A dog not eating and vomiting may seem like a simple upset stomach, but it can also be a sign of something more serious.
These two symptoms are often connected and can signal an underlying issue in your dog’s digestive, metabolic, or even nervous system.
Dogs occasionally skip meals or vomit once due to eating too fast or ingesting something unpleasant, but when these symptoms occur together or persist, they should be taken seriously.
We outline the causes of your dog not eating and vomiting, what symptoms to watch out for, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Not Eating and Vomiting: What It Means
If your dog is not eating and vomiting, it could be a sign of anything from mild digestive upset to a serious medical condition like pancreatitis, organ failure, or poisoning.
Occasional vomiting with temporary appetite loss might stem from eating something unusual or stress, but when these symptoms occur together or persist for more than 24 hours, it’s often a red flag.
This combination can quickly lead to dehydration and worsening illness.
Vomiting in dogs refers to the forceful ejection of stomach contents. This can be caused by anything from dietary indiscretion to organ dysfunction.
Loss of appetite in dogs, also known as anorexia, occurs when a dog shows no interest in food or eats significantly less than usual.
Common Causes of Dog Not Eating and Vomiting
1. Gastrointestinal Upset
One of the most common causes of a dog not eating and vomiting is simple gastrointestinal upset. This can happen from:
Eating spoiled food or garbage
Eating too fast
Sudden changes in diet
Intolerance to certain ingredients
In such cases, vomiting usually appears shortly after eating, and the dog may skip a meal or two due to an upset stomach.
Withhold food for 12–24 hours and reintroduce bland food like boiled chicken and rice.
If vomiting continues or your dog refuses to eat after a day, see your vet.
Related: Dog not eating and drinking (Here’s why)
2. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis in dogs is inflammation of the pancreas, which can be very painful. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and a refusal to eat.
It often occurs after eating rich, fatty foods.
What causes pancreatitis:
High-fat meals
Table scraps
Obesity
Certain medications
The inflamed pancreas disrupts digestion and causes intense abdominal pain, leading to vomiting and a dog not eating.
3. Foreign Object Ingestion
If your dog swallowed a toy, bone, or any non-digestible object, it can become lodged in the stomach or intestines.
Symptoms include:
Vomiting (often repeatedly)
Lethargy
No interest in food
Abdominal pain
Constipation or diarrhea
A dog vomiting and not eating due to an intestinal blockage is an emergency.
The blockage prevents food and fluids from passing and requires immediate surgical attention.
Related: Dog eating and not eating (Here’s why)
4. Infections (Viral or Bacterial)
Serious infections like parvovirus, distemper, or leptospirosis can cause severe vomiting and appetite loss, especially in puppies or unvaccinated dogs.
Common signs:
Vomiting multiple times a day
Fever
Bloody diarrhea
Extreme lethargy
Rapid dehydration
If your dog is not eating and vomiting along with these symptoms, get veterinary help immediately—these conditions can be fatal without treatment.
5. Kidney or Liver Disease
The kidneys and liver help filter toxins from your dog’s body.
When these organs are failing, toxins build up, leading to nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite.
Other signs to look for:
Bad breath (ammonia-like in kidney disease)
Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or gums in liver disease)
Increased or decreased urination
Weight loss
Chronic organ conditions can cause your dog to feel nauseous most of the time, explaining why your dog is not eating and vomiting intermittently.
6. Toxin Ingestion
Dogs often get into things they shouldn’t, such as chocolate, xylitol (in sugar-free gum), grapes, antifreeze, or rodent poison. These toxins can cause:
Sudden vomiting
Drooling
Lethargy
Seizures
No interest in food
If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic and they’re not eating and vomiting, seek immediate veterinary attention.
7. Motion Sickness
Some dogs, particularly puppies or those not used to car travel, can experience motion sickness. The symptoms?
Vomiting during or after travel
Drooling
Refusal to eat before or after a trip
This is usually not serious but can be managed with vet-approved medications or travel conditioning.
8. Stress and Anxiety
Stress can also explain why your dog is not eating and vomiting.
Just like people, dogs may react to stressful events (moving, new pet, separation, fireworks) by experiencing digestive upset.
Signs of stress-related vomiting:
Occurs during stressful events
Appetite returns once the dog is calm
Accompanied by whining, pacing, or hiding
Stress triggers hormones like cortisol, which may reduce appetite and make your dog nauseous.
9. Medication Side Effects
Certain medications, including antibiotics, pain relievers, or chemotherapy drugs, can upset your dog’s stomach.
If your dog starts vomiting and stops eating after starting a new medication, consult your veterinarian about alternatives or supportive treatments.
When to Worry About Dog Not Eating and Vomiting
While occasional vomiting or skipping a meal isn’t uncommon, there are times when you need to act fast.
See a vet if:
Vomiting persists for more than 24 hours
Your dog hasn’t eaten in over 48 hours
There’s blood in the vomit or stool
Your dog is lethargic, trembling, or in visible pain
Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has a chronic health condition
Dogs can become dehydrated very quickly when vomiting and not eating.
Dehydration can worsen their condition and lead to organ failure if left untreated.
What You Can Do at Home
If your dog is not eating and vomiting but otherwise seems alert and hydrated, you can try the following:
Withhold food for 12 hours to rest the stomach (water should still be available).
Offer bland food like plain boiled chicken and white rice in small amounts.
Ensure access to clean, fresh water at all times.
Monitor closely for any worsening signs.
If the symptoms improve, gradually reintroduce your dog’s normal diet over several days.
Key Takeaway: Dog Not Eating and Vomiting
A dog not eating and vomiting could be experiencing anything from minor stomach upset to life-threatening illness.
While a single episode might not be serious, ongoing symptoms—especially when combined—require prompt attention.
Possible causes include gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, infections, organ disease, poisoning, stress, and more.
It’s essential to watch for other warning signs and seek veterinary care when needed.
By understanding the reasons behind your dog’s vomiting and loss of appetite, you’ll be better equipped to take action and ensure their health and comfort.