What do I do if my dog won't eat and is throwing up?

You set down your dog’s favorite kibble, and instead of diving in, they sniff once and walk away. An hour later, they’re heaving on the rug—suddenly, that lack of appetite feels alarming. When a dog refuses food and throws up, it’s their body sounding an alarm, and knowing how to respond matters.​

First, note the details. Is the vomit clear, foamy, or laced with food? How often is it happening—once, or every few hours? A Yorkie in London I heard about threw up twice after stealing a piece of chocolate, but perked up after a day. But a Golden Retriever in Vancouver with nonstop retching turned out to have a blocked intestine—timing made all the difference.​

Withhold food for a few hours, but keep water available. Dogs get dehydrated fast when vomiting, so small sips of room-temperature water every 15 minutes can help. Skip ice water—it can shock their stomach. After 12 hours with no vomiting, try a tiny bite of boiled chicken or rice—bland, easy to digest, and gentler than their regular food.​

Watch for red flags that demand a vet visit. If they’re lethargic, have diarrhea with blood, or can’t keep water down, don’t wait. In Germany, animal welfare laws require owners to seek prompt care for suffering pets, and letting a serious condition like parvovirus or kidney issues go untreated could have legal consequences, not just health ones.​

Some causes are more common than you’d think. A Poodle in Paris ate a sock (a frequent offender) and spent two days refusing food before the vet removed it. Grass-eating gone overboard can also trigger vomiting—dogs sometimes munch it to soothe an upset stomach, but too much irritates things further.​

Medications matter too. If your dog just started a new pill, check the side effects. A Border Collie in Australia threw up for 24 hours after starting a flea treatment; switching to a different brand solved the problem. Always tell your vet about any drugs or supplements they’re taking.​

After recovery, ease back into regular meals. Mix a little of their usual food with the bland chicken over three days, increasing the ratio each time. This avoids shocking their stomach again. And keep an eye on portions—overfeeding too soon is a common mistake that brings the vomiting back.​

Your dog’s reluctance to eat and upset stomach are signs they need help, not scolding. By staying calm, monitoring closely, and knowing when to call the vet, you’ll help them bounce back faster. And remember, when in doubt, a professional’s opinion is always worth the trip—for their health and your peace of mind.