stomach settle, then offer a bland meal like boiled chicken and rice.
What to expect over the next 12 hours
Most dogs bounce back quickly from this kind of dietary indiscretion. You’ll likely see normal energy levels and appetite returning once the initial irritation passes. The key is monitoring the frequency of any further vomiting — two or more additional episodes in this window mean his system isn’t handling it well and needs veterinary assessment.
Check his gums (they should be pink and moist) and watch his water intake. Dehydration can sneak up fast if vomiting continues. Small, frequent sips are better than letting him gulp a whole bowl at once. If he keeps water down for two hours without vomiting, you can gradually reintroduce his regular food.
When artichoke leaves become a hidden danger
Cooked artichoke hearts are soft, but if your dog got into any accompanying leaves or the choke, those fibrous parts can be problematic. The morning-after timing of his vomiting suggests possible mechanical irritation rather than toxicity. Feel his abdomen gently for any unusual firmness or tenderness, and note whether his bowel movements appear normal over the next day.
Any leaves he swallowed whole may show up in his stool wrapped around other material, looking like compressed plant matter. If you don’t see evidence of them passing within 48 hours, or if his poop becomes thin or ribbon-like (a sign of intestinal narrowing), he’ll need an x-ray to check for blockages.
Why his next meal matters more than the artichoke
The artichoke itself is likely already moving through his system, but how he handles his first proper meal afterward tells you whether the irritation has resolved. Offer a quarter portion of his usual dinner — if he refuses it or vomits within an hour, his stomach lining is still inflamed and may need vet-prescribed medication to settle.
Don’t be alarmed if his next few bowel movements are looser than usual; high-fiber foods often cause temporary changes in stool consistency. What matters is that he’s passing something. Complete constipation or straining without production, especially combined with restlessness, means those fibrous parts might be causing an obstruction that needs immediate attention.
The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Artichoke food facts page.