If your dog is throwing up and pacing around restlessly, this combination of symptoms could signal anything from mild digestive upset to a more serious underlying issue.
While either symptom alone might be manageable, when your dog is throwing up and pacing at the same time, it warrants a closer look.
We outline the common causes of a dog throwing up and pacing, the associated symptoms to watch for, and what you should do if your pet shows these signs.
Here’s Why Dog Throwing Up and Pacing Happens
When a dog is throwing up and pacing, it usually signals discomfort, pain, anxiety, or an underlying medical issue. Vomiting can result from gastrointestinal upset, toxin ingestion, pancreatitis, or motion sickness, while pacing often reflects restlessness caused by nausea, pain, or stress.
Together, these behaviors suggest that the dog is trying to cope with internal distress—whether physical, emotional, or both—and may need veterinary attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Common Causes Of A Dog Throwing Up and Pacing
Gastrointestinal upset
One of the most frequent causes of a dog throwing up and pacing is gastrointestinal distress.
This could be due to eating something inappropriate, like trash, spoiled food, or a foreign object.
Dogs often pace because the pain or nausea is uncomfortable, and they don’t know how to relieve it.
Gastrointestinal irritation can result in vomiting foam, food, bile, or mucus. The discomfort it causes can lead your dog to pace restlessly as they try to find relief.
In some cases, the dog might suffer from gastritis, inflammation of the stomach lining, which often causes repeated vomiting and pacing due to cramping and pain.
Ingestion of toxins
If your dog is throwing up and pacing and you suspect they’ve gotten into something they shouldn’t—like chocolate, grapes, medications, or cleaning chemicals—this could indicate poisoning.
Toxic substances irritate the stomach and may affect the nervous system, leading to tremors, vomiting, and pacing.
Poisoning symptoms often escalate quickly.
Other signs may include excessive drooling, disorientation, diarrhea, or seizures.
Related: Dog is Vomiting, Has Diarrhea, and Not Eating (Causes and what to do)
Bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)
This life-threatening condition typically affects large, deep-chested breeds but can occur in any dog.
Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and twists on itself.
A dog with bloat will typically pace, drool, attempt to vomit without producing anything, and may have a swollen belly.
If your dog is throwing up and pacing along with a distended abdomen, shallow breathing, or retching, seek emergency veterinary help immediately.
GDV is a medical emergency that requires surgery.
Pain and discomfort
Dogs experiencing pain may pace and vomit as a response. Pain can come from injuries, arthritis, or internal issues like pancreatitis or kidney stones.
A dog in pain might not want to lie down, hence the constant pacing.
If your dog is throwing up and pacing, also watch for signs like whimpering, difficulty lying down, sensitivity when touched, or reluctance to move. These can all signal that your dog is in physical discomfort.
Anxiety and stress
A dog throwing up and pacing could be experiencing anxiety. Dogs may vomit due to excessive drooling or swallowing air when stressed.
Stressful events like fireworks, thunderstorms, travel, or separation from their owner may trigger these reactions.
Behavioral symptoms like whining, shaking, hiding, or compulsive licking often accompany pacing and vomiting when anxiety is the cause.
Chronic stress can also disrupt digestion and immune function, making your dog more prone to vomiting.
Related: Dog throwing up and drinking a lot of water (Here’s why)
Motion sickness
Dogs with motion sickness often begin to pace before throwing up.
This is common during car rides or other forms of travel.
Motion sickness stems from the inner ear’s balance mechanism and can cause nausea, hypersalivation, vomiting, and agitation.
Pacing in this context is a sign of restlessness and discomfort due to nausea.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas and can cause symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, and pacing.
Dogs with pancreatitis may also appear lethargic, have a hunched posture, or avoid eating.
This condition is usually triggered by consuming high-fat foods or as a side effect of medications.
It requires prompt veterinary intervention to avoid complications.
Heatstroke
In hot weather or after intense exercise, a dog throwing up and pacing might be suffering from heatstroke.
Dogs regulate body temperature primarily through panting, and when they overheat, it can lead to vomiting, restlessness, drooling, and collapse.
If your dog is pacing, vomiting, has bright red gums, or seems confused in hot weather, cool them down and seek immediate veterinary care.
Foreign body obstruction
Dogs are known to swallow things they shouldn’t—socks, bones, toys.
These objects can become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract, causing vomiting and pacing due to the pain.
A foreign object might not pass on its own and may require surgical removal.
Other signs include loss of appetite, straining during bowel movements, and lethargy.
What to do if your dog is throwing up and pacing
If your dog is throwing up and pacing, take the following steps to assess the situation and act appropriately:
1. Observe carefully
Watch the frequency and type of vomiting. Is it food, bile, mucus, or foam?
Note how long your dog has been pacing and if they seem in pain, bloated, or weak.
2. Check the environment
Look for signs your dog may have ingested something toxic or harmful.
Check your trash, medications, cleaning products, or garden plants.
3. Remove food and water temporarily
Remove food for about 6–8 hours, but ensure water is available in small amounts.
Too much water can trigger more vomiting.
4. Offer a bland diet (if symptoms are mild)
If vomiting stops within a few hours and pacing reduces, you may try feeding your dog a bland diet like boiled chicken and white rice in small portions.
5. Avoid exercise
Prevent any intense physical activity while your dog is recovering.
Allow them to rest in a quiet, calm environment.
6. Monitor for additional symptoms
If you notice diarrhea, lethargy, bloating, tremors, seizures, or difficulty breathing along with vomiting and pacing, it is best to seek veterinary help immediately.
7. Contact your veterinarian
If vomiting and pacing persist beyond a few hours or worsen, it’s crucial to contact a vet.
A professional evaluation is essential to rule out serious conditions like bloat, pancreatitis, or poisoning.
When to seek veterinary help
Some signs indicate that your dog throwing up and pacing is more than a temporary issue. Get your dog checked by a vet if you observe:
Vomiting multiple times in a few hours
Pacing that doesn’t stop or escalates
Swollen or tight belly
Blood in vomit or stool
Weakness, collapse, or confusion
Gums that are pale, blue, or bright red
A history of toxin ingestion
Signs of severe pain or bloating
Puppies, elderly dogs, or dogs with pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable to complications.
They should always be seen by a vet if they show signs of vomiting and pacing.
Key takeaway
Seeing your dog throwing up and pacing can be concerning, and rightly so.
While some causes like mild stress or motion sickness may resolve quickly, other conditions like bloat or poisoning can be life-threatening and require urgent attention.
Always pay close attention to your dog’s behavior and accompanying symptoms.
Early intervention can make all the difference.
If in doubt, consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog gets the care and treatment they need for a full recovery.