Seeing your dog only drinking water and then vomiting can be alarming. This combination of symptoms often signals that something is seriously wrong with your pet’s health and requires close attention.
We outline the common reasons why your dog only drinks water and vomits, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Only Drinking Water and Vomiting — Why It Happens
A dog that refuses food but drinks water and vomits may be experiencing anything from digestive upset to serious organ disease. Causes can include gastrointestinal blockages, pancreatitis, kidney disease, infections, or even toxin ingestion.
Sometimes, drinking water triggers vomiting because the stomach is already irritated or blocked, and the fluid cannot pass through normally.
These symptoms should never be ignored, as they can escalate quickly and may require urgent veterinary care.
Dog Only Drinking Water and Vomiting: Common Causes
Gastrointestinal Obstruction
If something is physically blocking your dog’s intestines or stomach, food and fluids can’t move through properly.
Dogs with a blockage often avoid food but may still drink water. However, even water can trigger vomiting because it has nowhere to go.
You might notice additional signs like abdominal pain, drooling, restlessness, or a hunched posture. Obstructions are a medical emergency and often require surgery.
Read more: Dog vomiting water and not eating (When to call the vet)
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by fatty meals or certain underlying health conditions.
It can cause nausea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Many dogs will still try to drink water, but because their digestive system is inflamed, they vomit shortly afterward.
Other symptoms may include lethargy, diarrhea, and a tense belly. This condition can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease interferes with your dog’s ability to filter waste from the blood.
As toxins build up, nausea and vomiting occur, and appetite drops. Dogs may drink more water in an attempt to flush the toxins, but vomiting prevents hydration.
You might also see weight loss, bad breath with a chemical smell, or changes in urination. Kidney disease needs immediate veterinary evaluation.
Gastritis
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by spoiled food, dietary changes, or ingestion of irritants.
This condition can make dogs feel nauseous and uninterested in food. They may drink water to soothe their stomach, but this often results in vomiting.
Symptoms can include dry heaving, lip licking, and general discomfort.
Mild gastritis can improve with supportive care, but persistent vomiting should be checked by a vet.
Toxin Ingestion
If a dog ingests something toxic — such as certain plants, chemicals, or human medications — vomiting is a common reaction.
They may avoid food due to nausea but still try to drink. The body may reject the water as part of its defense.
Other symptoms depend on the toxin but can include drooling, shaking, weakness, or seizures. Suspected poisoning requires urgent veterinary intervention.
Severe Infections
Infections like parvovirus or leptospirosis can cause vomiting, loss of appetite, and increased thirst.
These illnesses can make dogs extremely ill very quickly. Even water can trigger vomiting because the gastrointestinal system is compromised.
You might also see fever, diarrhea, or lethargy. Many infectious causes are life-threatening without prompt medical care.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Only Drinking Water and Vomits
If your dog is showing these symptoms, remove food and water temporarily to prevent further vomiting and aspiration.
Offer small sips of water or ice cubes after a short rest period to see if they can keep it down.
Avoid giving any human medications unless directed by your vet, as some can be harmful.
Keep your dog in a calm, quiet environment to reduce stress and monitor for worsening symptoms.
If vomiting persists for more than a few hours, or if your dog appears weak or in pain, seek veterinary care right away.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet immediately if your dog cannot keep water down, as dehydration can set in rapidly.
Seek urgent care if vomiting is accompanied by lethargy, blood in vomit, bloated abdomen, or signs of pain.
Puppies, senior dogs, or those with pre-existing conditions are at higher risk of complications and should be seen without delay.
If you suspect your dog ingested a foreign object or toxin, treat it as an emergency and go to a vet or animal ER.
Read more: Dog shivering and not eating but drinking water (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
A dog that is only drinking water and vomiting is showing signs of potential serious illness.
Causes range from stomach irritation to life-threatening blockages or organ disease. Because vomiting water can quickly lead to dehydration, these cases should be taken seriously.
Monitor your dog closely, offer supportive care at home only for mild, short-lived cases, and seek veterinary attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Prompt action can make the difference in recovery and help your dog get back to feeling healthy and comfortable.