When your dog is vomiting, refusing to eat, and hasn’t pooped, it’s more than just a digestive slowdown—it could be a sign of a deeper underlying issue.
While a single missed bowel movement isn’t always concerning, when it’s paired with vomiting and appetite loss, you need to act fast.
This trio of symptoms can indicate that something is seriously wrong with your dog’s digestive system and shouldn’t be ignored.
Dog Vomiting, Not Eating and Not Pooping: Why It Happens
Dog vomiting, not eating and not pooping is a combination of sysmptoms that is often caused by intestinal obstruction, constipation, dietary indiscretion, pancreatitis, or even neurological or metabolic problems.
Vomiting and not eating are the body’s responses to internal discomfort or digestive failure, while the lack of stool suggests that food isn’t moving through the system as it should.
Dog Vomiting, Not Eating, and Not Pooping: Common Causes
1. Gastrointestinal Obstruction (Foreign Body Ingestion)
One of the most common and serious causes of this symptom trio is a foreign object lodged in the intestines or stomach—like a sock, toy, bone, or corn cob.
These blockages stop stool from passing, leading to vomiting, lack of appetite, and no bowel movements.
Obstructions require urgent veterinary care, often including x-rays or ultrasound.
Surgery is frequently needed to remove the blockage and prevent life-threatening damage to the digestive tract.
2. Severe Constipation or Obstipation
Chronic constipation can eventually lead to obstipation, where feces become so hard and compacted that your dog can no longer defecate.
This causes vomiting, abdominal pain, refusal to eat, and straining or whining without producing stool.
Veterinary treatment may involve enemas, stool softeners, and fluid therapy.
It’s especially common in older dogs or those with limited mobility or dehydration.
Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
3. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis affects the pancreas and disrupts normal digestion. It commonly causes vomiting, no interest in food, and lack of bowel movement due to slowed gut motility.
Dogs may also show signs of pain or shaking.
This is a medical emergency. Blood tests and abdominal imaging are used to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment includes pain relief, IV fluids, and dietary changes.
4. Dietary Indiscretion or Poor Digestion
Dogs that eat something inappropriate—like trash, bones, or spoiled food—may vomit, skip meals, and stop pooping due to inflammation or irritation of the digestive tract.
If the object consumed isn’t sharp or toxic, symptoms may resolve with rest and a bland diet.
However, continued vomiting and no bowel movement beyond 24 hours needs veterinary attention.
Related: Dog Vomiting Not Eating or Drinking and Lethargic (What it means)
5. Intestinal Motility Disorders
Some dogs experience sluggish digestion due to nerve or muscle issues in the intestines. This can result in vomiting, no appetite, and delayed bowel movements.
These disorders can be congenital or develop with age.
A vet may use x-rays with contrast material to assess how well the digestive system is moving food along.
6. Pain, Stress, or Anxiety
While less common, pain or extreme anxiety can slow digestion and cause symptoms like vomiting, not eating, and no bowel movements.
Stress hormones affect gut motility and may result in short-term digestive pauses.
Behavioral issues are typically diagnosed by ruling out physical causes first.
If your dog had a recent stressful event, keep this in mind—but don’t assume it’s “just stress” without medical confirmation.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Vomiting, Not Eating, and Not Pooping
You can attempt limited at-home care only if your dog is still alert and stable, and the symptoms have just started. Here’s what you can do:
Withhold food for 8–12 hours to allow the stomach to rest.
Offer small amounts of water or ice cubes to prevent dehydration.
Gently massage your dog’s belly to stimulate bowel movement (if no pain is present).
Avoid giving laxatives or human medications unless directed by a vet.
Watch closely for straining, bloating, or signs of discomfort.
If your dog hasn’t pooped for over 24 hours, continues vomiting, or is acting lethargic, visit your vet promptly.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Get veterinary help as soon as possible if your dog:
Hasn’t pooped in over 24 hours and is vomiting or refusing food
Is visibly bloated or in pain
Has vomited multiple times or has vomit that smells like feces
Shows signs of lethargy or collapse
Strains repeatedly without passing stool
Is a small breed, puppy, or senior dog
Your vet may perform x-rays, blood work, or an ultrasound to determine whether a blockage or other gastrointestinal problem is present.
Read more: Old Dog Vomiting and Not Eating (When to worry)
Key Takeaway
When your dog is vomiting, not eating, and not pooping, it’s not something to take lightly.
These signs often indicate a significant issue in the digestive tract—whether it’s a simple bout of constipation or a dangerous blockage.
The sooner you identify the problem and get help, the better the outcome. Trust your instincts, monitor your dog closely, and don’t wait too long to involve your vet.
Your dog is depending on you to act when something’s not right—and now you know what to watch for.