When your dog is panting and throwing up, it can be a sign of something much more serious than overexertion or a mild stomach bug. These symptoms often indicate pain, illness, or systemic distress that requires attention.
We outline the common causes of dog panting and throwing up, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Panting and Throwing Up — Why It Happens
Dogs often pant and vomit due to nausea, overheating, stress, or underlying medical conditions like pancreatitis, bloat, or toxin ingestion. Panting may reflect physical discomfort or pain, while vomiting signals gastrointestinal irritation or disruption. Together, they warrant closer observation and possibly urgent care.
Common Causes of Dog Panting and Throwing Up
Overheating or Heatstroke
When a dog becomes overheated, they begin panting heavily to try to cool themselves. If the condition progresses to heatstroke, vomiting may occur due to internal stress and dehydration.
Other signs include red or pale gums, uncoordinated movements, glazed eyes, and collapse.
This is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate cooling and veterinary care.
Never leave your dog in a hot car or walk them during the hottest part of the day.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV or Bloat)
GDV is a serious condition in which the stomach fills with gas and may twist, cutting off circulation and preventing vomiting.
Dogs may attempt to vomit but produce little to no material. Panting occurs due to intense pain and shock.
Look for signs like a distended abdomen, pacing, drooling, restlessness, and collapse.
This is a true emergency—survival depends on immediate veterinary surgery.
Read more: Dog Panting and Diarrhea (When to worry)
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and often heavy panting.
It can be triggered by fatty meals, certain medications, or underlying conditions like Cushing’s disease.
Dogs may also hunch over, avoid food, tremble, or become lethargic.
Pancreatitis requires prompt veterinary care, IV fluids, and dietary management.
Toxin or Foreign Substance Ingestion
Dogs that ingest toxic substances—such as chocolate, medications, xylitol, plants, or spoiled food—often vomit and pant as their bodies react.
Other signs might include drooling, shaking, diarrhea, or seizures.
If you suspect poisoning, contact your vet or a poison control hotline immediately.
Time is critical when it comes to reducing toxic absorption and initiating treatment.
Anxiety or Motion Sickness
In some cases, anxiety or travel-induced motion sickness can lead to both panting and vomiting.
This is more common in younger dogs or those with a history of travel-related stress.
While typically not dangerous, it can be distressing and may require conditioning, medications, or anti-nausea remedies.
If your dog consistently vomits during car rides or loud events, behavioral training and veterinary support can help.
Infections or Inflammatory Conditions
Stomach infections, intestinal parasites, or systemic illnesses like parvovirus may cause vomiting and panting from discomfort and fever.
Dogs may also display diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or dehydration.
In puppies or unvaccinated dogs, these symptoms are especially dangerous.
Prompt diagnostics and supportive care are necessary to avoid rapid deterioration.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Throwing Up
Move your dog to a quiet, cool area with access to fresh water. Monitor their breathing rate and behavior closely.
Withhold food temporarily to allow the stomach to settle—but do not withhold water unless vomiting persists.
Do not administer human medications or attempt to induce vomiting without veterinary direction.
Observe the vomit’s color and contents (e.g., bile, foam, undigested food) to share with your vet.
Keep note of when symptoms began, how often your dog is vomiting, and any other changes in behavior.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek immediate care if your dog:
Vomits multiple times in a few hours
Pants heavily and doesn’t calm down
Has a distended or painful abdomen
Becomes lethargic, weak, or collapses
Has bloody vomit or black, tarry stool
These signs may indicate life-threatening conditions like bloat, poisoning, or organ failure.
Read more: Dog Panting and Breathing Fast (What it means)
Key Takeaway
Panting and vomiting together often mean your dog is dealing with something urgent—whether it’s heatstroke, pancreatitis, bloat, or poisoning.
Act quickly to cool them down, monitor their symptoms, and contact your vet for guidance.
These signs are your dog’s way of signaling distress—responding early can save their life.