My dog is vomiting and not eating — what should I do?

Occasional vomiting in dogs is fairly common and often resolves on its own, but vomiting combined with refusal to eat can signal something more serious. It is important to assess the frequency, content of the vomit, and your dog's overall energy level.

Common causes

- Dietary indiscretion – The most frequent cause: your dog ate something it shouldn't have (garbage, fatty food, a foreign object).
- Gastroenteritis – Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by a sudden food change, bacteria, or parasites.
- Intestinal obstruction – If your dog swallowed a toy, bone fragment, or other object, it may be blocking the digestive tract. This is a surgical emergency.
- Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas, more common after a high-fat meal. Signs include hunched posture, lethargy, and pain when the abdomen is touched.
- Toxin ingestion – Many household items, plants, and human foods (grapes, xylitol, chocolate) are toxic to dogs.
- Organ disease – Kidney disease, liver disease, and Addison's disease can all cause vomiting.

Home care for mild cases

Withhold food for 12 hours (but always allow access to fresh water). After the fast, offer a small amount of bland food — boiled chicken and plain rice. If your dog keeps this down and energy levels return to normal, gradually reintroduce regular food over 48 hours.

Never ignore vomiting in puppies — they dehydrate extremely quickly.