Dogs pant for several reasons. Overexertion and nausea are the most common causes of throwing up after panting. Panting while throwing up is a cause for concern and requires prompt veterinary care to avoid any aggravations.
Dogs are notorious for hiding their pain. Owners constantly have to rely on dogs’ body language to decipher how their dog is feeling.
Panting and throwing up is not normal behavior for dogs. An environmental or medical problem is causing your dog to exhibit such behaviors.
There are several reasons why dogs pant and vomit, and this article aims to discuss the most common reasons behind it.
Dog Panting and Throwing Up
Panting combined with throwing up is not normal behavior for dogs. This condition is the result of an underlying problem that requires attention and care. Identify the cause of your dog’s panting and throwing up to provide relevant treatment.
Panting is normal for dogs after an extensive workout. Dogs pant to cool their bodies down and to get more oxygen in their blood.
But, excessive panting, coupled with vomiting, is not normal and indicates a medical issue.
There are several factors that can cause panting and throwing up in dogs, with nausea being the most common. Pay close attention to your dog and observe its behavior. If you notice any other signs or symptoms, take your dog straight to a veterinarian.
5 Reasons Dogs Pant and Throw Up
Nausea is among the most common causes of panting and throwing up in dogs. High temperatures or a foreign object stuck in the abdominal area can also lead to such behaviors.
Hot body temperature, pain, stress, and anxiety are some of the reasons why dogs pant. Panting after physical work is common and harmless. Trouble begins when panting is coupled with other behavioral changes, such as throwing up.
There are several reasons why dogs pant and throw up. Some of them are harmless while others require proper medical care and attention.
1. Nausea
The most common cause of panting and throwing up in dogs is nausea. Panting is a common side effect of nausea as dogs pant to get rid of the bad taste in their mouth.
Other signs of nausea in dogs include the following:
- Loss of appetite.
- Restlessness.
- Excessive licking, especially lip-licking.
- Diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Drooling.
If your dog displays any of the above conditions, along with panting and vomiting, it is likely suffering from nausea. This condition can be treated with home remedies. Consult a vet if your dog’s condition worsens.
2. Bloat
Gastric Dilation or bloat[1] is a medical condition that causes a buildup of gas in a dog’s stomach. This stretches the stomach, which cuts oxygen and blood supply. Too much stretching can damage the stomach wall and, in severe cases, other organs too. This leads to vomiting and hyper panting.
Bloat is extremely painful for dogs and is a very serious issue. It can be fatal if left untreated. Bloat is often curable if proper veterinary care is provided promptly.
Other symptoms of bloat in dogs include:
- Retching (Dry Heaving)
- Restlessness
- Tachycardia
- Drooling
- Pale gums
Go straight to a veterinarian if your dog shows any signs of bloat.
3. Heatstroke
Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke in dogs. Dog breeds with long thick coats are more likely to get affected by heat strokes than small-coated breeds.
Heatstroke is caused by high body temperature, also known as Hyperthermia[3]. Dogs pant to cool themselves down. Excessive panting can be a sign of heatstroke.
There are various symptoms of heat strokes in dogs:
- Throwing up
- Excessive panting
- Thick saliva
- Disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
Related: How to Cool Down A Dog
4. Pancreatitis
A severe cause of excessive panting and throwing up is pancreatitis. Pancreatitis[4] occurs when the pancreas of your dog swell and the released enzymes start digesting the pancreas. This causes excruciating pain.
Pancreatitis is a life-threatening condition that must be treated as soon as discovered. Vomiting is one of the most common symptoms of pancreatitis. Extreme pain from the inflammation of the pancreas leads to panting in dogs.
Some other symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include:
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Hunched back
- Abdominal distention
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
If your dog displays any of these signs, call a veterinarian to get proper medical counseling.
5. Foreign Object in Abdomen
A foreign object stuck in your dog’s stomach or intestines can result in panting. When the object collides with the delicate organs, it causes extreme pain, which can cause vomiting. Dogs express their pain either by panting, whining, or shaking.
Dogs love chewing. If an object is stuck in your dog’s stomach, it can cause obstruction leading to vomiting.
A bone fragment can be stuck in your dog’s stomach if it accidentally engulfed it while chewing on bones. Take your dog to a veterinarian to get advice on how to proceed if your dog has something stuck in its abdomen.
How to Treat Panting and Vomiting in Dogs
Treatment of panting and vomiting depends on the underlying issues. Let your dog rest and administer prescribed medicines to treat nausea. Take your dog someplace cool and provide plenty of water, so it doesn’t suffer a heat stroke on hot summer days. Ensure your dog doesn’t eat anything undigestible.
Knowing the probable cause of panting and vomiting ensures correct treatment on time.
You can take several steps to stop your dog from panting and throwing up:
- Let your dog have a good night’s sleep.
- Provide OTC medicines to help it fight nausea.
- Keep your dog hydrated.
- Let your dog sleep somewhere cool to avoid heatstroke in a hot environment.
- Keep an eye on your dog to ensure it doesn’t eat anything other than its food.
- Give large, uncooked bones to your dog, so it doesn’t break it and eat it.
Consult a veterinarian if your dog’s condition worsens. Some symptoms, such as nausea and heat stroke, can be treated at home, but other medical conditions require prompt veterinary care.
Conclusion
Panting and vomiting can be the result of nausea, bloating, heatstroke, pancreatitis, and more. Nausea can be treated at home by using OTC medicines and letting your dog rest. Let your dog sleep someplace cool if it is suffering from heatstroke.
Ensure your dog does not engulf anything other than food. If you give your dog bones to chew, ensure they are raw and big enough.
Take your dog straight to a veterinarian if its condition worsens or if the condition cannot be treated with home remedies.
FAQs
Why is My Dog Vomiting and Panting?
Your dog can be vomiting and panting due to nausea, bloating, heatstroke, pancreatitis, and more. Nausea is the leading cause of vomiting and panting in dogs.
Is Panting Normal for Dogs?
Panting after exercise or running is normal for dogs. Some dogs also pant due to excitement, fear, and anxiety. Excessive panting coupled with other signs, such as throwing up, indicates a serious problem. Consult a veterinarian if your dog is displaying abnormal behavior or if the panting becomes obsessive.
