When your dog is dealing with eye discharge, won’t eat, and is also vomiting, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong—and potentially serious.
While each of these symptoms on its own can result from minor issues, the combination of all three often points to systemic illness, infection, or more serious internal problems. Ignoring them or assuming it’s “just a stomach bug” can lead to worsening symptoms and risks to your dog’s health.
We help you understand what might be causing your dog’s eye discharge, vomiting, and refusal to eat, what you can do at home, and when to get veterinary help without delay.
Dog Eye Discharge and Not Eating and Vomiting: Why It Happens
A dog showing eye discharge and not eating and vomiting may be suffering from systemic infections, gastrointestinal disease, distemper, toxin exposure, liver or kidney dysfunction, or severe dehydration.
The eyes are often early indicators of illness, while vomiting and loss of appetite suggest your dog’s whole body is being affected. These symptoms together should always be treated as a medical concern.
Dog Eye Discharge and Not Eating and Vomiting: Common Causes
1. Canine Distemper
Distemper is a highly contagious and dangerous viral disease that begins with eye discharge and nasal symptoms, then progresses to vomiting, loss of appetite, and neurologic problems.
Eye discharge is often thick and pus-like. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are most vulnerable.
If your dog is vomiting, has goopy eyes, and is too sick to eat, don’t wait—distemper spreads quickly and requires urgent care.
2. Gastrointestinal Illness with Secondary Infection
Sometimes a primary digestive issue, like viral gastroenteritis or food poisoning, can suppress the immune system and lead to eye infections or inflammation.
In this case, vomiting and appetite loss come first, followed by eye discharge as a secondary sign.
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can worsen all symptoms, making your dog lethargic, nauseous, and more prone to further complications.
Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
3. Toxin Ingestion
Dogs who ingest toxins—like spoiled food, medications, or household chemicals—can experience vomiting, lack of appetite, and eye discharge as their body tries to purge and protect itself.
The eye discharge may result from irritation, fever, or systemic effects of the toxin.
If your dog also shows signs like tremors, rapid breathing, or collapse, seek emergency care immediately.
4. Liver or Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney or liver conditions can lead to buildup of toxins in the blood, triggering vomiting, loss of appetite, and inflammation in the eyes.
Dogs may show red or irritated eyes, especially around the inner corners, along with nausea and general malaise.
Older dogs or those with a history of bloodwork changes are particularly at risk.
5. Eye Injury or Ulcer With Nausea
If your dog has an eye ulcer or foreign object in the eye, the resulting pain can trigger enough stress and discomfort to cause nausea and vomiting.
In some cases, squinting or pawing at the eye is the first sign.
The pain, coupled with the body’s reaction to inflammation, can make your dog refuse food and vomit bile or foam.
Related: Dog eye discharge and not eating (Causes and what to do)
6. Systemic Fever or Infection
Dogs fighting off bacterial or viral infections often experience a combination of symptoms like eye discharge, vomiting, food avoidance, and fatigue.
The body’s inflammatory response affects multiple systems, and your dog may look and act “off” in general.
Eye discharge is usually a visible clue that the immune system is actively engaged in fighting something off.
7. Parvovirus (Especially in Puppies)
If a puppy is vomiting and not eating, with eye discharge present, parvovirus is a top concern.
Though the eye symptoms may be less obvious early on, they often develop due to fever, dehydration, or secondary infection.
Parvo can kill quickly without prompt treatment.
Puppies or newly adopted dogs showing this symptom trio should see a vet immediately.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Eye Discharge, Is Not Eating, and Vomiting
If symptoms have just started, and your dog is still alert and moving around, you can take a few steps at home:
Gently clean the eyes with a warm, damp cloth or sterile saline solution to remove discharge.
Offer bland food like boiled chicken and rice in very small amounts—but only if vomiting has stopped.
Encourage hydration using ice cubes, low-sodium broth, or a pet-safe electrolyte solution.
Use an e-collar to prevent rubbing the eyes or making an injury worse.
Avoid over-the-counter eye drops unless specifically prescribed by your vet.
However, vomiting combined with eye discharge and food refusal is rarely something to “wait and see” about for more than 12–24 hours.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Call your vet immediately if:
Your dog vomits more than once or twice and refuses to eat anything.
Eye discharge is thick, yellow/green, or accompanied by swelling or cloudiness.
Your dog appears weak, wobbly, or confused.
There’s blood in the vomit or diarrhea.
Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has pre-existing health conditions.
Your dog is also running a fever, breathing heavily, or appears in pain.
The vet may recommend tests including bloodwork, fecal analysis, eye staining, imaging, or IV fluids.
Treatment will depend on the cause and severity but may include antibiotics, anti-nausea meds, and supportive care.
Related: Dog Eye Discharge and Not Eating and Lethargic (What it means)
Key Takeaway
A dog with eye discharge, who is also not eating and vomiting, is likely facing a more serious condition than just an upset stomach.
Whether it’s a virus, an infection, an injury, or a chronic illness, the symptoms together point to discomfort and systemic stress.
If your dog is showing this troubling trio of signs, don’t wait it out.
Reach out to your vet, describe all the symptoms clearly, and get professional help.
Acting early can dramatically improve your dog’s outcome and prevent complications.