Puppy Throwing Up and Drooling: What It Means

Common Causes of Puppy Throwing Up and Drooling

1. Gastrointestinal Upset

One of the most common reasons for a puppy throwing up and drooling is simple gastrointestinal irritation.

Puppies are notorious for chewing or eating things they shouldn’t—like trash, socks, plants, or spoiled food.

When something irritates the lining of the stomach, it can cause:

• Nausea (which often triggers drooling)

• Vomiting

• Decreased appetite

In these cases, the drooling in puppies is usually a reaction to nausea.

If the stomach irritation is mild, symptoms might resolve in 12–24 hours. But if the vomiting persists or worsens, veterinary care is essential.

Related: Dog throwing up and shaking head (Here’s why)

2. Ingestion of Toxins

If your puppy is vomiting and drooling excessively, poisoning is a serious possibility.

Puppies might ingest toxic substances such as:

• Household cleaners

• Human medications

• Chocolate, xylitol, grapes or raisins

• Poisonous plants

• Pesticides or rodenticides

These substances can trigger a violent reaction in a puppy’s digestive and nervous systems. Symptoms of poisoning include:

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting

• Shaking or seizures

• Pale gums

• Difficulty breathing

If you suspect your puppy has eaten something toxic, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

3. Foreign Body Obstruction

Puppies explore the world with their mouths. When they swallow a non-digestible object—like a toy piece, bone, or string—it can become lodged in their intestines or stomach.

This is known as a foreign body obstruction.

A puppy with a blockage may vomit repeatedly and drool, especially after eating or drinking. Other signs include:

• Abdominal pain

• Lethargy

• Constipation or inability to pass stool

• Loss of appetite

This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate surgical intervention.

4. Motion Sickness

Just like humans, puppies can suffer from motion sickness when traveling in cars. Motion sickness often leads to:

• Nausea-induced drooling

• Vomiting

• Whining or restlessness in the car

Motion sickness is more common in younger dogs, and many outgrow it. Short trips, open windows for airflow, and withholding food before travel can help.

In persistent cases, a vet may recommend anti-nausea medications.

Related: Dog throwing up and not eating (Here’s why)

5. Heatstroke

Overheating is a real risk for puppies, especially in hot climates or confined spaces. Heatstroke in puppies often causes:

• Heavy drooling

• Vomiting

• Excessive panting

• Bright red gums

• Lethargy or collapse

If your puppy has been exposed to heat and is drooling and vomiting, act fast:

• Move them to a cool area

• Offer small sips of water

• Call your vet right away

Heatstroke can cause organ damage and be fatal if not treated quickly.

6. Dental or Oral Issues

Puppies begin teething around 3 to 6 months of age, which can cause mild drooling in puppies.

However, excessive drooling paired with vomiting in puppies might be due to:

• Mouth injuries (e.g., chewing a sharp object)

• Infections or abscesses

• Oral ulcers

• Objects stuck between teeth or in the mouth

Check your puppy’s mouth gently for signs of redness, swelling, or foreign objects.

If you’re unsure or see anything unusual, schedule a veterinary appointment.

7. Parasites

Internal parasites are common in puppies and can cause vomiting and drooling as part of gastrointestinal upset.

Worms such as roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms irritate the digestive tract.

Symptoms of parasitic infection include:

• Vomiting (sometimes with worms visible)

• Diarrhea

• Weight loss

• Bloated abdomen

• Drooling due to nausea

Puppies should be dewormed regularly under the guidance of a vet, especially if these symptoms appear.

8. Infectious Diseases

Serious viral infections like parvovirus and distemper can cause puppy vomiting and drooling among other symptoms.

These diseases are life-threatening and spread easily among unvaccinated puppies.

Parvo and distemper symptoms include:

• Severe vomiting and diarrhea

• Fever

• Lethargy

• Loss of appetite

• Thick saliva or nasal discharge

Prompt veterinary care and supportive treatment are crucial, especially for unvaccinated puppies.

What To Do If Your Puppy Is Vomiting and Drooling

If your puppy is throwing up and drooling, your next steps depend on the severity and duration of symptoms.

Watch and Monitor

• If symptoms are mild and your puppy is still playful, alert, and eating/drinking normally, observe for 12–24 hours.

• Withhold food for a few hours (but not water).

• Reintroduce a bland diet (e.g., boiled chicken and rice) in small amounts.

When to Call the Vet Immediately

Seek veterinary help if your puppy:

• Vomits multiple times in a day

• Has blood in vomit or saliva

• Is lethargic, weak, or unresponsive

• Shows signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums)

• Is drooling excessively for more than a few hours

• Has a distended or painful abdomen

• Has diarrhea alongside vomiting and drooling

• Is under 6 months old and showing any concerning symptoms

Young puppies can become dehydrated quickly.

Waiting too long can turn a treatable issue into an emergency.

Related: Puppy won’t stop  eating grass (Here’s why)

Preventing Vomiting and Drooling in Puppies

While not every case is preventable, you can reduce the risk of puppy drooling and vomiting by:

• Puppy-proofing your home: Keep household cleaners, electrical cords, small toys, and toxic foods out of reach.

• Feeding a balanced diet: Stick to high-quality puppy food and avoid sudden changes in diet.

• Regular deworming: Follow your vet’s deworming schedule to prevent parasites.

• Vaccination: Protect your puppy against viral infections like parvo and distemper.

• Supervised play: Prevent chewing on harmful objects.

• Avoiding car rides after meals: Reduce the chance of motion sickness.

Key Takeaway

When a puppy is throwing up and drooling, it’s more than just a messy inconvenience—it’s a potential signal that something’s wrong.

The causes range from mild and temporary to severe and life-threatening.

Key takeaways:

• Drooling and vomiting in puppies is often a sign of nausea, illness, or ingestion of something harmful.

• Keep a close eye on any additional symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.

• Always err on the side of caution, especially with young puppies, as they are more vulnerable to dehydration and infection.

If your puppy’s symptoms persist or worsen, consult your veterinarian right away.

Early intervention can make all the difference in helping your pup recover quickly and stay healthy.