If your dog is vomiting and not eating or drinking, it can be very concerning. This combination of symptoms often indicates an underlying health problem that shouldn’t be ignored.
While occasional vomiting or a skipped meal may happen from time to time, persistent or severe issues like vomiting accompanied by refusal to eat or drink point to something more serious.
We outline why dog vomiting and not eating or drinking happens, what it could mean, and how you should respond.
Dog Vomiting and Not Eating or Drinking: Why It Happens
Dog vomiting and not eating or drinking often indicates an underlying health issue that may range from mild gastrointestinal upset to serious medical conditions. This combination of symptoms usually means your dog is feeling unwell, nauseous, or in pain, leading them to avoid food and water.
Causes can include infections, ingestion of toxins, pancreatitis, organ dysfunction, stress, or blockages in the digestive tract.
Since vomiting leads to fluid loss and refusal to drink worsens dehydration, it’s essential to monitor your dog closely and seek veterinary care if symptoms persist or worsen.
Common Causes of Dog Vomiting and Not Eating or Drinking
Gastrointestinal Infections
One of the most common causes of dog vomiting and not eating or drinking is a gastrointestinal infection.
These infections may be caused by viruses, bacteria, or intestinal parasites.
The infection irritates the stomach and intestines, leading to vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and a lack of appetite.
Dehydration can quickly follow if the dog is also refusing water.
Puppies and dogs with weak immune systems are particularly vulnerable to infections like parvovirus, which can cause profuse vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid deterioration.
Related: Dog shaking and not eating and lethargic (Explained)
Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t—garbage, spoiled food, or foreign objects.
This behavior, known as dietary indiscretion, often results in vomiting and gastrointestinal upset.
When the stomach lining is irritated, dogs may stop eating or drinking as a natural response to avoid worsening the discomfort.
Even sudden changes in diet or introducing a new treat can trigger vomiting and food refusal in sensitive dogs.
Toxin or Poison Ingestion
If your dog is vomiting and not eating or drinking and you suspect they may have gotten into something toxic—like cleaning products, plants, or human medications—seek emergency help immediately.
Toxic ingestion leads to inflammation of the digestive tract and can damage organs like the kidneys or liver.
Symptoms often include vomiting, drooling, shaking, or collapse, and affected dogs usually avoid food and water altogether.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by eating fatty foods.
Dogs with pancreatitis usually present with vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and refusal to eat or drink.
The condition can be acute or chronic and may require hospitalization.
Pancreatitis is more common in breeds like Miniature Schnauzers, but any dog can be affected.
Foreign Body Obstruction
A foreign object lodged in the digestive tract can cause repeated vomiting and refusal to eat or drink.
Dogs that swallow toys, bones, socks, or other non-digestible items may develop a blockage.
The object prevents food and water from passing normally, leading to dehydration and severe discomfort.
Surgical intervention is often needed in these cases.
Kidney or Liver Disease
Both kidney and liver diseases can lead to a combination of symptoms including vomiting, nausea, lethargy, and refusal to eat or drink.
These organs help filter waste from the body, and when they fail, toxins build up in the bloodstream, making the dog feel extremely ill.
Chronic kidney disease is especially common in older dogs and can progress slowly or suddenly worsen.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
In deep-chested breeds, bloat is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself.
Early signs include vomiting (often non-productive), drooling, pacing, and a refusal to eat or drink.
As the condition progresses, shock sets in, and the dog’s abdomen becomes distended and painful.
Bloat requires immediate surgery to correct.
Related: Dog Lethargic and Not Eating and Vomiting (Causes and treatment)
Stress or Anxiety
Stressful events like moving homes, loud noises (like fireworks), or a change in routine can make dogs nauseous and suppress their appetite.
While this is less severe than medical conditions, persistent dog vomiting and not eating or drinking due to stress should still be addressed, especially if symptoms last more than 24 hours or worsen.
Side Effects of Medication
Some medications, including antibiotics, NSAIDs, or chemotherapy drugs, can upset a dog’s stomach and cause vomiting and lack of appetite.
If your dog starts vomiting and refusing food or water after starting a new medication, consult your veterinarian about adjusting the dosage or switching to a different drug.
Symptoms That May Accompany Vomiting, Loss of Appetite, and Refusal to Drink
When your dog is vomiting and not eating or drinking, you may also notice:
Lethargy or weakness
Dry gums or nose
Sunken eyes (a sign of dehydration)
Diarrhea
Drooling
Weight loss
Whining or signs of abdominal pain
Collapse or unresponsiveness in severe cases
These accompanying signs can help your veterinarian narrow down the cause of your dog’s symptoms.
Related: Dog diarrhea and not eating (Here’s why)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Vomiting and Not Eating or Drinking
Monitor Closely
If the vomiting is mild, has occurred only once, and your dog is otherwise alert and comfortable, you can monitor them for 12–24 hours.
Offer small sips of water or ice cubes and withhold food for about 12 hours to allow the stomach to settle.
Try a Bland Diet (If Eating Resumes)
Once vomiting has stopped and your dog seems interested in food again, you can try offering small portions of a bland diet such as boiled chicken and plain white rice.
Avoid fatty or rich foods and reintroduce regular dog food gradually.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Dehydration is a serious risk when your dog is vomiting and not eating or drinking.
You can check for dehydration by gently lifting the skin between the shoulders—if it doesn’t snap back quickly, your dog may be dehydrated.
In this case, veterinary attention is needed to provide IV fluids.
When to See a Veterinarian Immediately
Call your vet or emergency clinic right away if:
Vomiting is frequent or projectile
Your dog hasn’t eaten or drunk anything for over 24 hours
There is blood in the vomit or stool
Your dog is very lethargic or unresponsive
Abdominal swelling is present
You suspect poisoning or ingestion of a foreign object
Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has preexisting conditions
Don’t Attempt Home Remedies Without Guidance
Avoid giving human medications like Pepto-Bismol or anti-nausea drugs without your vet’s guidance.
Some medications can be toxic to dogs or worsen the problem.
Key Takeaway
Dog vomiting and not eating or drinking is not something to ignore.
While mild symptoms may resolve with rest and bland food, persistent or severe symptoms require veterinary evaluation.
The causes range from simple dietary indiscretion to life-threatening conditions like bloat or poisoning.
The earlier you recognize the signs and take appropriate action, the better the chances of recovery.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and ensure your dog stays healthy and hydrated.