Dog is Vomiting, Has Diarrhea, and Not Eating: Causes and When to See a Vet

Common Causes of Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Appetite Loss in Dogs

When your dog is vomiting and has diarrhea but refuses to eat, understanding the potential underlying causes can help you act quickly and effectively.

1. Gastrointestinal Infections

One of the leading causes of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs is gastrointestinal infection. Whether bacterial, viral, or parasitic, these infections can disrupt your dog’s gut health severely.

For instance, dog vomiting and diarrhea due to infection is often caused by viruses like parvovirus (especially deadly in puppies) or bacteria such as salmonella and campylobacter. These infections can come from contaminated water, spoiled food, or even close contact with infected animals.

Symptoms of infections include:

• Persistent vomiting

• Watery or bloody diarrhea

• Severe dehydration

• Lethargy

• Fever

If your dog shows these signs, prompt veterinary care is crucial.

2. Dietary Indiscretion (Eating Something They Shouldn’t)

If your dog is vomiting after eating something bad, such as garbage, spoiled food, or a foreign object, it can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Dogs are natural scavengers and will often ingest things that upset their stomachs.

Typical signs of dietary indiscretion include:

• Vomiting with partially digested food

• Diarrhea that may be watery or foul-smelling

• Loss of appetite

In minor cases, a bland diet and rest can help your dog recover. However, if symptoms worsen, ingestion of a toxic or sharp object could be the culprit and would require immediate vet attention.

3. Pancreatitis

Another serious reason your dog may be vomiting, have diarrhea, and show no interest in eating is pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis often develops after a dog consumes a very fatty meal, but it can also occur spontaneously.

Dog vomiting diarrhea pancreatitis symptoms to watch for:

• Severe, repeated vomiting

• Watery, sometimes greasy diarrhea

• Abdominal pain (your dog may cry out or have a hunched posture)

• Refusing food and water

• Weakness or collapse

Pancreatitis requires urgent medical treatment, usually including hospitalization, IV fluids, pain relief, and dietary management.

4. Toxin Ingestion

Many household items are toxic to dogs. If your dog is vomiting, has diarrhea, and is not eating, think about whether they might have consumed something dangerous like chocolate, grapes, household cleaners, rodenticide, or toxic plants.

Dog vomiting diarrhea toxin ingestion signs often appear rapidly:

• Vomiting and diarrhea within hours of ingestion

• Severe drooling

• Tremors or seizures

• Abdominal pain

• Collapse

If you suspect toxin ingestion, seek emergency veterinary care immediately — treatments like inducing vomiting or administering activated charcoal must be done quickly.

5. Parasites

Intestinal parasites are a common cause, especially in puppies and rescue dogs. Dog vomiting diarrhea caused by parasites often includes:

• Chronic loose stools

• Vomiting intermittently

• Visible worms in stool or vomit

• A bloated abdomen despite weight loss

Routine fecal exams and deworming medications can help diagnose and treat parasite problems early.

6. Serious Underlying Conditions

Sometimes, vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetence are signs of serious diseases such as kidney failure, liver disease, Addison’s disease, or certain cancers.

When dog vomiting diarrhea signs of serious disease are present, symptoms may include:

• Excessive drinking or urination

• Jaundice (yellowing of the gums or eyes)

• Sudden weight loss

• Severe weakness or fainting episodes

Early veterinary intervention is vital for improving outcomes in these cases.

Related: Dog throwing up and drooling (Explained)

What You Should Do If Your Dog Is Vomiting, Has Diarrhea, and Refuses Food

When your dog is not eating and has diarrhea and vomiting, quick and careful action is needed.

1. Assess the Severity of Symptoms

Start by monitoring your dog closely:

• Is vomiting continuous or occasional?

• Is the diarrhea bloody or unusually foul-smelling?

• Is your dog listless, weak, or showing signs of pain?

• How long has your dog refused food?

Knowing when to worry about dog vomiting and diarrhea is important. If symptoms are mild and your dog is otherwise alert, you might try at-home care. If symptoms are severe or prolonged beyond 24 hours, call your vet.

2. Withhold Food for a Short Time

Allowing your dog’s stomach to rest can help if the case seems mild. Vets typically recommend withholding food for 12–24 hours (but not water).

After this fasting period, you can offer a bland diet such as:

• Boiled chicken (no skin or bones) and white rice

• Boiled ground turkey and pumpkin

• Prescription gastrointestinal diets from your veterinarian

Following a bland diet for dog vomiting and diarrhea can help reintroduce food gently and prevent further irritation.

3. Maintain Hydration

Vomiting and diarrhea can quickly dehydrate a dog. Learn how to keep a dog hydrated with diarrhea and vomiting:

• Offer small amounts of fresh water frequently

• Use unflavored Pedialyte (after vet consultation)

• Ice chips can be easier to keep down if drinking triggers vomiting

If your dog shows signs of dehydration like sticky gums or sunken eyes, veterinary fluids may be required urgently.

4. Monitor Progress Closely

If your dog starts eating small amounts and the diarrhea/vomiting resolve within 24–48 hours, you’re probably in the clear. However, if your dog is not eating, diarrhea and vomiting persist, or if new symptoms develop (such as collapse, weakness, or blood in stool), seek veterinary help without delay.

Related: Dog diarrhea and shaking (Explained)

When You Must See the Vet

You should seek immediate veterinary care if:

• Vomiting or diarrhea is constant or severe

• There is blood in the vomit or stool

• Your dog appears extremely weak, disoriented, or collapses

• There’s a hard, swollen abdomen

• No improvement occurs after 24 hours

Knowing when to seek an emergency vet for dog vomiting and diarrhea could be life-saving.

Veterinarians can perform diagnostics like blood tests, stool analysis, ultrasounds, or X-rays to pinpoint the cause and start treatments such as:

• IV fluids and electrolytes

• Anti-nausea medications

• Antibiotics or dewormers

• Surgery in severe cases

How to Prevent Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Appetite Loss in Dogs

While you can’t prevent every illness, you can lower risks dramatically by:

• Keeping all toxic foods and substances out of reach

• Regular deworming and fecal exams

• Feeding a consistent, high-quality dog food

• Avoiding fatty table scraps

• Keeping your dog vaccinated against contagious viruses

• Supervising your dog during outdoor activities to avoid scavenging

Taking these steps can go a long way toward preventing dog vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss.

Conclusion

When your dog is vomiting, having diarrhea, and not eating, it’s more than just a minor stomach upset — it could be a sign of infection, toxin ingestion, organ dysfunction, or something else requiring swift intervention.

While minor cases might resolve at home with fasting, hydration, and a bland diet, serious cases demand immediate veterinary attention. If you’re ever in doubt, err on the side of caution — your dog’s life may depend on quick, decisive action.

Always prioritize your dog’s health and happiness. Acting early often makes all the difference between a simple recovery and a complicated, expensive medical crisis.