When a dog starts pooping mucus and also throwing up, it can be alarming and stressful for any pet parent.
These symptoms often indicate something is wrong with the digestive system and can range from mild irritation to serious illness.
We outline the common reasons why your dog is pooping mucus and throwing up, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Pooping Mucus and Throwing Up — Why It Happens
When a dog is pooping mucus and also vomiting, it often points to gastrointestinal upset or infection. Conditions such as parasites, dietary indiscretion, infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or more severe issues like pancreatitis or intestinal blockages can all be culprits.
These problems cause inflammation in the stomach and intestines, leading to excess mucus in stool along with nausea and vomiting.
Some causes may be mild, while others can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Dog Pooping Mucus and Throwing Up: Common Causes
Parasites
Intestinal parasites such as giardia, roundworms, or hookworms can irritate your dog’s intestines. This irritation often leads to mucus in the stool as the body tries to protect the lining of the colon.
Along with mucus, parasites can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or visible worms in the stool.
Because parasites drain nutrients, affected dogs may appear weak or lethargic. Left untreated, they can cause significant harm, especially in puppies.
Read more: Dog Pooping Mucus but Acting Normal (When to be concerned)
Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t — whether it’s garbage, spoiled food, or non-food objects. When this happens, the digestive system becomes irritated.
The result may be excess mucus in stool as the colon reacts to the irritation, along with vomiting as the stomach rejects the foreign material.
Mild cases may pass on their own, but if your dog swallowed something dangerous or toxic, urgent care is required.
Bacterial or Viral Infections
Infections such as parvovirus, salmonella, or campylobacter can cause severe gastrointestinal inflammation. Dogs may pass mucus- or blood-filled stool while also vomiting frequently.
These conditions are often accompanied by lethargy, fever, and dehydration. Puppies are particularly vulnerable to parvo, which can be deadly if not treated right away.
Infections of this nature require urgent veterinary care and supportive treatment.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is a chronic condition where the intestines become inflamed, leading to ongoing digestive issues. Dogs with IBD often pass stools with mucus and may vomit periodically.
Over time, weight loss, poor appetite, and abdominal discomfort may develop. While not immediately life-threatening, IBD requires veterinary management to control flare-ups and prevent complications.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, often after a fatty meal. The inflammation disrupts digestion and leads to vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes mucus in the stool.
Dogs may show signs of abdominal pain, restlessness, and refusal to eat. Severe cases can cause dehydration and systemic illness. Pancreatitis should always be considered an emergency.
Intestinal Obstruction
If your dog swallowed a toy, bone, or other object, it could cause a blockage in the intestines. This leads to vomiting, straining to defecate, and sometimes passing mucus instead of normal stool.
An obstruction is life-threatening if untreated because it prevents food and waste from moving through the digestive system. Surgery is often needed to remove the blockage.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Pooping Mucus and Throwing Up
If your dog is otherwise acting normal and only has mild symptoms, you can try offering small amounts of bland food such as boiled chicken and rice.
Ensure fresh water is always available to prevent dehydration.
Monitor your dog closely for worsening symptoms, especially continued vomiting or mucus-filled stools. Avoid giving over-the-counter medications unless directed by your vet, as some human medications are toxic to dogs.
Rest your dog’s stomach by withholding food for 12–24 hours in cases of mild stomach upset, but never withhold water.
If symptoms improve, slowly reintroduce bland food before returning to the regular diet.
If you suspect parasites, schedule a stool test with your vet. Routine deworming and parasite prevention can help avoid future issues.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If your dog is vomiting repeatedly, cannot keep water down, or if the stool contains blood along with mucus, call your vet right away. These are signs of serious illness that require immediate attention.
Seek urgent care if your dog seems weak, lethargic, or shows abdominal pain. Puppies, seniors, and dogs with chronic conditions are especially vulnerable and should be checked promptly.
Persistent vomiting and mucus-filled stool lasting more than 24 hours should never be ignored. Dehydration and worsening illness can develop quickly in dogs.
Read more: Dog Pooping Mucus and Blood (What it means)
Key Takeaway
Dog pooping mucus and throwing up can be a sign of anything from mild digestive upset to life-threatening illness.
The key is to observe your dog closely and respond quickly if symptoms persist or worsen.
At-home care may help in mild cases, but don’t wait too long to involve your veterinarian.
Prompt treatment can make all the difference in helping your dog recover comfortably and safely.