When your dog is vomiting water, not eating, but still drinking, it can be confusing. On one hand, it’s good that your dog is staying hydrated.
On the other, persistent vomiting and refusal to eat can be a red flag for something more serious. This combination of symptoms might indicate mild gastrointestinal irritation or signal a deeper health problem that requires attention.
We outline the common causes of this behavior, what you can do at home, and when it’s time to call your vet.
Dog Vomiting Water and Not Eating but Drinking Water: Why It Happens
A dog vomiting water and not eating but drinking water may be experiencing nausea, gastritis, toxin exposure, anxiety, early stages of illness, or even digestive blockage.
Dogs sometimes drink water to soothe stomach discomfort, but it may trigger vomiting, especially if the stomach is irritated or inflamed.
These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, especially if they last longer than a day.
Dog Vomiting Water and Not Eating but Drinking Water: Common Causes
1. Gastritis or Upset Stomach
If your dog is vomiting water and not eating but still drinking, it may have a mild stomach upset.
Dogs often self-medicate by drinking water, but with an irritated stomach, even water can trigger vomiting.
This might happen after eating something unusual, like table scraps or spoiled food, or due to a sudden change in diet.
In many cases, dogs with gastritis will drink, vomit shortly after, and then avoid eating altogether.
Related: Dog vomiting water and not eating (Causes and what to do)
2. Foreign Body or Obstruction
One of the more serious causes of these symptoms is a foreign object in the digestive tract.
Dogs that swallow toys, bones, fabric, or other non-food items may develop partial obstructions.
Food may not pass through, causing a lack of appetite, while water may still be tolerated to some extent—at least until the stomach rejects it.
Vomiting clear fluid or foam and refusal to eat are key warning signs. If this persists, a vet visit is urgent.
3. Toxin Ingestion
If your dog got into something toxic—like certain plants, medications, or cleaning agents—vomiting may start even before other signs show up.
Dogs may continue to drink water in an effort to flush their system, but if the toxin irritates the stomach or liver, vomiting can follow.
This is especially dangerous if you also notice lethargy, pale gums, or unusual behavior.
Early detection and treatment are critical in these cases.
4. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas often caused by eating fatty foods.
Dogs suffering from it typically show symptoms like vomiting, refusal to eat, abdominal discomfort, and continued attempts to drink water.
They may appear restless or uncomfortable, and vomiting may increase after even small amounts of water.
Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic, and both require veterinary management.
5. Stress or Anxiety
Dogs that are stressed or anxious may stop eating but continue drinking water.
Travel, boarding, loud noises, new environments, or being separated from a loved one can all trigger gastrointestinal symptoms.
While vomiting water in these cases may be mild, it’s important to observe your dog’s behavior closely.
Ongoing stress can lead to deeper issues like ulcers or chronic digestive problems.
6. Early Stages of Illness
Sometimes, vomiting water and not eating—but drinking—can signal the early phase of a more serious condition such as kidney disease, liver dysfunction, infections, or even endocrine disorders.
These illnesses often start subtly, with vomiting and appetite loss appearing before other signs.
Drinking water may persist as the dog tries to stay hydrated.
If your dog is drinking more than usual but vomiting or avoiding food, it’s time to dig deeper.
What to Do if Your Dog Is Vomiting Water and Not Eating but Drinking Water
If your dog is otherwise alert and only recently started showing symptoms, you can try some practical at-home care for the first 12–24 hours:
Withhold food for 12 hours to let the stomach settle. Continue offering small amounts of water or ice cubes to avoid dehydration.
Watch for repeated vomiting. If your dog vomits water every time they drink, it may be a sign of something serious like a blockage or toxin.
Reintroduce a bland diet after 12–24 hours if vomiting stops. Boiled chicken and plain rice work well in small portions.
Keep your dog calm and rested, avoiding vigorous activity while they recover.
Avoid giving any medication unless prescribed by a veterinarian, as some drugs can worsen the symptoms.
Even if your dog seems stable, continued vomiting for more than a day without eating is not normal and should be discussed with your vet.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should reach out to your vet if:
Your dog vomits water more than twice in 24 hours.
Refusal to eat lasts longer than 24 hours.
You notice lethargy, shaking, whining, or other behavioral changes.
There’s blood in the vomit or stool.
Your dog shows signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy).
You suspect your dog may have eaten something toxic or indigestible.
The symptoms occur in a puppy, senior dog, or one with chronic health issues.
In many cases, early intervention can prevent more serious complications.
A vet may perform blood work, X-rays, or an ultrasound to find out what’s going on.
Read more: Dog Vomiting Yellow Bile and Not Eating (When to worry)
Related: Dog Vomiting White Foam and Not Eating (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
Seeing your dog vomiting water, avoiding food, yet still drinking can be both puzzling and worrying.
While some cases are minor and resolve on their own, others require prompt veterinary attention.
Always keep a close eye on frequency, energy levels, and other symptoms.
Your dog may be trying to manage their own discomfort by drinking—but if vomiting continues or appetite doesn’t return soon, it’s time to act.
Your dog depends on you to recognize when something isn’t right.
When in doubt, a call to your vet is always the safest choice.