When your dog is throwing up and experiencing diarrhea and panting at the same time, it’s a sign that something serious may be going on.
While an occasional upset stomach can be normal, combining vomiting, loose stool, and panting suggests a deeper health issue that needs urgent attention.
We outline the common causes of dog throwing up and diarrhea and panting, along with what you should do and when to seek veterinary help.
What dog throwing up and diarrhea and panting means
Dog throwing up and diarrhea and panting often occur together as signs of distress in the body, usually triggered by gastrointestinal infections, toxin ingestion, heatstroke, or underlying illness like pancreatitis.
Vomiting and diarrhea lead to fluid loss and dehydration, which causes the dog to pant in an attempt to cool down and regulate body functions.
Panting may also signal pain, anxiety, or fever.
This combination of symptoms indicates that the dog’s system is overwhelmed and requires immediate veterinary attention to identify the cause and begin treatment.
Common causes of dog throwing up, diarrhea and panting
Gastrointestinal infection
One of the leading causes of dog throwing up and diarrhea and panting is a gastrointestinal infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Conditions like parvovirus, coronavirus, or bacterial overgrowth in the intestines can inflame the digestive tract and lead to symptoms like vomiting and watery stools.
As the body tries to rid itself of the infection, dogs often become dehydrated and may pant excessively from discomfort and fluid loss.
These infections are more common in puppies and unvaccinated dogs and require urgent veterinary intervention.
Related: Dog throwing up and bloody diarrhea (Causes and treatment)
Ingestion of toxins
Poisoning is another potential cause of dog throwing up and diarrhea and panting.
Dogs are curious animals and may consume toxic substances like chocolate, xylitol, grapes, cleaning products, or poisonous plants.
Once ingested, these toxins irritate the stomach lining and disrupt gastrointestinal function, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
Some poisons also affect the nervous or cardiovascular systems, causing the dog to pant rapidly.
The body tries to purge the poison, but this leads to fluid and electrolyte imbalances that worsen panting and weakness.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency that can cause dog throwing up and diarrhea and panting.
Dogs don’t sweat like humans do—they rely on panting to regulate their body temperature.
When they are exposed to hot environments for too long, their bodies can overheat.
Heatstroke causes vomiting and diarrhea due to internal organ distress, and panting is often one of the first signs.
This condition can escalate quickly, leading to collapse or death if not treated immediately.
Related: Dog throwing up and not eating (Here’s why)
Dietary indiscretion or food intolerance
Sometimes dog throwing up and diarrhea and panting happens when your dog eats something that doesn’t sit well—such as fatty leftovers, spoiled food, or non-edible objects.
This is known as dietary indiscretion.
Food intolerances or allergies can also lead to gastrointestinal upset.
In these cases, vomiting and diarrhea occur as the body tries to eliminate the irritant.
Panting may be due to cramping, discomfort, or stress from repeated vomiting episodes.
Stress and anxiety
Stress doesn’t only affect a dog’s behavior—it can trigger physical symptoms too.
Some dogs exhibit dog throwing up and diarrhea and panting during anxiety-inducing situations like fireworks, vet visits, car rides, or changes in environment.
Stress causes hormonal shifts in a dog’s body, which can upset their digestive tract and trigger diarrhea and vomiting.
The anxiety also leads to rapid breathing or panting, especially in dogs that are more sensitive or prone to nervousness.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, can also be behind dog throwing up and diarrhea and panting.
This condition is painful and often triggered by a high-fat meal or underlying metabolic issues.
The inflammation causes enzymes to leak into the abdomen, leading to nausea, vomiting, watery stools, and intense abdominal pain—which can result in rapid panting.
Pancreatitis requires immediate medical treatment and dietary management.
Side effects of medications
Certain medications may lead to dog throwing up and diarrhea and panting.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs can irritate a dog’s gastrointestinal tract and cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Some medications also alter metabolic processes, increase thirst, or trigger stress responses, which might cause excessive panting.
If your dog starts showing these signs after starting a new medication, contact your vet immediately.
Related: Dog throwing up and drooling (Here’s why)
Dehydration
Vomiting and diarrhea both lead to significant fluid loss, which quickly results in dehydration.
A dehydrated dog often pants in an attempt to cool down or due to distress.
Dehydration also causes lethargy, dry gums, sunken eyes, and weakness.
Panting is the body’s way of signaling that something is wrong.
If your dog is dehydrated from persistent vomiting and diarrhea, they will not be able to regulate body temperature or circulate nutrients properly, putting them at greater risk.
What to do if your dog is throwing up and has diarrhea and panting
If you notice your dog throwing up and diarrhea and panting, here are the steps to take:
1. Withhold food temporarily
Remove food for about 12 hours (only for adult dogs) to give the digestive system a break.
Continue to offer small amounts of water frequently to prevent dehydration.
Puppies and senior dogs should not go long without food or fluids—call your vet first.
2. Monitor hydration status
Check for signs of dehydration such as dry gums, loss of skin elasticity, or sunken eyes.
You can do a quick skin tent test by gently pulling up the skin on your dog’s neck.
If it doesn’t snap back quickly, dehydration is likely.
3. Keep your dog cool and comfortable
If panting seems excessive or your dog appears hot, move them to a cooler area, provide fresh water, and place a fan nearby.
Avoid overexertion and stressful stimuli.
4. Do not give human medications
Never attempt to treat dog throwing up and diarrhea and panting with human medications like Pepto-Bismol or anti-nausea drugs unless directed by a vet.
Many human meds are toxic to dogs.
5. Try a bland diet after symptoms ease
Once vomiting has stopped for at least 12 hours, you can gradually offer a bland diet—like boiled chicken and plain white rice in small portions.
If symptoms return, stop feeding and call your vet.
When to seek veterinary care immediately
While mild digestive upset can sometimes resolve at home, dog throwing up and diarrhea and panting should not be taken lightly.
You should contact your veterinarian if:
Your dog is throwing up multiple times or can’t keep water down
Diarrhea is profuse, bloody, or continues for more than 24 hours
Panting is heavy, labored, or accompanied by pale gums or collapse
Your dog seems lethargic, disoriented, or in pain
You suspect your dog ingested a toxin or poisonous substance
Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has underlying health conditions
Delaying treatment can lead to worsening dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and potential organ damage—especially in smaller or older dogs.
Key Takeaway
Seeing your dog throwing up and diarrhea and panting can be scary.
These symptoms often indicate that your dog’s body is in distress and needs help.
The combination of vomiting, loose stools, and panting can be caused by anything from mild digestive upset to life-threatening illness or poisoning.
If your dog shows these signs suddenly, or they persist for more than a few hours, always err on the side of caution and seek veterinary help.
Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure your furry friend gets back to feeling their best.