If you’ve noticed your old dog vomiting and not eating, it’s understandable to feel concerned.
These signs often indicate that something is wrong with your dog’s health and should not be ignored.
Vomiting in older dogs, especially when accompanied by a lack of appetite, can stem from a wide range of causes—from mild digestive upsets to more serious medical conditions.
We outline the common reasons why your old dog is vomiting and not eating, what these symptoms might suggest, and what steps you can take to help your senior pup feel better.
Old dog vomiting and not eating: why it happens
Old dog vomiting and not eating typically happens due to age-related health issues that affect the digestive system, organs, or overall appetite. Common causes include kidney or liver disease, infections, cancer, pancreatitis, dental problems, or side effects from medications.
As dogs age, their bodies become more sensitive, and even mild conditions can lead to nausea and reduced appetite.
When an old dog is vomiting and not eating, it often signals an underlying issue that needs veterinary attention to prevent further complications.
Age-related gastrointestinal issues
One of the most frequent causes of old dog vomiting and not eating is age-related gastrointestinal dysfunction.
As dogs age, their digestive systems become more sensitive and less efficient.
This can result in chronic upset stomachs, acid reflux, or slow digestion.
These issues often cause nausea, which leads to both vomiting and loss of appetite.
An old dog may also have a weaker esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to rise and cause irritation, triggering vomiting episodes.
If they associate food with discomfort, they may start to avoid eating altogether.
Kidney disease in senior dogs
Chronic kidney disease is a common condition in aging dogs and a top reason behind old dog vomiting and not eating.
The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste from the blood.
When they begin to fail, toxins accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite.
Kidney disease can also cause ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, which further contributes to vomiting and loss of appetite.
Symptoms may come on gradually, so noticing changes in eating and vomiting patterns is crucial for early diagnosis.
Liver dysfunction
Another reason your old dog may be vomiting and not eating is liver disease.
The liver performs many vital functions, including detoxifying the body and producing bile for digestion. When liver function declines, it can cause symptoms such as vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), lethargy, and refusal to eat.
Senior dogs are more prone to liver problems due to the natural aging process, but the symptoms can be mistaken for other age-related conditions, so professional diagnosis is essential.
Related: Old dog diarrhea and vomiting (Causes and treatment)
Infections and inflammation
Old dogs have weakened immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to infections—both viral and bacterial.
Conditions such as gastritis or enteritis (inflammation of the stomach or intestines) can easily lead to vomiting and refusal to eat.
Sometimes even a mild infection that a younger dog could recover from quickly might hit an older dog much harder, causing gastrointestinal upset, fever, and severe appetite loss.
Cancer and tumors
Cancer is unfortunately more common in older dogs, and tumors, especially in the digestive system, can directly cause vomiting and loss of appetite.
Tumors in the stomach, intestines, liver, or pancreas can obstruct digestion, induce nausea, and reduce hunger.
Symptoms of cancer in senior dogs may include weight loss, blood in vomit or stool, abdominal swelling, and progressive lethargy.
If your old dog is vomiting and not eating for several days, cancer should be considered as a potential cause and investigated by a vet.
Dental problems in old dogs
Don’t overlook dental disease as a reason behind old dog vomiting and not eating.
Gum infections, loose teeth, or abscesses can make eating painful, leading your dog to avoid food.
In some cases, swallowing food with oral bacteria can lead to stomach upset and vomiting as well.
Many senior dogs suffer from periodontal disease, and if you notice your dog chewing on one side, pawing at their mouth, or drooling excessively, dental issues may be the culprit.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is another possible reason for an old dog vomiting and not eating.
This condition can be acute or chronic and is often triggered by high-fat diets, certain medications, or underlying health conditions.
Pancreatitis causes severe abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and vomiting.
Dogs experiencing a flare-up often show a complete lack of interest in food.
While pancreatitis can affect dogs of any age, senior dogs are more vulnerable due to other existing health problems.
Medication side effects
Many senior dogs are on medications for arthritis, heart disease, or other chronic conditions.
Some of these medications can irritate the stomach lining or have side effects that include nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss.
If you notice symptoms starting shortly after beginning a new medication, speak to your vet about adjusting the dosage or switching drugs.
Stress and environmental changes
Old dogs can be surprisingly sensitive to changes in their environment.
Moving homes, a new family member, or even a change in routine can cause stress-related symptoms such as vomiting and refusal to eat.
Stress-related vomiting is usually temporary but can be dangerous if it leads to dehydration or lasts more than a day or two.
Comfort and routine are important for maintaining your old dog’s health.
Toxin ingestion
Although it’s more common in younger dogs, senior dogs may accidentally ingest toxic substances like spoiled food, household chemicals, or medications.
Toxins often trigger vomiting quickly, and older dogs may refuse food as their body tries to recover.
Given their reduced ability to metabolize and flush out toxins, the consequences can be more severe in older dogs, making quick veterinary attention crucial.
Related: Old dog throwing up and drooling (Causes and Treatment)
What to do if your old dog is vomiting and not eating
If your old dog is vomiting and not eating, your next steps depend on how long the symptoms have lasted and whether other symptoms are present.
Here’s what to do:
1. Monitor your dog closely
Watch for additional symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea, bloated abdomen, blood in vomit, or signs of pain.
Take note of how often your dog vomits, how much they’re drinking, and how long they’ve gone without eating.
2. Offer bland food
If your dog has only vomited once and isn’t eating, try offering a bland diet like plain boiled chicken and rice in small amounts.
If they refuse or vomit again, don’t persist—call your vet.
3. Keep your dog hydrated
Make sure fresh water is always available.
If your dog isn’t drinking, you can offer ice chips or unflavored electrolyte solutions.
Dehydration is dangerous, especially for older dogs.
4. Remove access to food for a few hours
Give your dog’s stomach time to settle. Withhold food for about 8–12 hours (but not water).
Then, reintroduce small amounts of bland food. If vomiting continues, see your vet immediately.
5. Avoid giving human medications
Never attempt to treat your dog’s symptoms with over-the-counter medications intended for humans.
Many are toxic to dogs, especially those with weakened organs.
6. Visit your veterinarian
If vomiting and appetite loss persist for more than 24 hours, or if other symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, or weight loss are present, a vet visit is necessary.
Your vet will likely run bloodwork, x-rays, or ultrasounds to find the cause and offer treatment.
When to seek emergency help
Take your old dog to the vet or emergency clinic immediately if you observe any of the following:
Vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material
Severe or ongoing vomiting (multiple times in one day)
Refusal to eat for more than 24–48 hours
Signs of dehydration like dry gums, sunken eyes, or lethargy
Abdominal swelling or pain
Collapse or weakness
These could be signs of a serious condition requiring urgent care.
Key Takeaway
If your old dog is vomiting and not eating, it’s more than just a mild concern—it could signal a serious underlying issue.
Whether it’s kidney disease, dental pain, pancreatitis, or medication side effects, the combination of vomiting and appetite loss should prompt close monitoring and often a vet consultation.
Don’t wait too long to act. In senior dogs, health can decline rapidly.
Addressing the issue early gives your beloved dog the best chance of recovery and comfort in their golden years.