When your dog is throwing up and has a runny nose, this unusual combination of symptoms could point to several underlying health issues.
While an isolated instance of vomiting or nasal discharge may not always be a cause for concern, the two occurring together often signal a more serious problem requiring attention.
We walk you through the common reasons your dog may be throwing up and has a runny nose, what it could mean for their health, and what you should do to help them recover.
Here’s Why Dog Throwing Up and Runny Nose Happens
Dog throwing up and runny nose often happen together due to underlying infections, such as canine distemper or flu, which affect both the respiratory and digestive systems.
Other causes include allergies, exposure to toxins, gastrointestinal infections, or stress.
These symptoms may also occur when a dog inhales irritants or foreign objects, leading to nasal discharge and nausea.
When combined, these signs usually indicate the body is reacting systemically, and veterinary attention is often needed to identify and treat the root cause.
Causes Of Dog Throwing Up and Runny Nose
Upper respiratory infections
One of the most common reasons a dog is throwing up and has a runny nose is an upper respiratory infection.
Just like in humans, dogs can catch viruses such as canine influenza or canine distemper that affect their nose, throat, and sometimes the digestive system.
These infections can cause nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, fever, and vomiting — especially when post-nasal drip causes nausea.
Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at greater risk.
Canine distemper virus
Canine distemper is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease.
One of its early signs is a watery or thick nasal discharge combined with gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea.
If your dog is throwing up and has a runny nose, especially with eye discharge and coughing, it’s important to have them tested for distemper immediately.
Vaccination is key to preventing this life-threatening illness.
Ingestion of toxins or irritants
Dogs explore their environment using their nose and mouth, which makes them prone to ingesting harmful substances.
Certain toxins, plants, cleaning products, or spoiled food can irritate the stomach and sinuses, leading to a runny nose and vomiting.
For instance, sniffing chemical fumes or eating toxic plants like lilies or daffodils may result in both vomiting and nasal inflammation.
Related: Dog is Vomiting, Has Diarrhea, and Not Eating (Causes and what to do)
Canine influenza (dog flu)
The dog flu is another contagious viral infection that can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.
If your dog is throwing up and has a runny nose, and also displays signs like coughing, sneezing, or loss of energy, canine influenza might be the culprit.
Mild cases may resolve on their own, but severe infections need prompt medical treatment to prevent complications like pneumonia.
Allergies
Just like people, dogs can suffer from allergies to pollen, mold, dust mites, or certain foods.
Allergies can cause inflammation in the nasal passages and gastrointestinal tract, leading to a dog throwing up and having a runny nose at the same time.
Seasonal allergies may also be accompanied by itching, licking paws, or ear infections.
Food allergies, on the other hand, can produce vomiting shortly after eating along with other signs of discomfort.
Foreign object in the nasal passage
If your dog has suddenly developed a runny nose and is throwing up, there might be a foreign object lodged in their nasal cavity.
Dogs, especially puppies, often sniff around curiously and may accidentally inhale grass, dirt, or small debris.
The irritation caused by the foreign object can lead to sneezing, nasal discharge, and gagging — which sometimes triggers vomiting.
Gastrointestinal infections
Sometimes the cause of vomiting is a gut infection, and the runny nose appears coincidentally due to a separate mild virus or irritation.
However, certain infections can affect both systems simultaneously, such as parvovirus in puppies or bacterial infections from contaminated food or water.
Symptoms can quickly escalate in these cases and include fever, dehydration, and even bloody vomit or stool.
Motion sickness or stress
Motion sickness from car rides or travel may result in dog throwing up and a runny nose.
Some dogs, especially puppies or those not used to car rides, will salivate excessively and develop a runny nose due to nausea.
In other cases, extreme anxiety or stress — such as from loud noises or changes in routine — can cause gastrointestinal upset and watery nasal discharge.
Related: Dog throwing up and drinking a lot of water (Here’s why)
Nasal tumors or polyps
Although less common, tumors or nasal polyps can cause chronic nasal discharge and occasional vomiting due to post-nasal drip or nausea.
These are more likely in older dogs, and the nasal discharge may be one-sided or contain blood.
If your dog is throwing up and has a runny nose that doesn’t improve, this cause should be ruled out by your veterinarian.
Signs that require urgent vet attention
If your dog is throwing up and has a runny nose, here are signs that indicate an emergency or need for medical intervention:
Persistent vomiting or repeated episodes within 24 hours
Blood in vomit or nasal discharge
Green, yellow, or thick mucus from the nose
Fever or shivering
Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Lethargy or refusal to eat
Sudden onset in a young puppy or elderly dog
Suspected exposure to toxins or spoiled food
Accompanying eye discharge or coughing
What to do if your dog is throwing up and has a runny nose
Here’s how to handle the situation and support your dog’s recovery:
1. Isolate and monitor closely
If your dog is throwing up and has a runny nose, keep them separated from other pets in case of contagious illness.
Monitor their symptoms, noting when they last ate, vomited, or showed changes in behavior.
2. Provide hydration
Offer small amounts of water frequently. Vomiting can lead to dehydration quickly, especially in puppies.
If your dog refuses water or vomits it up immediately, contact a vet.
3. Do not give over-the-counter medications
Avoid giving your dog human medications like Tylenol, ibuprofen, or antihistamines unless directed by a vet.
These can be toxic and worsen the situation.
4. Check their environment
Look for any signs of exposure to chemicals, spoiled food, plants, or objects they could have sniffed or eaten.
This helps the vet identify potential toxins or foreign bodies.
5. Visit the veterinarian
If symptoms persist for more than a few hours or worsen, seek veterinary care.
The vet may perform tests like X-rays, nasal swabs, or blood work to find the root cause and start treatment.
Key takeaway
The combination of dog throwing up and runny nose is not something to ignore.
While it may sometimes stem from something minor like motion sickness or allergies, it could also indicate a serious viral infection, poisoning, or an internal health issue.
Prompt action can make a big difference in your dog’s recovery.
If your dog shows persistent symptoms or other signs like fever or lethargy, contact your veterinarian immediately.
By being attentive to your dog’s symptoms and environment, you’ll be better equipped to support their health and ensure they get the care they need when they’re not feeling their best.