Skip to Content

Why Does My Dog Throw Up After Drinking Water? [ANSWERED]

Why Does My Dog Throw Up After Drinking Water? [ANSWERED]

Many dog owners are familiar with cases of their dogs throwing up shortly after drinking water, and this often makes them worried if their dog is doing fine. Sometimes, this could be a normal behavior; however, it might indicate some health challenges in your dog when it begins to occur more.

For various causes, dogs may vomit after drinking water. Your dog vomiting after drinking water might be because it drank the water too fast, especially immediately after an exercise. It might also be because the dog has Laryngeal Paralysis, Megaesophagus, or a foreign object stuck down its throat. 

Vomiting after drinking water is a typical occurrence in dogs, and it is usually a minor problem that can be resolved quickly. However, you must understand the difference between your dog throwing up and regurgitating so that you do not panic for no reason.

dog at park waterWhy Does My Dog Throw Up After Drinking Water?

Dogs throwing up is among the most common reasons dog owners visit the vet. This is quite normal, as owners could think their dog is feeling sick. However, while that is a possibility, it is important to state that dogs could sometimes also throw up when they are not even sick.

For instance, if a dog rushes to gulp water down, perhaps just after an exercise in hot weather, it could begin to throw up. This is even more likely if the water is very cold. Coldwater tends to make a dog’s stomach contract, often leading to throwing up. Whenever you notice something like this, you need to understand it is quite normal, and there is no need for any concern.

However, if you notice the dog throwing up more, even when it does not rush to drink its water, its health is likely to have issues. You should take your dog to the veterinarian for a medical checkup in cases like this. Below, we will explain why dogs throw up after drinking water.

Megaesophagus

Another common reason your dog might be throwing up whenever it drinks water could be because it has a megaesophagus problem. Normally, a dog’s esophagus is meant to contract to allow the flow of food and water substances to the stomach. However, when a dog gets down with megaesophagus, due to the lack of proper contraction, it could cause regurgitation of food substances.

This is because both water and food will no longer flow well from the esophagus to the dog’s stomach. Instead, they would accumulate more in the dog’s throat. So, for instance, if the dog continues to drink more water, it would get to a point the water would regurgitate since it is undigested.

Contaminated Water

Drinking contaminated water is not healthy for both humans and dogs. Contaminated waters like stagnant or slow-moving pools usually contain bacteria like Leptospira, Salmonella, and Campylobacter. When a dog drinks water with any of these bacteria, it will throw up.

In addition, the lack of regular washing of your dog’s bowl could make the bowl contaminated. So, if your dog drinks from its bowl and then begins to throw up, it could indicate that the bowl is dirty.

Foreign Objects

Dogs are always known to explore things with their mouth. While exploring, their mouth sometimes picks up some indigestible objects, like sticks, bones, and small dog toys, which could cause them to throw up just after drinking water. Aside from throwing up, other implications of foreign objects are that it could lead to gastrointestinal blockage.

In an attempt for the dog to get rid of the foreign object, you may notice the dog gagging, coughing, sneezing, and vomiting. Once you notice your dog displaying these signs, you should take the dog to a vet to help get the object out.

Parasites

Just like bacteria in contaminated water, parasites are also everywhere, and some of them live in water. Some dogs are sensitive to parasites like Clostridium and Giardia. The parasites can make dogs throw up after drinking from the water they live in. Also, parasites could make a dog become sick and have frequent constipation.

Laryngeal Paralysis

Laryngeal paralysis is a condition that often affects a dog’s larynx, making it weak. When a dog is down with a weak larynx, water stops entering its esophagus and begins to enter the trachea, which should not be. A common symptom of this condition could be noticed in the dog’s voice. If you notice your dog suddenly sounding hoarse, it could be suffering from laryngeal paralysis.

Other symptoms to watch out for include choking and gagging when eating or drinking water. So, if you notice these symptoms in your dog, ensure you speak to your vet about it.

Dog Throwing Up Water

If your dog has been throwing up water, it might be a call for alarm. Some dogs vomit on occasion, but frequent vomiting needs intervention. There are several reasons why your dog might be throwing up water. Below are some of them.

Water Intoxication

There is such a condition as water intoxication, which may surprise you. Overhydration, it turns out, can be just as harmful as dehydration. It generally happens when a dog drinks excessive water when playing in a freshwater lake or a pool. It can also happen if they consume too much water from their water bowls.

Bloating, nausea, drowsiness, and a lack of balance are all signs of water intoxication. If you have any reason to believe your dog is suffering from water intoxication, particularly if it has been throwing up after swimming, you should take it to a veterinarian immediately.

Food Sensitivity

Throwing up in dogs can be induced by stomach problems resulting from a dietary error or a food allergy. Other symptoms could include diarrhea or too much gas. There is usually nothing to be concerned about in this case. Ensure that your dog has sufficient drinking water to stay hydrated.

Feeding your dog leftover food or other human food will trigger food sensitivities. On the other hand, bring them to your veterinarian if your dog’s typical diet appears to be the source of the allergy. Your veterinarian will help you identify the food causing the problems and suggest a prescription or other treatment options.

Dehydration

Dehydration in dogs is frightening since it can unexpectedly strike you and your dog. If your dog is dehydrated, drinking water may nauseate and cause them to vomit water. Other indicators of dehydration are loss of interest in food, dizziness, lethargy, and throwing up water; if your dog exhibits any of these signs, get medical attention right away.

Dehydration can lead to major problems in your dog’s body, including renal failure. Fortunately, this issue is very easy to eliminate. Ensure that your dog has constant access to clean drinking water. Monitor the water level of their diet; regardless of the season, ensure your dog regularly has a clean and full water bowl.

dog drinking waterMy Dog Keeps Drinking Water And Throwing Up

Understanding and distinguishing between the various reasons a dog keeps drinking water and throwing up is critical in determining the best course of action for treating this problem. Let us take a look at the reasons why dogs frequently vomit after drinking water.

Your dog may be vomiting after drinking water because it drank too much or because the water was contaminated, most likely with poisonous chemicals or intestinal parasites. Additionally, vomiting water can indicate kidney failure or a sign that your dog has accidentally consumed indigestible foreign substances.

More like this: Why Does My Dog Throw Up in the Morning? [REASONS

Final Thoughts

Once you have figured out why your dog is vomiting water, ensure they get enough to drink. It may sound counterintuitive, but dogs have less water in their system when they puke up water. This invariably leads to dehydration, which, if not addressed, can become a significant health problem.

Keep reading: