A dog breathing heavily and vomiting can be alarming for any dog owner. These symptoms often signal that something more serious is happening than simple indigestion.
We outline the common causes of heavy breathing and throwing up in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Breathing Heavy and Throwing Up — Why It Happens
Heavy breathing paired with vomiting is usually a sign of significant distress in your dog’s body. Conditions like heatstroke, heart disease, bloat, respiratory infections, or toxin ingestion can trigger both symptoms at once.
These issues can interfere with oxygen intake, disrupt the digestive system, and lead to dangerous complications. Identifying the cause quickly is crucial, as some can become life-threatening within hours.
Dog Breathing Heavily and Throwing Up: Common Causes
Heatstroke
Heatstroke happens when a dog’s body overheats beyond its ability to cool down.
Panting becomes rapid and labored as the body tries to release excess heat. Vomiting often follows due to stress on the digestive system and overheating of internal organs.
This condition can escalate quickly and cause organ failure or death, so immediate cooling and veterinary care are essential.
Read more: Dog Breathing Heavy and Gagging (Here’s why)
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
Bloat is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and sometimes twists.
A bloated dog may breathe heavily because the enlarged stomach presses against the diaphragm, restricting lung expansion. Vomiting or unsuccessful retching is common.
This condition requires surgery and can be fatal if untreated within hours.
Heart Disease
Heart problems can reduce oxygen delivery throughout the body, making a dog breathe harder.
Fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen may also cause nausea and vomiting. Symptoms often appear suddenly during activity or rest.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are key to improving comfort and survival.
Respiratory Infections or Pneumonia
Lung infections cause inflammation, fluid buildup, and labored breathing.
Dogs may vomit due to excessive coughing or the spread of infection to other organs.
These illnesses can progress rapidly, especially in puppies, seniors, or immunocompromised dogs.
Toxin Ingestion
Certain poisons — such as rat bait, household chemicals, or toxic foods — can affect both the respiratory and digestive systems.
Heavy breathing can result from internal bleeding, organ damage, or metabolic disturbances caused by the toxin.
Vomiting is often the body’s first attempt to expel the harmful substance, but professional care is needed.
Severe Pain or Trauma
Injuries to the chest, abdomen, or spine can lead to heavy breathing and vomiting.
Pain can make a dog breathe rapidly, while internal bleeding or organ damage can trigger nausea.
These cases require urgent evaluation to determine the extent of the damage.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Breathing Heavily and Throwing Up
First, keep your dog calm and in a cool, quiet space. Excitement or exertion can worsen breathing difficulties.
Check for other symptoms, such as bloating, pale gums, coughing, or lethargy, to give your vet helpful information.
Offer small sips of water if your dog can drink without coughing or retching, but do not force it.
Avoid giving food until you know the cause of the vomiting. Rest the digestive system until your veterinarian advises otherwise.
If symptoms are worsening or your dog seems weak, skip home remedies and head to the vet immediately.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet right away if your dog is breathing heavily and vomiting, especially if these occur together.
Seek emergency care if you notice:
Distended or hard abdomen
Gums that are pale, blue, or gray
Collapse or extreme weakness
Persistent vomiting
Difficulty standing or moving
These may indicate a rapidly progressing emergency.
Read more: Dog Breathing Heavy After Eating (Signs you should never ignore)
Key Takeaway
Heavy breathing combined with vomiting in dogs is a warning sign that should never be ignored.
Many of the underlying causes require urgent veterinary treatment to prevent severe complications or death.
Trust your instincts as an owner — if your dog seems unwell, call your veterinarian right away. Quick action can make all the difference.