When you catch your dog eating poop and then throwing up, it’s both gross and worrying. This behavior, known as coprophagia, can make dogs sick and often points to digestive issues, nutrient deficiencies, or even stress-related habits.
While many dogs occasionally sample feces, vomiting afterward signals that something is off internally.
We outline the common reasons why dogs may eat poop and throw up, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Eating Poop and Throwing Up — Why It Happens
A dog that eats poop and then vomits is likely reacting to bacteria, parasites, or toxins ingested along with the feces. Dogs sometimes eat stool due to nutritional deficiencies, boredom, or learned habits, but vomiting afterward suggests that their body is rejecting what it perceives as harmful.
This can occur if the feces contained pathogens, spoiled food remnants, or medications from another animal.
In some cases, underlying health issues like malabsorption or diabetes can drive this behavior.
Dog Eating Poop and Throwing Up: Common Causes
1. Coprophagia (Behavioral Poop Eating)
Coprophagia — the act of eating feces — is fairly common in dogs, especially puppies or anxious pets. Some dogs develop this habit out of curiosity or because they see other dogs do it. Others may eat poop to hide “evidence” of accidents or to seek attention.
When a dog vomits after eating poop, it usually means their stomach can’t tolerate the bacteria or waste material consumed.
Vomiting may happen shortly after ingestion, accompanied by drooling, gagging, or stomach rumbling.
Although often behavioral, coprophagia can lead to parasitic infections and stomach upset if not corrected.
Read more: Dog Eating Poop and Has Diarrhea (Is it harmless or a red flag?)
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
Dogs lacking certain nutrients — especially vitamin B12, digestive enzymes, or minerals like zinc — may eat feces as an instinctive attempt to “rebalance” their diet.
Feces can contain partially digested nutrients that attract dogs with poor absorption or low-quality food intake.
If your dog eats poop and throws up frequently, consider whether their diet is balanced and complete.
Low-quality commercial diets or homemade meals without vet guidance can leave nutritional gaps. Over time, this behavior can worsen gastrointestinal inflammation and vomiting due to bacterial contamination.
3. Intestinal Parasites or Malabsorption Disorders
Worms or chronic digestive conditions can lead to nutrient loss, increased appetite, and strange eating habits — including eating poop.
When parasites or malabsorption affect nutrient uptake, dogs may crave anything that smells like food.
Vomiting in this case happens because the gastrointestinal tract is irritated or infected. You might notice additional signs such as weight loss, a bloated belly, or soft, smelly stools.
A fecal test from your vet can confirm if parasites or digestion issues are to blame, and treatment can stop both the vomiting and poop-eating behavior.
4. Exposure to Toxins or Bacteria in Feces
Sometimes dogs eat poop that contains harmful substances, medications, or chemicals. Feces from other pets — especially those on medication or dewormers — can carry toxins that irritate the stomach.
Similarly, feces left outdoors can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella, which lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
This is one of the most dangerous causes because bacterial infections can spread quickly and cause dehydration.
If your dog’s vomit smells foul, includes mucus, or turns bloody, contact your vet immediately. Preventing access to feces outdoors is the best long-term solution.
5. Anxiety, Stress, or Compulsive Behavior
Some dogs eat feces out of anxiety, frustration, or boredom — especially when left alone for long hours. Stress-related poop eating may become a compulsive behavior.
Vomiting afterward happens because the body still rejects what was eaten, but the dog may repeat the cycle due to emotional triggers.
Changes in household routine, new pets, or punishment-based training can all worsen anxiety-driven behaviors.
In these cases, managing stress, providing enrichment, and using positive reinforcement training are key to breaking the habit and protecting your dog’s digestive system.
6. Underlying Illnesses
Certain metabolic or hormonal conditions can increase appetite and cause abnormal eating behaviors, including poop eating.
Dogs with diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) may feel constantly hungry and eat inappropriate items, including feces.
Vomiting in these cases happens because the underlying disease alters digestion and nutrient absorption.
You may also notice excessive thirst, weight loss despite eating, or increased urination. Only bloodwork and veterinary evaluation can confirm these conditions, but early detection prevents complications and further digestive distress.
Read more: Dog Eating Poop and Losing Weight (Why it happens)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Eating Poop and Throwing Up
The first step is to limit access to feces immediately. Clean your yard frequently and supervise outdoor potty breaks so your dog can’t snack unsupervised. Indoors, use baby gates or litter box covers if you share a home with cats. Prevention reduces the risk of reinfection or toxin ingestion.
Next, monitor your dog’s hydration and appetite. Vomiting can cause dehydration, so make sure clean, fresh water is always available.
If your dog continues to vomit, withhold food for 8–12 hours, then offer a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice to calm the stomach. If they can’t keep food down or seem weak, go to your vet as soon as possible.
For behavioral cases, ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and obedience training can redirect attention away from feces.
Avoid scolding, as this can increase anxiety and worsen the habit. Instead, use positive reinforcement — praise or treats when your dog ignores poop — to reinforce good behavior.
If nutritional deficiency or malabsorption is suspected, ask your vet about dietary upgrades or supplements.
A high-quality diet rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins often resolves cravings linked to poor nutrition. In some cases, digestive enzyme supplements can help improve nutrient absorption and reduce strange eating behaviors.
Finally, deworm your dog regularly and schedule routine fecal checks. Parasites often go unnoticed but play a major role in digestive disturbances and poop-related habits. Keeping your dog parasite-free prevents both illness and vomiting.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your vet immediately if your dog continues to vomit after eating poop, becomes lethargic, refuses food, or shows signs of dehydration such as dry gums, sunken eyes, or reduced urination. These can indicate bacterial infection, poisoning, or organ involvement.
Seek emergency care if your dog’s vomit contains blood or dark material that resembles coffee grounds. This could suggest internal bleeding or severe stomach irritation. Puppies, senior dogs, and those with chronic conditions are especially vulnerable and should be examined right away.
If your dog repeatedly eats poop despite training or dietary changes, veterinary testing is essential. Your vet may perform bloodwork, stool analysis, or imaging to identify nutritional or hormonal imbalances. Addressing the root cause will help stop the cycle and protect your dog’s health long-term.
In addition, call your vet if the poop your dog ate came from another animal on medication. Some dewormers, flea preventatives, or prescription drugs can remain active in feces and cause toxic reactions.
Read more: Dog Eating Poop and Drinking Lots of Water (What it means)
Key Takeaway
If your dog is eating poop and throwing up, don’t ignore it — even if it seems like a one-time incident. Vomiting after poop eating means your dog’s body is reacting badly, either to bacteria, toxins, or internal imbalances.
While some dogs eat feces out of curiosity or stress, persistent vomiting points to something deeper.
Focus on prevention, diet quality, and behavioral support, and always consult your vet if vomiting recurs or your dog seems unwell.
Quick action not only prevents infection but also helps your dog feel better and stay healthy — inside and out.