When your dog is throwing up and pooping frequently—whether the stool is normal, loose, or bloody—it’s not something to ignore.
These symptoms can point to a number of underlying issues, ranging from mild to severe.
We outline common causes for why your dog may be throwing up and pooping, what signs to watch for, and when to seek veterinary care.
What Does It Mean When a Dog Is Throwing Up and Pooping?
A dog throwing up and pooping at the same time usually indicates gastrointestinal upset caused by infections, dietary indiscretion, food allergies, parasites, or toxin ingestion.
These symptoms can also result from stress, medication side effects, or underlying conditions like pancreatitis or organ dysfunction.
When both vomiting and changes in stool occur together, it suggests that the entire digestive system is affected.
Common Causes of Dog Throwing Up and Pooping
1. Gastrointestinal infections
The most common cause of a dog throwing up and pooping is a gastrointestinal infection.
This can be due to viruses (like parvovirus), bacteria (such as salmonella), or intestinal parasites (including roundworms and giardia).
When infected, a dog’s digestive system becomes inflamed, leading to both vomiting and diarrhea.
In such cases, your dog may also lose its appetite and appear dehydrated.
Puppies and older dogs are particularly vulnerable to these infections.
Related: Dog Throwing Up and Diarrhea (Causes and treatment)
2. Eating something inappropriate (dietary indiscretion)
Dogs are known for their curiosity when it comes to food.
If your dog is throwing up and pooping, it may have eaten something it shouldn’t have—such as trash, spoiled food, table scraps, foreign objects, or even toxic substances like chocolate or onions.
This “dietary indiscretion” irritates the stomach and intestines, leading to vomiting and changes in stool.
Sometimes, you might even notice your dog trying to eat grass before throwing up.
3. Food intolerances or allergies
A sudden change in your dog’s food or an intolerance to certain ingredients (such as grains, dairy, or chicken) can cause your dog to throw up and poop excessively.
The immune system may react to certain proteins, resulting in gastrointestinal inflammation.
Dogs with food allergies may also have itchy skin, recurring ear infections, or flatulence alongside vomiting and soft stools.
4. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Chronic vomiting and diarrhea may be signs of inflammatory bowel disease, a condition in which the lining of the digestive tract becomes persistently inflamed.
If your dog throws up frequently and poops soft or mucous-laden stools, IBD could be the cause.
This condition is often linked to genetics or an abnormal immune response and requires veterinary diagnosis and management.
Related: Dog throwing up and not eating (Here’s why)
5. Poisoning or toxin ingestion
Poisoning is a medical emergency.
If your dog is throwing up and pooping, especially with symptoms like drooling, seizures, tremors, or blood in stool, toxin ingestion is a strong possibility.
Common household poisons include rat bait, pesticides, human medications, and toxic plants.
These substances attack the digestive and nervous systems, causing immediate reactions.
6. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas and can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Dogs suffering from pancreatitis often show signs such as abdominal pain, lethargy, and refusal to eat.
The condition may be triggered by eating high-fat foods, obesity, or certain medications.
If your dog is throwing up and pooping with signs of discomfort and bloating, pancreatitis should be considered and immediate veterinary care is required.
7. Stress or anxiety
Just like humans, dogs can experience stomach upset due to stress.
If your dog is throwing up and pooping after moving homes, traveling, or a change in routine, emotional stress may be to blame.
Stress-related vomiting and diarrhea usually resolve once the stressful trigger is removed.
However, ongoing anxiety may lead to chronic GI issues and should be addressed with behavioral training or anxiety medication.
8. Side effects of medication
Certain medications like antibiotics, painkillers, or heartworm preventatives may cause your dog to throw up and poop more than usual.
These drugs can upset the stomach lining and alter the intestinal flora, resulting in loose stools or vomiting.
If these symptoms begin after starting a new medication, consult your veterinarian about alternatives or dosage adjustments.
9. Parasites
Worms such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms are common culprits for a dog throwing up and pooping irregularly.
You may even spot worms in the vomit or stool.
Puppies and dogs that aren’t regularly dewormed are especially at risk.
These parasites irritate the gastrointestinal tract and also compete for nutrients, leading to poor coat condition and weight loss.
10. Underlying diseases
Sometimes, vomiting and pooping in dogs may be secondary symptoms of deeper health issues such as kidney disease, liver dysfunction, Addison’s disease, or cancer.
These conditions disrupt digestion and can lead to ongoing GI problems.
If your dog is throwing up and pooping along with symptoms like weight loss, lethargy, or increased thirst and urination, more extensive tests may be needed to uncover the root cause.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Throwing Up and Pooping
If your dog is throwing up and pooping but is otherwise alert, active, and eating normally, you can try some simple steps at home before going to the vet:
Withhold food for 12–24 hours to allow your dog’s stomach to rest (but don’t withhold water).
Reintroduce bland food like boiled chicken and white rice in small amounts after the fasting period.
Ensure hydration by encouraging your dog to drink water. You can offer ice cubes or diluted electrolyte solutions.
However, immediate veterinary care is needed if:
Vomiting and pooping persist for more than 24 hours
There’s blood in the vomit or stool
Your dog becomes lethargic or unresponsive
Vomiting is projectile or paired with abdominal swelling
Your dog refuses water
Your dog is very young, very old, or has existing health conditions
Your veterinarian may run blood tests, fecal analysis, X-rays, or ultrasounds to identify the underlying cause and recommend a suitable treatment plan.
Key Takeaways
The combination of your dog throwing up and pooping could indicate anything from mild indigestion to life-threatening illness.
While occasional digestive upsets can be managed at home, persistent or worsening symptoms demand prompt veterinary care.
Monitor your dog closely, keep track of their symptoms, and avoid feeding unsafe human foods.
Regular deworming, a balanced diet, and minimizing exposure to toxins can go a long way in preventing gastrointestinal issues.
Your dog can’t tell you what’s wrong—but with careful observation and timely intervention, you can help them get back to feeling like themselves again.