If you notice your old dog vomiting and pooping, especially more frequently than usual, it can be a concerning situation.
While occasional vomiting or abnormal bowel movements aren’t always serious, the combination of the two in senior dogs often signals that something deeper may be going on.
We outline the common causes of vomiting and pooping in older dogs, what to look out for, and when to seek veterinary care.
Old dog vomiting and pooping: why it happens
Vomiting and pooping in old dogs often occur due to age-related changes in their digestive system, weakened immunity, or underlying health issues like infections, organ dysfunction, dietary intolerance, or exposure to toxins.
As dogs age, their bodies become more sensitive to dietary changes, medications, and stress, all of which can disrupt digestion.
These symptoms may signal anything from a mild stomach upset to more serious conditions like pancreatitis, kidney disease, or cancer, making it essential to monitor closely and seek veterinary care if symptoms persist.
Common causes of vomiting and pooping in old dogs
1. Gastrointestinal infections
One of the leading causes of an old dog vomiting and pooping more than normal is a gastrointestinal infection.
Bacteria, viruses, or parasites can invade an aging dog’s gut, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
Older dogs often have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to these infections.
Fecal contamination, spoiled food, or contaminated water are common culprits.
Watch out for fever, lethargy, bloody stools, and loss of appetite.
2. Ingestion of toxins or foreign objects
An old dog vomiting and pooping after suddenly scavenging from the trash, chewing on a household item, or eating spoiled food could be suffering from poisoning or a blocked digestive tract.
Common toxins include human medications, cleaning products, pesticides, or toxic foods like chocolate and grapes.
Some objects can also cause internal obstructions, leading to vomiting and straining during bowel movements.
Look for excessive drooling, tremors, pale gums, or abdominal pain.
3. Diet changes or food intolerance
Changes in diet can disrupt your dog’s digestive system, especially in senior dogs with more sensitive stomachs.
If your old dog is vomiting and pooping after a new food introduction, it might be because their system can’t handle the sudden switch.
Food intolerance or allergies may also cause gastrointestinal upset, particularly if the food contains high-fat content, preservatives, or ingredients your dog has never eaten before.
Signs include frequent soft stools, gassiness, itching, or refusal to eat.
Related: Old dog diarrhea and vomiting (Causes and treatment)
4. Kidney or liver disease
Chronic conditions like kidney or liver disease can lead to a dog vomiting and pooping more frequently.
In an older dog, these organs may no longer filter toxins efficiently, allowing waste to accumulate in the bloodstream and cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
Vomiting in this context may also be accompanied by changes in thirst, appetite, and urine production.
Symptoms to note include weight loss, yellowing of the eyes or gums, increased urination, and persistent nausea.
5. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed, leading to severe digestive upset.
It’s more common in older dogs and can be triggered by fatty foods, infections, or medications.
When the pancreas becomes irritated, your old dog may vomit and poop with noticeable abdominal pain.
Additional symptoms include hunched posture, fever, and abdominal tenderness.
6. Stress and anxiety
Older dogs can be more sensitive to changes in their environment.
Moving houses, new pets, loud noises, or even separation anxiety can cause your old dog to vomit and poop due to stress.
Anxiety affects gut motility and can cause both nausea and loose stools.
Accompanying behaviors include pacing, panting, whimpering, hiding, or clinginess.
7. Medication side effects
Many senior dogs are on medications for joint pain, heart conditions, or other age-related illnesses.
Some medications may irritate the digestive tract, especially if taken on an empty stomach, causing vomiting or diarrhea.
Your old dog vomiting and pooping could be reacting to a new drug or a combination of medications that their system is struggling to handle.
Look out for drooling, lack of appetite, fatigue, and changes in stool consistency.
Related: Old dog vomiting and panting (Causes and Treatment)
8. Cancer or tumors
Sadly, the risk of cancer increases with age.
Gastrointestinal tumors or cancer affecting the stomach, intestines, or liver can cause your old dog to vomit and poop abnormally.
These cases are usually accompanied by long-term changes in appetite, unexplained weight loss, and lethargy.
Early warning signs include blood in stool or vomit, swelling in the abdomen, or chronic digestive issues.
What to do if your old dog is vomiting and pooping
If your old dog is vomiting and pooping, here’s how to respond depending on the severity of their condition:
Monitor the symptoms
Take note of how often your dog vomits or has a bowel movement.
Record the color, consistency, and presence of blood or mucus in vomit or stool.
Also observe their energy levels, eating habits, and water intake.
If symptoms occur just once and your dog seems otherwise fine, it might pass on its own.
However, frequent or worsening symptoms call for urgent attention.
Offer water, but with caution
Dehydration is a major concern when an old dog is vomiting and pooping.
Make sure they have access to clean water, but don’t force it.
If they can’t hold water down, give small amounts at a time and contact your vet.
Withhold food temporarily
Give your dog’s digestive system a chance to rest.
Skip one or two meals and then reintroduce a bland diet — such as boiled chicken and rice — in small portions.
However, do not withhold food for more than 12–24 hours without veterinary guidance, especially in older dogs with preexisting conditions.
Contact your veterinarian
If your old dog is vomiting and pooping persistently, or you notice any of the following symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately:
Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
Blood in stool or vomit
Lethargy or collapse
Abdominal swelling or pain
Fever or trembling
Inability to hold down fluids
Early intervention can prevent complications like dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or worsening of chronic diseases.
Preventing future vomiting and pooping episodes in senior dogs
Caring for an older dog means staying proactive. You can help minimize episodes of vomiting and abnormal pooping by following these steps:
Stick to a consistent, high-quality diet tailored for senior dogs
Avoid giving table scraps or fatty foods
Keep household toxins and garbage out of reach
Provide regular vet check-ups, especially if your dog has chronic illnesses
Monitor medications closely and report any side effects
Minimize stress with a calm, predictable environment
Key takeaway
Seeing your old dog vomiting and pooping frequently can be distressing, but understanding the root causes allows you to act swiftly.
From gastrointestinal infections and stress to chronic diseases and toxins, many factors can trigger these symptoms.
While a single episode may not be urgent, consistent or severe vomiting and abnormal pooping in older dogs should never be ignored.
Because senior dogs are more fragile, it’s essential to catch health issues early and work closely with your vet to manage any underlying conditions.
By staying informed and observant, you can help your aging dog live more comfortably and healthily, even as their needs change.