Watching an older dog experience seizures accompanied by vomiting can be a deeply concerning and frightening experience for any dog owner.
These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying medical condition that requires prompt attention.
Understanding why your senior dog is having seizures and vomiting can help you respond appropriately and provide the best care possible.
We outline the common causes of seizures and vomiting in an old dog, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Old Dog Having Seizures and Throwing Up — Why It Happens
Seizures and vomiting in an old dog often arises from complex medical conditions affecting the brain or internal organs. Causes can include neurological disorders like epilepsy, metabolic imbalances from liver or kidney disease, infections, or even certain toxins. Medications or sudden dietary changes may also provoke these symptoms.
Recognizing patterns, observing the severity, and noting accompanying signs are crucial for determining the root cause and seeking timely veterinary care.
Old Dog Having Seizures and Throwing Up: Common Causes
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can cause recurrent seizures, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Older dogs may suddenly lose consciousness, shake uncontrollably, or display unusual behaviors during a seizure.
Post-seizure disorientation often leads to vomiting or drooling. While epilepsy can be managed with medication, ongoing veterinary supervision is essential to control seizure frequency and prevent injury.
Read more: Old Dog Having Seizures (Understanding seizure causes and management)
Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are a serious and common cause of seizures in senior dogs.
Tumors can disrupt normal neurological function, resulting in convulsions, head tilting, or circling. Vomiting may occur if increased intracranial pressure affects the vomiting center in the brain.
Detecting brain tumors early allows for potential treatment options, including surgery, medication, or supportive care.
Liver Disease
Severe liver conditions, such as hepatic encephalopathy, can trigger both seizures and vomiting.
When the liver fails to filter toxins effectively, these substances accumulate in the bloodstream and interfere with brain function.
Symptoms often include confusion, lethargy, nausea, and convulsions. Timely veterinary evaluation is critical to manage liver disease and prevent worsening neurological effects.
Kidney Failure
Advanced kidney disease can provoke neurological disturbances and gastrointestinal upset.
Toxin buildup from impaired kidney function may lead to seizures, disorientation, vomiting, and weakness.
Other signs include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and decreased appetite. Proper management through veterinary care can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures and vomiting.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar, can cause seizures and vomiting in older dogs.
Dogs with diabetes, metabolic disorders, or poor nutrition are at higher risk. Sudden weakness, tremors, collapse, or disorientation may precede a seizure episode.
Rapid intervention is critical to stabilize blood sugar and prevent life-threatening complications.
Toxin Exposure
Certain toxins, foods, or medications can result in seizures paired with vomiting.
Common culprits include chocolate, antifreeze, spoiled food, or accidental medication overdoses. Dogs may vomit, drool excessively, and experience uncontrolled shaking or convulsions.
Immediate veterinary attention is essential to identify the toxin, provide supportive care, and prevent further harm.
What to Do If Your Old Dog Is Having Seizures and Throwing Up
Ensure your dog is in a safe space during a seizure, removing any objects that could cause injury. Do not restrain their movements, but gently protect their head and limbs.
Keep a detailed record of seizure episodes, including duration, behaviors, and whether vomiting occurred. This information is invaluable for your veterinarian in diagnosing and managing the underlying condition.
Provide a calm, quiet environment for recovery after a seizure, offering water if your dog is alert enough to drink safely. Avoid feeding immediately if vomiting is ongoing to prevent further stomach upset.
Schedule regular veterinary visits and communicate any changes in behavior, appetite, or health. This allows your vet to adjust treatment plans, medications, or supportive care as needed.
Monitor your dog’s overall health by maintaining proper nutrition, hydration, and minimizing stress, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures and vomiting episodes.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek immediate veterinary care if a seizure lasts more than five minutes or if multiple seizures occur in rapid succession.
Seizures accompanied by persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, bleeding, or extreme lethargy require urgent attention.
Any first-time seizure in a senior dog or sudden onset of vomiting alongside convulsions should be evaluated promptly. Early diagnosis can be life-saving and is critical for managing the underlying cause effectively.
Read more: Old Dog Vestibular Disease (Explained)
Key Takeaway
Seizures accompanied by vomiting in older dogs can result from neurological disorders, liver or kidney disease, hypoglycemia, or toxin exposure.
Observing your dog carefully, maintaining a safe environment during seizures, and seeking timely veterinary care are essential steps for protecting your dog’s health.
While these episodes can be alarming, understanding the potential causes and responding promptly can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life.
With proper treatment, monitoring, and supportive care, many senior dogs can continue to enjoy comfort and safety during their golden years.