When your dog is both vomiting and refusing to eat, it’s a worrying sign that something may be seriously wrong. These symptoms can point to anything from digestive upset to a more severe underlying condition.
We outline the common causes of a dog being sick, not eating, and vomiting, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Sick, Not Eating and Vomiting — Why It Happens
A Dog that is sick, not eating, and vomiting may be suffering from anything as simple as an upset stomach to more serious issues like pancreatitis, toxin ingestion, or infections. Conditions such as gastrointestinal blockages, kidney disease, or viruses such as parvovirus can also trigger this combination of symptoms. It’s essential to pay attention to the pattern, frequency, and accompanying signs to determine how serious it might be.
Common Causes of Dog Sick and Not Eating and Vomiting
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and intestines, is a frequent cause of vomiting and appetite loss in dogs.
It may result from dietary indiscretion, such as eating spoiled food, garbage, or sudden food changes.
Affected dogs often vomit, appear lethargic, and may have diarrhea as well.
Though mild cases may resolve with rest and bland food, some dogs become dehydrated and need veterinary support.
Read more: Dog Diarrhea and Not Eating (Causes and when to worry)
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and can cause vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.
It’s often triggered by eating fatty foods, especially in breeds like Miniature Schnauzers or older dogs.
Dogs with pancreatitis may hunch their backs in pain, appear weak, and refuse food entirely.
This condition is potentially life-threatening and requires veterinary care and supportive treatment.
Toxin Ingestion
If your dog ingests toxic substances like chocolate, grapes, medications, or cleaning products, vomiting and appetite loss are usually the first signs.
Some toxins affect the gastrointestinal tract, while others impact the liver, kidneys, or nervous system.
The danger with toxin exposure is that it can escalate quickly to seizures, collapse, or organ failure.
Immediate veterinary intervention is crucial, even if symptoms seem mild at first.
Intestinal Blockage
Swallowing a foreign object like a toy, bone, or sock can lead to a gastrointestinal obstruction.
This stops food from passing through and causes repeated vomiting, refusal to eat, abdominal pain, and sometimes constipation.
It’s an emergency that requires surgical intervention in many cases.
X-rays or ultrasounds are usually needed to confirm the blockage.
Kidney Disease
Vomiting and not eating are hallmark signs of kidney disease in dogs, especially in older pets.
As toxins build up in the blood due to poor kidney filtration, dogs may feel nauseous and become lethargic.
You may also notice increased thirst, frequent urination, or ulcers in the mouth.
Chronic kidney disease requires long-term management, while acute kidney failure is a medical emergency.
Parvovirus (Especially in Puppies)
Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral infection that affects unvaccinated puppies and some adult dogs.
Vomiting, severe diarrhea (often bloody), and refusal to eat are classic signs.
Parvo progresses quickly and causes dehydration and sepsis if untreated.
Immediate veterinary care with hospitalization is often necessary for survival.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Sick and Not Eating and Vomiting
If your dog has vomited once but is otherwise alert, you can try withholding food for 12–24 hours to rest the stomach.
Offer small amounts of water or ice cubes during this period to prevent dehydration.
After the fasting period, introduce a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice in small portions.
Avoid giving treats, human food, or medications unless prescribed.
Monitor your dog closely—if vomiting resumes, appetite doesn’t return, or other symptoms appear, contact your vet.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If your dog continues vomiting for more than 24 hours, refuses to eat entirely, or shows signs of pain or bloating, seek veterinary attention.
Other red flags include:
Blood in vomit or diarrhea
Lethargy or collapse
Pale gums or difficulty breathing
Known ingestion of toxins or foreign objects
Signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, skin tenting)
Delaying care can lead to worsening illness or even life-threatening complications, especially in puppies or older dogs.
Read more: Dog Sick in the Morning and Not Eating (Here’s what it means)
Key Takeaway
When your dog is sick, not eating, and vomiting, it’s not something to ignore. While minor stomach upsets may pass, these symptoms can also signal serious conditions like pancreatitis, blockages, or toxin exposure.
Keep your dog hydrated, rest their stomach, and introduce bland food carefully—but if symptoms persist, worsen, or involve other alarming signs, consult your vet right away. Early intervention often makes a critical difference in recovery.