Dog Drooling, Throwing Up and Diarrhea: What’s Going On

Common Causes of Dog Drooling, Throwing Up and Diarrhea

1. Gastrointestinal Infection

Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections are among the most common causes of dog vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.

When pathogens attack the gastrointestinal tract, they trigger inflammation that leads to fluid loss, stomach irritation, and nausea.

You may notice your dog:

• Vomiting foamy or yellow bile

• Having frequent, loose stools

• Drooling while appearing nauseated

Canine parvovirus, salmonella, or giardia are frequent culprits in dogs presenting these symptoms, especially in puppies or unvaccinated dogs.

Related: My dog threw up and is now salivating (Here’s why)

2. Toxin Ingestion or Poisoning

When a dog eats something toxic, like human medication, chocolate, xylitol, household chemicals, or poisonous plants, their body quickly reacts with vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.

These symptoms appear rapidly and may be accompanied by:

• Tremors

• Seizures

• Uncoordinated movements

• Rapid heartbeat

Poisoning should always be treated as an emergency.

If you suspect your dog has ingested something harmful, call your vet or a pet poison hotline immediately.

3. Dietary Indiscretion

Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t—spoiled leftovers, trash, or even foreign objects like socks or toys.

Eating something inappropriate can cause:

• Nausea and excessive drooling

• Vomiting undigested food or objects

• Dog diarrhea and vomiting

In mild cases, symptoms may resolve on their own.

But if your dog continues to show signs of distress or has eaten a foreign object, you’ll need veterinary care.

4. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas and can be triggered by a high-fat meal or underlying health issues.

Dogs with pancreatitis often show:

• Lethargy and abdominal pain

• Vomiting and diarrhea

• Drooling due to nausea

This condition can be life-threatening and requires professional treatment, including IV fluids and medication.

5. Heatstroke

In hot weather, dogs are at risk of heatstroke, especially breeds with thick coats or flat faces like Bulldogs or Pugs.

Symptoms include:

• Intense drooling

• Vomiting and diarrhea

• Panting, collapse, and disorientation

Heatstroke in dogs is an emergency. If your dog is drooling excessively, vomiting, and has diarrhea on a hot day, cool them down immediately and rush to the vet.

Related: Dog throwing up and drooling (Here’s why)

6. Foreign Body Obstruction

If a dog swallows an indigestible object like a ball, corn cob, or bone fragment, it can block the intestines. Signs include:

• Persistent vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Diarrhea or straining

• Drooling from nausea or pain

X-rays or an ultrasound will confirm the blockage, and surgery is often needed to remove it.

7. Medication Side Effects

Some medications can upset your dog’s stomach, especially antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. Common side effects may include:

• Dog drooling and vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lethargy or decreased appetite

If your dog begins to show these symptoms shortly after starting a new medication, consult your vet to adjust the dose or switch drugs.

8. Liver or Kidney Disease

Chronic diseases like liver failure or kidney disease can cause drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs.

These organs play vital roles in detoxifying the body and processing waste.

If they start to fail, toxins build up, resulting in:

• Nausea

• Loss of appetite

• Digestive upset

• Bad breath or yellowed eyes/gums

These diseases require long-term management and immediate veterinary care if symptoms worsen.

Related: Old dog throwing up and drooling (Here’s why)

9. Stress or Anxiety

Emotional distress can manifest physically in dogs. A sudden routine change, loud noise (like fireworks), or a new environment can lead to:

• Drooling from stress

• Diarrhea or soft stool

• Vomiting due to nervousness

Stress-triggered symptoms may be short-lived but should be monitored.

Prolonged anxiety may need behavior training or calming medications.

What You Should Do

When your dog is showing these symptoms together, it’s essential to assess the severity and duration.

While one bout of vomiting and soft stool might not be alarming, persistent dog drooling and vomiting with diarrhea can lead to dehydration and signal a deeper issue.

Home Care Tips (for Mild Cases):

• Withhold food for 12–24 hours, but never water unless advised.

• Offer small sips of water or ice cubes to prevent dehydration.

• Introduce a bland diet (boiled chicken and white rice) once vomiting stops.

• Observe your dog’s behavior closely.

However, don’t attempt home treatment if your dog shows signs of severe illness.

When to See a Vet Immediately

Seek veterinary attention right away if:

• Diarrhea is bloody or black

• Vomit contains blood or foreign objects

• Drooling is excessive and unexplained

• Your dog is lethargic, shaking, or unresponsive

• Symptoms last longer than 24 hours

• Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has pre-existing conditions

These red flags indicate a potentially serious underlying problem that requires medical intervention.

Key Takeaway

Dog drooling, throwing up and diarrhea can happen for many reasons—some minor and self-resolving, others serious and life-threatening.

Whether it’s from eating something bad, an infection, or an underlying disease, the combination of these symptoms points to a dog in distress.

While occasional vomiting or soft stools are normal in dogs, frequent drooling with vomiting and diarrhea means your dog needs attention—possibly urgently.

Always monitor your dog closely, keep track of their hydration, and consult your vet to uncover the root cause and start treatment early.

Quick action can make a huge difference in your dog’s comfort and recovery.