If your dog has vomiting and is farting, we outline the potential causes of dog throwing up and farting, as well as what to do and when to seek help.
Here’s why dog throwing up and farting occurs
Throwing up and farting in dogs commonly occur together due to many conditions including gastrointestinal conditions, diet, intestinal parasites, ingestion of toxins, bacterial or viral infection, stress, allergies, medication, and dietary indiscretion.
The passing of gas is a normal part of a dog’s life. However, vomiting and farting need to be determined because they could be a result of a serious underlying health problem.
Dog vomiting and farting
Farting or flatulence in dogs is the presence of air or gas in the stomach or intestines of a dog which is then expelled from the anus. It is a normal bodily function, as dogs and other animals produce gas as a byproduct of digestion of food.
However, excessive farting or flatulence can be a sign of an underlying problem that can be caused by a variety of factors such as diet or intestinal issues.
Vomiting or throwing up is the forceful expulsion of the stomach contents or upper intestines. This means when a dog vomits, the stomach contents are brought back from the stomach into the esophagus and mouth as either digested, partly digested, or undigested food.
The severity of vomiting can be severe or mild depending on the underlying cause.
Occasional episodes of vomiting in dogs are common and normal, however, frequent vomiting as well as other concerning symptoms can be a sign of a serious underlying problem.
Other symptoms that may accompany vomiting and farting in dogs include:
- Loss of appetite
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
- Dry heaving or retching
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Fever
Is it normal for dogs to vomit and fart?
It is normal for dogs to experience occasional episodes of vomiting and farting, however, if the vomiting and farting become chronic or are accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain, it may indicate an underlying health problem.
Some dogs have a more sensitive gastrointestinal system and may be more prone to stomach upset and vomiting. In these cases, it’s important to pay attention to their diet and environment and make adjustments as needed.
Causes of Vomiting And Farting in Dogs
Diet
A change in diet, eating spoiled or unfamiliar food, or consuming table scraps can all cause an upset stomach and vomiting, and farting in dogs.
It is therefore important to feed your dog a balanced and nutritious diet and to make any diet changes gradually. Also, make sure to keep their food fresh and stored properly to avoid spoilage.
Intestinal parasites
Parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and giardia can cause vomiting and farting in dogs.
These parasites can infect a dog’s intestinal tract and cause inflammation, which can lead to throwing up and gas including other symptoms.
Gastrointestinal infections can be contracted through contact with infected feces, or through contaminated food or water.
Bacterial or viral infections
Dogs can become infected by bacteria or viruses such as salmonella or parvovirus, which cause inflammation in the intestinal tract which leads to vomiting and farting.
Ingestion of toxins
Poisoning can cause dog vomiting and farting. Depending on the type and amount of toxin ingested, a dog can experience a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas.
Some common toxins that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in dogs include household products such as cleaning products, insecticides, and certain types of plants, food poisoning from eating spoiled or contaminated food, and accidental ingestion of human medications.
Underlying illness
Health conditions can result in vomiting and farting as symptoms. Certain gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency can cause vomiting and farting in dogs.
These conditions can cause chronic inflammation in the intestinal tract, which leads to vomiting and farting as symptoms.
Certain types of cancer such as lymphoma or stomach cancer can also cause vomiting and gas in dogs.
Allergies
Food or environmental allergies can cause vomiting and farting in dogs. Allergies can cause inflammation in the intestinal tract and lead to vomiting and farting.
Common food allergens include beef, dairy, wheat, and chicken. Environmental allergens include pollen, mold, and dust.
Stress
Dogs can develop vomiting and farting due to stress caused by different triggers such as separation anxiety, and changes in their environment or routine.
Stress can cause changes in a dog’s gut bacteria, which can lead to stomach upset and vomiting. Examples of stressors include moving to a new home, adding a new pet to the household, or changes in the owner’s schedule.
Medication side effects
Some medications such as antibiotics can cause vomiting and farting in dogs as a side effect.
Common medications that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in dogs include antibiotics, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and chemotherapy drugs.
What to do when your dog is vomiting and farting
When your dog is throwing up and farting with no blood in the vomit, the first action is to monitor them at home.
If the vomiting and farting persist and worsen, seek medical attention, that is if they vomit more than once a day or for more than 24 hours.
When to see a veterinarian for dog vomiting and farting
Consult your veterinarian if your dog’s throwing up and farting persist or worsen, or if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Blood in the stool
- Pain, discomfort, or distress
Your veterinarian will determine the cause of your dog’s vomiting and gas and provide the appropriate treatment.
Key Takeaway: Dog throwing up and farting
Dog vomiting and farting can be caused by a variety of factors and underlying health issues.
While occasional episodes of vomiting and farting are common, it is important to seek veterinary attention if symptoms persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, dehydration, blood in the stool, weakness or signs of pain, discomfort, or distress.