Why does my dog drink water until he throws up? A Comprehensive Guide

What causes a dog to throw up?

Dogs can throw up for many reasons. If your dog drinks lots of water, especially very cold water or after exercise, this can fill the stomach too quickly and cause them to throw some of it back up straight away. If your dog does this a lot, you can slow down your dog drinking by placing a large, clean stone in their water bowl, so they have to lap around it, or give them a small amount to drink at a time.

Your dog may also drink a lot of water if they are feeling unwell (nauseous) to try to make themselves sick. This is also why dogs sometimes eat grass. It can be a dog’s way to clear out toxins, if they have eaten something that is causing a stomach upset.

There are lots of more serious reasons why dogs vomit, including infections, toxins, blockages, metabolic disease (such as liver or kidney failure) and even cancer. If you have a large breed dog, such as a Doberman or Great Dan, whos throwing up after drinking water this could mean a twisted stomach and is an emergency.

Dog not eating but drinking water and vomiting

These are some common reasons that your dog is not eating and vomiting.

  • Parasites: Worms are commonly seen in dogs and puppies. They can cause your dog to vomit occasionally and not want to eat sometimes. Many times, these parasites also cause your dog to have diarrhea. Often you can see some of these parasites in your dog’s stool. Your vet can check a stool sample from your dog to see what parasites your dog has and can start them on the appropriate dewormer to kill these worms.
  • Foreign Body Obstruction: If your dog has an obstruction, they may be vomiting and not eating. Many of these dogs will still want to drink water. This helps keep them hydrated since they are vomiting.
  • Bloat: Bloat is the layman’s term for gastric dilatation and volvulus.
  • Gastroenteritis: An infection or inflammation in your dog’s intestines can cause your dog to vomit and not eat. Many dogs, even if they are sick, will drink water. This is the main way that they try to keep themselves hydrated.
  • Heat Stroke: If your dog gets overheated, they may not want to eat and maybe vomit. Many of these dogs will drink a lot of water and often vomit this water right back up. If your dog is suffering from heatstroke, it would be best to bring them inside in the cool and place a fan in front of them to help cool them off. Also, putting cool, wet towels on their body will help cool them down quickly.
  • If your dog is not eating, is vomiting, and is having diarrhea, they should see your vet right away.

    Your vet can help rule out any underlying medical issue and start your dog on medication to help them feel much better.

    The Difference Between Vomiting and Regurgitation

    One thing that is important to understand is that “vomiting” and “regurgitation” are two entirely different things.

    The best way to understand this difference is to analyze an infant child.

    When an infant regurgitates, this is “spitting up.”

    She is not throwing up per se; she simply ate too much, and her stomach is rejecting it before it even considers digesting it.

    When a baby vomits, however, this is unmistakable – especially when it’s projectile!

    While dogs may not be as obvious with their vomit, you can more easily understand when your dog is sick versus when he eats too much.

    If your dog is regurgitating, this may not be as serious as if he is vomiting.

    Either way, it’s a good idea to bring it to your vet’s attention if it happens more regularly.

    Dog Throwing Up Water And Clear Liquid Causes and Remedies

    If your dog throws up after drinking water, should it ever become a cause for concern?

    The answer is, perhaps. Dogs vomit for several reasons, including possibly just drinking too much at once.

    However, there are some instances when you may need to visit the vet, even if your dog is only vomiting water.

    Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why a dog may vomit after drinking water, and when it may be a sign of something more serious.