If your dog is vomiting after drinking water and not eating, it’s a sign that something more than just an upset stomach could be going on.
While dogs may occasionally spit up after drinking too quickly, repeated vomiting of water—especially when your dog refuses to eat—can point to underlying illness.
Knowing how to respond quickly and appropriately can help prevent serious complications and restore your dog’s health.
Dog Vomiting After Drinking Water and Not Eating: Why It Happens
Dog vomiting after drinking water and not eating is a combination that is often triggered by issues such as esophageal disorders, stomach irritation, intestinal blockage, kennel cough, or kidney problems.
In some cases, it’s a matter of drinking water too quickly on an empty or upset stomach; in others, it’s a sign of more dangerous internal conditions.
Dog Vomiting After Drinking Water and Not Eating: Common Causes
1. Drinking Too Quickly on an Empty or Upset Stomach
One of the more benign causes of a dog vomiting after drinking water and not eating is simply gulping down water too fast, especially after physical activity or periods of thirst.
An empty or irritated stomach can’t always tolerate large volumes of fluid, leading to regurgitation soon after.
While this may happen occasionally without much consequence, it becomes problematic if your dog repeatedly vomits or continues to refuse food after drinking.
Slow water intake and feeding smaller, more frequent meals can often prevent this from recurring.
2. Megaesophagus or Esophageal Dysfunction
Dogs suffering from esophageal disorders such as megaesophagus often vomit or regurgitate after drinking water.
In this condition, the esophagus loses its ability to push food and liquid into the stomach, so fluids may pool and then come back up with no digestion involved.
These dogs often avoid food because they associate eating or drinking with discomfort or choking.
You may notice signs such as coughing, weight loss, or drooling.
Diagnosis usually involves X-rays and sometimes an endoscopy, and managing the condition may require raised feeding stations and specialized diets.
Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
3. Gastritis or Inflammation of the Stomach
Inflamed stomach linings (gastritis) can make it painful or difficult for dogs to retain water or food.
When dogs drink water, especially cold or large amounts, it can irritate the already sensitive stomach and trigger vomiting.
These dogs may also avoid food because the nausea makes eating unappealing.
Causes of gastritis range from eating garbage or spoiled food to bacterial infections or reaction to medications.
Mild cases can often be managed with diet changes, while chronic cases need vet evaluation.
4. Foreign Body Obstruction
If your dog is vomiting water and not eating after trying to drink, it could be a sign of an intestinal blockage.
Swallowed toys, bones, or household items can prevent liquids and food from passing through the digestive tract.
In this case, vomiting may be frequent, and the water comes up within minutes of ingestion.
Other symptoms may include lethargy, whining, a swollen abdomen, or straining without producing stool.
This is an emergency that often requires surgical intervention, so don’t delay seeking veterinary help if you suspect a blockage.
5. Kennel Cough or Respiratory Irritation
Dogs with kennel cough or respiratory tract infections may appear to vomit after drinking water, but it’s often a result of intense coughing rather than actual vomiting.
Drinking water may trigger or worsen the cough, causing retching or clear liquid expulsion.
These dogs might stop eating due to throat discomfort or systemic malaise.
If your dog has recently been boarded or exposed to other dogs and now has a persistent cough with vomiting and no appetite, a vet visit is necessary to rule out contagious infections.
Related: Dog Vomiting Water and Not Eating (Here’s why)
6. Kidney Disease or Systemic Illness
Dogs in the early or late stages of kidney disease may vomit water and avoid food due to the buildup of waste products in the bloodstream.
They often drink excessive water in an attempt to flush toxins, but the body can’t process it effectively, leading to vomiting and loss of appetite.
This condition is more common in older dogs and may also come with symptoms like bad breath, weight loss, and changes in urination.
Blood and urine tests can confirm kidney disease and help guide a treatment plan.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Vomiting After Drinking Water and Not Eating
Here’s how to handle this situation at home if symptoms are mild and your dog still seems alert:
Limit water access temporarily. Offer small sips of water or ice chips every 20–30 minutes rather than a full bowl.
Withhold food for 8–12 hours to let the stomach settle.
Reintroduce bland food slowly (like boiled chicken and rice) in small portions once vomiting stops.
Elevate food and water bowls to reduce regurgitation, especially if esophageal problems are suspected.
Keep your dog calm and resting to prevent overexertion, which can worsen symptoms.
Monitor your dog carefully. If vomiting resumes after each drink or if new symptoms develop, contact your vet.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet right away if your dog is vomiting after drinking water and not eating and:
Vomiting continues for more than 12–24 hours
Your dog is lethargic, shaky, or dehydrated
There’s blood in the vomit or stool
Your dog is gagging, retching, or coughing persistently
A foreign object may have been ingested
Your dog is very young, a senior, or has a known health condition
Even if the vomiting seems minor, the refusal to eat alongside water-related vomiting could indicate something more serious.
Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
Key Takeaway
Seeing your dog vomiting after drinking water and not eating can be distressing—but it’s also a valuable warning sign.
Whether it’s due to a simple upset stomach, a serious blockage, or a chronic condition, these symptoms deserve attention.
Your dog’s body is trying to tell you something, and by acting quickly, you can help them recover comfortably and safely.
Monitor, respond, and never hesitate to call your vet when in doubt. Their health is worth it.