Throwing up and slobbering can be distressing to a dog. While mild vomiting is common and usually harmless, its frequency, intensity and occurence alongside other symptoms raises concern.
It is helpful to understand what causes vomiting and slobbering in your dog and when to seek medical attention.
We outline what causes throwing up and slobbering in dogs as well as what to do and when to seek help.
Why is my dog throwing up and slobbering?
A dog throwing up and slobbering are symptoms that can occur together due to a number of illnesses and health issues which include gastrointestinal infections, diet, food allergies, medication side effects, illness, stress, poisoning, ingestion of foreign objects, and motion sickness.
Dog throwing up and slobbering
Slobbering in dogs, also known as hypersalivation or drooling, is the excessive production of saliva in the mouth. It can be a normal response to certain triggers, such as the sight or smell of food, but it can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition.
Slobbering can be caused by nausea, dental problems, poisoning, certain medications, a natural characteristic of a dog breed and behavioral issues like anxiety.
Vomiting or throwing up is the forceful expulsion of the stomach contents or upper intestines through the mouth which comes out as either digested, partly digested, or undigested food.
Occasional episodes of vomiting in dogs is common and normal, however, frequent vomiting as well with other concerning symptoms can be a sign of a serious underlying problem.
Dog vomiting and slobbering are symptoms that can occur in dogs, often at the same time due to underlying health conditions.
Is it normal for dogs to slobber after throwing up?
Yes, it is normal for dogs to slobber or drool after throwing up. Vomiting can cause a dog’s mouth to salivate, which can result in slobbering.
However, if your dog is excessively slobbering and throwing up, or has other symptoms, it may be a sign of a serious underlying health condition.
Causes of dog vomiting and slobbering
Gastrointestinal infections
Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause inflammation in the stomach and intestines, leading to throwing up and slobbering.
These infections can be caused by a variety of different microorganisms, including bacterial and viral infections as well as intestinal parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms.
These types of infections can be contracted through contact with contaminated food or water, or by contact with infected animals.
Symptoms of gastrointestinal infection include diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
Illness
Many diseases and conditions cause vomiting and slobbering as symptoms. These illnesses include organ dysfunction, that is, kidney or liver disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome, colitis, or cancer.
Pancreatitis which is the inflammation of the pancreas can lead to vomiting and slobbering as well as other symptoms such as abdominal pain.
Dietary issues
Eating foods that are not part of their normal diet or that are spoiled can cause throwing up and slobbering in dogs.
This can happen if a dog accidentally ingests something they shouldn’t have, such as garbage or spoiled food.
This can also occur if a dog is suddenly switched to a new type of food without proper transition. Symptoms may also include vomiting and abdominal discomfort.
Food allergies or sensitivities
Some dogs may be allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients in their food, which can cause digestive issues such as throwing up and slobbering.
Common food allergens for dogs include proteins like chicken, beef, and dairy products. These allergies can develop at any time in a dog’s life.
The symptoms that can accompany vomiting and slobbering include itching, hives, and other skin problems.
Medication side effects
Certain medications can have side effects that affect the digestive system, and cause symptoms such as throwing up and slobbering or drooling.
Antibiotics, for example, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut and cause vomiting. Other medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also cause stomach ulcers and gut bleeding which can lead to bloody vomiting and/or slobbering.
Stress or anxiety
Dogs that experience high levels of stress or anxiety may develop vomiting and slobbering as a result.
This can happen in response to changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home or the arrival of a new pet or family member.
It can also happen in response to certain events, such as loud noises or thunderstorms.
Poisoning
Exposure to certain toxins, such as pesticides or heavy metals, can cause throwing up and slobbering. The toxins can be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin causing poisoning.
Other symptoms that may occur include diarrhea, tremors, and seizures. It is important to keep dogs away from known toxins and seek veterinary attention if exposure is suspected.
Foreign body ingestion
If your dog has ingested a foreign object, such as a toy or piece of debris, they may throw up and drool as a result.
Foreign body ingestion can cause a blockage in the digestive system, which can be a serious issue requiring surgical intervention.
Motion sickness
Just like humans, dogs can experience motion sickness when traveling, which can cause vomiting and drooling or slobbering.
The symptoms usually start with a dog feeling uneasy and restless, followed by excessive drooling, panting, and whining.
As the motion sickness progresses, a dog may start to vomit, and this could happen once or multiple times.
Dog throwing up and slobbering: What to do and when to seek help
Keep an eye on your dog
When your dog is throwing up and slobbering with no blood in the vomit, the first action is to monitor them at home.
Take note of any other symptoms such as signs of abdominal pain, lethargy or any other symptoms in addition to vomiting and drooling. Also not the frequency of the vomiting.
If your dog vomits and drools due to motion sickness, it is important to provide a comfortable and safe environment for them during travel.
If motion sickness is a recurring problem, consult with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can also recommend medications to help manage motion sickness.
Seek medical attention if throwing up and slobbering persist and worsen, that is, if your dog vomits more than once in a day or for more than 24 hours and also if you suspect that your dog has ingested a foreign object or ingested a toxic substance.
Consult your veterinarian
Dog vomiting and slobbering can be a sign of a serious issue, so it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s health or if you are unsure of the cause of the symptoms.
Here are other signs that indicate that you should see a veterinarian immediately:
Severe or bloody vomiting: If your dog keeps throwing up and slobbering, that is, if the vomiting is severe and persists for more than 24 hours, consult your veterinarian.
Also, if there is blood in the vomit, this could be a sign of a serious underlying condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.
Other symptoms: Other symptoms may accompany throwing up, which includes diarrhea. If your dog has diarrhea along with vomiting, this can quickly lead to dehydration and other complications. This requires immediate medical attention.
Other symptoms to look out for include your dog shaking, throwing up and slobbering at the same time, 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 or ingestion of foreign objects: If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned or ingested a foreign object, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.