If your dog is throwing up and licking the floor, you may be concerned and confused about what’s going on. This behavior can be unsettling and may indicate a variety of underlying issues.
We outline the possible reasons behind dog vomiting and floor licking, the signs to watch for, what you can do at home, and when you should seek veterinary care.
Here’s Why Dog Throwing Up and Licking Floor Happens
When dog throwing up and licking the floor happen together, it may be your dog’s way of dealing with nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, or even behavioral stress.
Vomiting in dogs is a common symptom that can be triggered by many factors, from something simple like eating too fast to more serious medical conditions. Meanwhile, excessive licking of the floor is often a sign that something is bothering your dog — physically or emotionally.
Why Dogs Throw Up and Lick the Floor: Common Causes
1. Nausea and Gastrointestinal Upset
One of the most common causes of a dog throwing up and licking the floor is nausea.
When dogs feel sick to their stomach, they may exhibit behaviors like licking surfaces, drooling, or eating grass.
This repetitive licking is thought to help them soothe the queasiness or attempt to trigger vomiting.
Vomiting caused by gastrointestinal upset may stem from:
Eating spoiled or unfamiliar food
Consuming non-food objects (pica)
Gastrointestinal infections
Pancreatitis
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
The act of licking the floor might provide a form of relief or distraction.
If your dog vomits occasionally but continues licking the floor repeatedly, it could indicate ongoing nausea or digestive irritation.
2. Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs are notorious scavengers. They often eat things they shouldn’t — from leftovers in the trash to unknown substances on walks.
If your dog is throwing up and licking the floor, they may have ingested something that didn’t sit well.
Spoiled food, rich table scraps, or high-fat meals can trigger vomiting and cause discomfort.
The floor licking that follows may be an attempt to soothe their upset stomach or find residual food particles that remind them of what they just consumed.
If your dog has access to trash or eats fast without chewing, dietary indiscretion should be high on your list of suspects.
Related: Dog throwing up and shaking head (Explained)
3. Acid Reflux or Empty Stomach
Sometimes, dog throwing up and licking floor behavior is linked to acid buildup.
Dogs with an empty stomach can experience acid reflux, especially early in the morning or late at night.
This condition, also known as bilious vomiting syndrome, causes dogs to vomit a yellowish bile.
After vomiting, dogs may lick the floor compulsively as a way to deal with the uncomfortable sensation in their gut or to stimulate saliva production, which can help neutralize stomach acid.
You might also notice lip-smacking, licking of paws, or gulping in dogs suffering from acid reflux.
Feeding small meals more frequently may help reduce these symptoms.
4. Foreign Object Ingestion
Dogs explore the world with their mouths. If a dog swallows a foreign object like a sock, toy, or piece of plastic, it can irritate their gastrointestinal tract and lead to vomiting.
Some objects may partially obstruct their digestive system without causing complete blockage, leading to intermittent vomiting.
The discomfort caused by such objects can trigger unusual behaviors like licking the floor obsessively.
It’s your dog’s way of coping with the discomfort — possibly trying to dislodge or soothe something stuck inside.
If your dog is throwing up frequently and licking the floor persistently, especially if accompanied by lethargy, straining to poop, or lack of appetite, consult your vet immediately.
5. Toxin Exposure
If your dog is throwing up and licking the floor, consider the possibility of toxin exposure.
Dogs may accidentally ingest toxic substances such as cleaning products, antifreeze, certain houseplants, or human medications.
The body often reacts with vomiting to eliminate the toxin.
After vomiting, licking behaviors may increase as a stress response or due to nausea and dehydration.
Also, some toxins can directly affect the brain or gastrointestinal lining, prompting repetitive or compulsive behaviors.
Watch for symptoms like drooling, seizures, weakness, or disorientation, and seek immediate veterinary attention if poisoning is suspected.
Related: Dog throwing up and not eating (Explained)
6. Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are often overlooked causes of unusual behaviors like licking the floor.
Dogs may throw up due to stress-induced digestive issues, and the accompanying floor licking may serve as a coping mechanism or self-soothing behavior.
Triggers can include:
Separation anxiety
Loud noises (like fireworks or thunderstorms)
Changes in routine or environment
Introduction of new pets or people
In these cases, throwing up and licking the floor may not be directly connected by a physical illness but rather a behavioral or emotional response.
7. Cognitive Dysfunction (Senior Dogs)
Older dogs who display repetitive behaviors like floor licking after vomiting may be suffering from cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), which is similar to dementia in humans.
As dogs age, changes in brain function can lead to confusion, disorientation, and altered behavior patterns.
Vomiting could be caused by slower digestion or other age-related conditions, while floor licking might stem from anxiety or neurological discomfort.
If your senior dog is throwing up and licking the floor often, a veterinary exam can help rule out serious age-related illnesses.
Dog Throwing Up and Licking Floor: What to Watch For
Here are some accompanying symptoms to note if your dog is throwing up and licking the floor:
Frequent vomiting
Lethargy or fatigue
Pacing or restlessness
Panting or drooling
Excessive thirst
Lack of appetite
Changes in stool (diarrhea or constipation)
Pale gums or signs of dehydration
The presence of additional symptoms helps your vet narrow down the cause and determine if the behavior is an emergency.
What To Do If Your Dog Is Throwing Up and Licking the Floor
If your dog throws up once and continues licking the floor without other symptoms, monitor them closely for 12–24 hours.
Remove access to foreign objects, clean the floor thoroughly (to prevent re-ingestion), and offer small amounts of water.
Steps to take:
Withhold food for 8–12 hours (if advised by your vet).
Reintroduce a bland diet — boiled chicken and rice in small portions.
Ensure hydration — encourage water or offer ice cubes if they won’t drink.
Prevent further access to potential toxins or inappropriate food items.
Reduce stress — provide a calm environment, soothing sounds, and predictable routines.
If vomiting persists beyond 24 hours, or the licking becomes obsessive, seek veterinary advice.
When to See a Vet Immediately
Contact your vet right away if:
Vomiting is frequent or contains blood
Your dog seems weak, disoriented, or unusually quiet
They show signs of bloating or abdominal pain
You suspect they ingested something toxic
Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has existing health conditions
Early intervention is crucial to avoid complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or organ damage.
Key Takeaway
Dog throwing up and licking floor behaviors can seem strange, but they often signal an underlying issue.
Common causes include nausea, digestive upset, acid reflux, stress, toxin ingestion, or foreign objects.
Sometimes, it can be due to simple dietary indiscretion; in other cases, it may point to more serious health concerns.
Observing your dog’s behavior, tracking symptoms, and seeking timely veterinary care can help uncover the cause and ensure your dog receives the appropriate treatment.
If the behavior persists or worsens, don’t wait — your vet is your best resource in keeping your furry friend healthy and happy.