Dog panting is rapid labored breathing which is not a normal breathing pattern. In some situations, it is normal for a dog to breathe heavily after engaging in activities such as, playing, walking, exercising or during hot weather.
However, panting accompanied by other symptoms such as throwing up is concerning. So, what causes throwing up and panting?
We outline the potential causes of throwing up and panting in dogs, along with the associated symptoms and when to seek help.
Why is my dog throwing up and panting?
Dog throwing up and panting are symptoms that can be caused by underlying disorders which includes illness, poisoning, gastrointestinal infection, stress, and medication side effects. Panting is also a sign that a dog is in pain, due to underlying health problems.
Certain underlying conditions that cause vomiting can also cause fast breathing as a secondary symptom. Panting can also be a sign of other underlying conditions.
Dog throwing up and panting
Vomiting or throwing up is the forceful expulsion of the stomach contents or upper intestines.
Occasional episodes of vomiting in dogs are common and normal, however, frequent throwing up as well as other concerning symptoms can be a sign of a serious underlying problem.
When dogs pant, their breathing is rapid and shallow.
Panting in dogs can be due to underlying medical or behavioral problems including illness, and anxiety, and as a way to regulate their body temperature during hot weather.
Vomiting and panting occurring at the same time can be due to a variety of reasons. In most cases, these symptoms are accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, or fever.
Is it normal for dogs to throw up and pant?
It is not normal for dogs to throw up and pant. While occasional episodes of vomiting are normal for some dogs, vomiting and panting are signs of underlying health issues.
It is therefore important to pay attention to the severity of these symptoms and also note if your dog is experiencing other additional symptoms.
Possible causes of a dog throwing up and panting
Panting is a symptom that sometimes occurs alongside vomiting. A dog may experience both throwing up and panting as a result of an underlying condition.
The possible causes of throwing up and panting in dogs include:
Illness
Throwing up and panting can be symptoms of a wide range of illnesses in dogs, including viral or bacterial infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and systemic diseases.
When a dog is ill with an underlying condition that causes vomiting and panting, a dog may pant due to:
- A fever that causes an increase in body temperature, which can cause them to pant excessively.
- A respiratory problem that makes it difficult for the dog to breathe therefore panting can be a way for a dog to compensate for the difficulty in breathing.
- Pain caused by the illness. Panting also helps to distract the dog from the pain and reduce their stress levels.
Gastrointestinal infection
Gastrointestinal infection by bacteria, intestinal parasites, or viruses also leads to throwing up and panting in a dog.
Gastrointestinal infections can cause panting when a dog vomits and also has diarrhea, which leads to dehydration. When a dog is dehydrated, they may pant due to thirst and an urge to drink water to rehydrate.
Abdominal pain or discomfort caused by these infections can also cause a dog to pant excessively.
Fever is a common symptom of gastrointestinal infections, therefore it can cause a dog to pant as a way to regulate their body temperature.
Stress
A stressed dog may also experience vomiting including panting, which may appear at the same time.
Stress and anxiety also cause a variety of symptoms including pacing, licking, drooling, yawning, crying, barking, and hiding.
Stress can come from a variety of sources such as a change in their environment or routine, new people or pets, loud noises, and other fear-related stressful situations.
Poisoning
Poisoning in dogs can lead to a variety of symptoms, including vomiting and panting. This is because many poisons and toxins can cause gastrointestinal upset and different effects on a dog’s body.
Some toxins can cause an elevated body temperature in a dog, which leads to excessive panting as they try to cool down.
Other poisons affect the respiratory system which causes difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, which leads to panting.
Panting with throwing up may also be a sign of anxiety or stress caused by the poisoning, because a dog may become agitated or restless when they feel unwell.
Poisoning occurs when a dog accidentally ingests toxic substances such as household cleaners, contaminated food or water, pesticides, insecticides, poisonous plants or human medications, which can cause throwing up and other symptoms.
Side effects of medication
Medications can sometimes cause side effects in dogs, including throwing up and panting which may happen at the same time.
The side effects can occur due to irritation of the digestive tract, and allergic reaction which causes vomiting.
In addition to causing vomiting, medications can cause panting to occur as well. The ways in which medications cause panting varies depending on the specific drug and its mode of action.
Some medications affect the respiratory system which causes shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, which leads to panting.
Other medications may cause a change in a dog’s body temperature causing fever, which can also result in panting.
Also, certain medications that cause gastrointestinal upset can lead to dehydration and loss of electrolytes which causes panting due to thirst and an urge to drink water in order to rehydrate.
Dog throwing up and panting: What to do
If your dog is experiencing both throwing up and panting, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Here are other signs that indicate that you should see a veterinarian immediately:
Severe vomiting or bloody vomit: If your dog’s throwing up is severe or if there is blood in the vomit, this could be a sign of a serious underlying condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.
Additional symptoms: Other symptoms may accompany vomiting and panting, such as diarrhea. If your dog is vomiting along with diarrhea, this can quickly lead to dehydration and other complications which requires immediate medical attention.
Other symptoms to look out for include lethargy, lack of appetite, breathing difficulties, signs of pain or discomfort, fever, and signs of dehydration, such as a dry nose or mouth and sunken eyes.
If your dog is a puppy or an older dog: Puppies and older are generally more vulnerable than healthy adult dogs so delaying treatment could result in their condition worsening or becoming more difficult to treat. Therefore, it is essential to seek immediate medical care.
Suspicion poisoning: If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
Key Takeaway: Dog throwing up and panting
Throwing up and panting in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors. While occasional throwing up is normal in dogs, persistent throwing up alongside other symptoms such as panting requires veterinary attention.
If you notice your dog showing these symptoms suddenly or for extended periods of time, consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.