If you’re a dog parent, you may have experienced a moment of worry when you notice your dog throwing up and drinking lots of water.
While occasional vomiting in dogs may not be a serious concern, frequent episodes combined with excessive water consumption can indicate an underlying issue.
We outline why dogs vomit and drink large amounts of water, the potential health risks, and what you should do to ensure your furry friend stays healthy.
Here’s Why Dog Throwing Up and Drinking Lots of Water Happens
Vomiting in dogs is a common symptom of various conditions. It can range from mild, short-lived problems like eating too fast to more serious health issues. When a dog vomits and then begins drinking lots of water, it’s often a sign that their body is trying to rehydrate after fluid loss. However, this behavior can also worsen the condition, leading to more vomiting, especially if the water intake is rapid or excessive.
Common Causes of Dog Vomiting and Drinking Excessive Water
1. Dietary Indiscretion
One of the most common reasons why your dog might throw up and drink a lot of water is dietary indiscretion.
Dogs are curious by nature and may ingest spoiled food, garbage, or non-food items.
These substances can irritate the stomach lining and lead to vomiting.
The resulting dehydration can trigger an increased need to drink water.
This is especially common in cases of dog vomiting after eating something bad and drinking lots of water.
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2. Gastrointestinal Infections
Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites can upset your dog’s stomach.
Conditions like gastroenteritis often lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
In these cases, dogs will instinctively drink more water to replace lost fluids.
If your dog is suffering from dog vomiting due to stomach infection and drinking too much water, consult your vet immediately.
3. Food Allergies or Sensitivities
Just like humans, dogs can have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients in their food.
If a new food or treat causes an allergic reaction, it may result in vomiting.
Your dog may then start drinking a lot of water in an effort to soothe their irritated digestive system.
Always observe how your dog reacts to new meals, particularly if you notice dog vomiting and drinking water after eating new food.
Related: Dog throwing up and limping (Explained)
4. Toxin Ingestion
If your dog has ingested a toxic substance, such as household cleaners, plants, or human medications, vomiting is one of the first signs of poisoning.
Excessive water consumption can follow as the body tries to flush out the toxins.
This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
If you observe dog vomiting and drinking excessive water after ingesting poison, seek veterinary help without delay.
5. Heatstroke or Overheating
During warmer months, dogs are at risk of heatstroke if they are overexposed to heat without proper hydration and rest.
Vomiting and excessive water consumption are classic signs.
Other symptoms may include panting, drooling, and lethargy.
If you notice dog vomiting and drinking lots of water in hot weather, cool them down gradually and visit a vet.
Related: Dog throwing up and weak legs (Explained)
6. Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is more common in older dogs and can cause nausea, vomiting, and increased thirst.
The kidneys lose their ability to concentrate urine, leading to more fluid loss and a compensatory increase in water intake.
This often results in dog vomiting and drinking a lot of water kidney disease as a key symptom.
7. Diabetes Mellitus
In dogs with diabetes, high blood sugar levels lead to increased thirst and urination.
Vomiting can occur if the condition is poorly managed or if the dog enters diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication.
Look out for dog vomiting and drinking excessive water diabetes as a potential warning sign.
8. Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
Addison’s disease is a hormonal disorder that affects a dog’s adrenal glands.
It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and excessive water drinking due to imbalanced electrolytes.
It’s often mistaken for less serious illnesses but requires proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you suspect dog vomiting and drinking lots of water Addison’s disease, don’t delay a veterinary consultation.
When to Worry: Warning Signs That Require Immediate Vet Attention
Not every episode of vomiting is cause for alarm, but if your dog is vomiting and drinking lots of water repeatedly or alongside other symptoms, it’s time to consult your vet.
Warning signs include:
Vomiting multiple times in a day
Blood in vomit or stool
Lethargy or weakness
Refusal to eat
Bloated abdomen
Pale gums
Seizures or collapse
Prompt diagnosis can be critical, especially if poisoning or an underlying disease is suspected.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Vomiting and Drinking Lots of Water
1. Remove Food and Limit Water Intake Temporarily
Take away your dog’s food for 12 hours but ensure small sips of water are available to prevent dehydration.
Avoid allowing them to gulp large amounts of water at once.
2. Monitor Symptoms Closely
Watch for additional symptoms such as diarrhea, lethargy, or repeated vomiting.
Keep a record of what and when your dog vomited, how much water they drank, and any changes in behavior.
3. Introduce Bland Diet
After the vomiting has stopped for 12-24 hours, you can reintroduce food slowly with a bland diet such as boiled chicken and white rice.
Continue offering water in small amounts.
4. Visit the Vet
If vomiting persists or you observe serious symptoms, bring your dog to the veterinarian.
Be ready to provide a detailed history including recent diet changes, potential exposure to toxins, and observed symptoms.
Knowing how to treat a dog that is vomiting and drinking a lot of water can help manage the situation until you get professional help.
How Vets Diagnose and Treat Vomiting with Excessive Thirst
Veterinarians may run diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, urinalysis, x-rays, or ultrasounds to determine the cause.
Treatment will depend on the underlying issue and may include:
Fluid therapy to combat dehydration
Antiemetic (anti-vomiting) medications
Antibiotics if an infection is present
Special diets or medications for chronic illnesses
Hospitalization in severe cases like poisoning or diabetic ketoacidosis
If you are curious about vet treatment for dog vomiting and excessive water drinking, these are some of the most common approaches taken by professionals.
Preventing Vomiting and Excessive Water Consumption in Dogs
While not all cases can be prevented, you can take steps to minimize the risk:
Keep harmful substances out of reach
Feed a high-quality, consistent diet
Avoid sudden food changes
Provide clean, fresh water at all times
Monitor your dog during walks to prevent scavenging
Schedule regular vet checkups, especially for senior dogs
Pet parents wondering how to prevent dog vomiting and drinking too much water can follow these simple yet effective steps.
Key Takeaway
Seeing your dog throwing up and drinking lots of water can be distressing, but understanding the possible causes can help you take the right steps.
Whether it’s something mild like eating too fast or a more serious health condition, paying close attention to your dog’s behavior and acting quickly when necessary can make all the difference.
Always consult your veterinarian if you’re concerned, as early intervention is often key to a full recovery.