It’s not uncommon for dog owners to notice that their old dog is throwing up and drooling, but it can be deeply concerning—especially when these two symptoms occur together.
While occasional vomiting or mild drooling can be harmless, consistent episodes in a senior dog can signal an underlying medical issue that needs attention.
As dogs age, their bodies go through significant changes. Older dogs are more prone to health complications that may not affect younger pups in the same way.
We outline the most common causes of throwing up and drooling in older dogs, what each symptom might mean when they appear together, and when to seek veterinary help.
Here’s Why Old Dog Throwing Up and Drooling Happens
If your old dog is throwing up and drooling, it could be a sign of several underlying issues such as gastrointestinal upset, dental disease, toxin exposure, kidney or liver problems, or even a neurological condition.
These symptoms are more concerning in senior dogs because their immune systems and organs are less resilient.
What Does It Mean When an Old Dog Is Throwing Up and Drooling?
Let’s break down the symptoms individually first and then examine what it means when they appear together.
Throwing up in old dogs can be a result of:
Digestive upset
Kidney or liver disease
Gastrointestinal blockage
Toxins or poisoning
Side effects of medications
Cancer or tumors
Drooling in old dogs can be caused by:
Dental issues
Mouth pain or ulcers
Motion sickness
Anxiety or nausea
Toxic ingestion
Neurological disorders
But when an old dog is throwing up and drooling at the same time, it often suggests nausea, gastrointestinal distress, or a more serious internal issue—especially if it’s persistent or accompanied by lethargy, lack of appetite, or disorientation.
Related: Dog diarrhea and not eating (Explained)
Why Is My Old Dog Throwing Up and Drooling?
There are several potential reasons your senior dog is vomiting and drooling excessively:
1. Nausea and Gastrointestinal Upset
Aging dogs often develop sensitive stomachs. If your old dog is drooling and vomiting, nausea is likely involved.
Dogs drool more when they feel nauseated, and vomiting is the natural progression if the stomach irritation becomes severe.
Nausea can be caused by:
Sudden changes in diet
Eating spoiled food or trash
Gastrointestinal infections
Pancreatitis
This combination of symptoms typically comes on quickly and may include lip licking, refusal to eat, and restlessness.
2. Dental Disease or Oral Pain
Dental problems are extremely common in older dogs.
If your senior dog is drooling and vomiting, it may be due to oral pain that makes it difficult to swallow or chew food properly, leading to gagging or vomiting.
Look out for:
Red or bleeding gums
Bad breath
Loose teeth
Reluctance to eat or chew toys
Excessive drooling may indicate a tooth abscess, oral ulcer, or even a tumor in the mouth or throat area—all of which are more prevalent in older pets.
3. Toxin Ingestion or Poisoning
One of the most urgent causes of an old dog throwing up and drooling is ingestion of a toxic substance.
This can include human medications, chocolate, certain plants, cleaning products, or insecticides.
Common signs of poisoning in dogs include:
Profuse drooling
Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
Diarrhea
Tremors or seizures
Collapse
Older dogs may be more sensitive to toxins due to weakened organ function, making this a veterinary emergency.
4. Kidney or Liver Disease
Organ function naturally declines as dogs age. Chronic conditions such as kidney disease or liver dysfunction often cause vomiting and drooling in older dogs due to toxin buildup in the bloodstream.
Symptoms of kidney or liver problems include:
Vomiting and excessive drooling
Increased thirst and urination
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Pale gums or yellowing of the eyes (jaundice)
If your old dog is vomiting and drooling frequently, a blood test from your veterinarian can help detect organ failure early.
5. Heatstroke or Overheating
Older dogs are more susceptible to overheating, especially during warmer months.
Heatstroke can cause intense drooling and vomiting in senior dogs and is considered a medical emergency.
Warning signs include:
Heavy panting
Bright red tongue or gums
Disorientation
Vomiting or diarrhea
Collapsing
If you suspect your old dog is throwing up and drooling due to heatstroke, cool them down immediately and take them to the vet.
Related: Dog throwing up and shaking head (Explained)
6. Motion Sickness and Anxiety
Senior dogs can develop sensitivity to car rides or stressful environments, which can lead to motion sickness-induced vomiting and drooling.
Anxious behaviors may include:
Pacing
Whining
Shaking
Excessive lip licking
Even short rides can lead to nausea. If your senior dog drools and throws up during travel, it may be motion-related, and your vet can suggest medications to help.
7. Cancer or Tumors
Unfortunately, cancer is more common in older dogs. Tumors in the stomach, throat, or esophagus can interfere with swallowing and digestion, causing both vomiting and drooling.
Other signs of concern include:
Swollen lymph nodes
Unexplained weight loss
Lumps or masses
Chronic fatigue
If your old dog is drooling and vomiting frequently and symptoms persist beyond a day or two, further testing may be necessary to rule out more serious conditions.
What to Do If Your Old Dog Is Throwing Up and Drooling
Here’s how you should respond if your older dog is throwing up and drooling:
Monitor for additional symptoms
Take note of how often the vomiting and drooling occurs, and whether there are other symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, or lack of appetite.
Check for signs of toxin exposure
Look around the home or yard for anything your dog may have ingested—medications, chemicals, plants, etc.
Keep your dog hydrated
Vomiting can quickly dehydrate your dog.
Make sure they have access to clean water, but don’t force it if they’re nauseous.
Remove food temporarily
Allow your dog’s stomach to rest for 12–24 hours.
Reintroduce food slowly with a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice.
Don’t administer human medications
Never give your senior dog antacids, anti-nausea drugs, or any other treatment without veterinary guidance.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
You should seek immediate veterinary care if:
Your old dog is throwing up and drooling persistently for more than 24 hours
There is blood in the vomit or drool
Your dog is also lethargic, disoriented, or refusing food
Your dog has a known medical condition such as kidney disease or diabetes
There’s a chance your dog ingested something toxic
Key Takeaway
An old dog throwing up and drooling may be reacting to something minor—or it could be a sign of a serious health issue.
While occasional nausea or oral discomfort might resolve on its own, persistent or worsening symptoms in older dogs should always be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in improving your dog’s comfort and quality of life.
Always trust your instincts—if something doesn’t seem right, get help.