If your dog is vomiting, not eating, or just not acting like themselves, it can be stressful and confusing. 

Many dog owners across New Zealand and Australia search for answers when their dog suddenly stops eating or starts vomiting.

In this article, we share a real story from the farm about Harlie, what we learned, and the key signs to watch for if your dog might be unwell.

The First Signs Something Wasn’t Right

It really started when Harlie woke one morning and ignored her food, which was a bit strange. She seemed happy enough and was keen to help with the farm chores. When we returned up the drive, she ran over and ate her breakfast. I shrugged it off as her just not being fussed that morning.

The rest of the day was normal, and she rushed to eat her dinner as usual.

When Vomiting Starts – What It Could Mean

The next morning, I woke to a strange retching sound. At first, I thought, “Oh no, the cats!” but then remembered the cat door was locked overnight. It must have been Harlie.

I checked on her and found her sitting in her crate, looking normal. I thought perhaps I was mistaken, but then it happened again, I knew it was Harlie.

I let her out, and her tail was down as she hurried outside, ignoring both her breakfast and the cat saucers. She went straight into the garden and sat quietly. Soon after, Harlie moved to the fruit trees and vomited twice.

Vomiting in dogs can be caused by anything from eating something unusual to more serious conditions like pancreatitis, so it’s always something to take seriously.

That wasn't a good sign.

When to Call the Vet

I decided to leave her be for a few minutes and then called her. When she didn’t come, I started searching and grew increasingly worried. Eventually, she reappeared from who knows where. Her tail was still down, but this time she bounced towards me, her ears flopping, and she looked somewhat brighter.

We went out to do our usual farm chores, and Harlie was happy to greet and play with another dog, running about and sniffing as normal. However, when we returned home, she wouldn’t go near her food or water.

Harlie spent the morning under a chair, just watching me, or lying on the sofa with her head down. She didn't bark when people came onto the farm, which was very unusual for her.

If your dog shows any of the following signs, it’s time to contact your vet:

• Repeated vomiting
• Refusing food or water
• Low energy or unusual behaviour
• Signs of pain (like wincing)

By this stage, I was quite concerned and phoned the vet for an appointment the next morning.

The Situation Escalates

Around 4:30pm, I offered Harlie her dinner again, but she still refused. I took her for a walk, but she would only go a short distance. Under a tree, she vomited twice more, another worrying sign.

We turned back, but Harlie ran ahead of me straight to her dinner and then had a big drink of water. I felt encouraged.

Within an hour, she’d had a wee and a poo. I followed her and took a photo of her stool for the vet. The rest of the evening went by normally.

The Diagnosis – What We Learned

The next morning, we were up early for our vet appointment. The vet is 45 minutes away. I decided not to feed Harlie, she sometimes gets car sick, and she needed an empty stomach in case the vet had to give her an anaesthetic.

At the vet, I explained everything that had happened. The vet checked Harlie’s gums, she was a little dehydrated, took her temperature and gently felt her stomach. Harlie instantly winced.

I asked if the vet wanted to see the photo of her stool, and she immediately said yes.

After viewing the photo, the vet suspected pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas that can cause vomiting and loss of appetite in dogs. Blood tests were needed to confirm.

After a 25-minute wait, the results came back. Thankfully, Harlie’s bloods were normal. No pancreatitis, just a case of eating something she shouldn’t have.

Armed with anti-nausea medication and pain relief, we headed home feeling relieved.

Recovery – Helping Your Dog Feel Comfortable Again

It has taken Harlie four days to recover.

During this time, keeping her comfortable, calm, and warm made a huge difference. When dogs are unwell, they often look for quiet spaces, soft surfaces, and warmth while their body recovers.

Simple things like reducing activity, keeping stress low, and ensuring your dog is physically comfortable can help speed up recovery.

If your dog is going through something similar, having soft, well-fitted clothing can help them stay warm and settled while they rest.

Back to Normal – And What We Took Away

Now, Harlie is back to her usual self.

She’s eager to come out of her crate, rushing for her breakfast, checking the cat saucers to see if they've left anything behind. She’s drinking well again, running around the farm, barking happily, and enjoying life.

She’s once more the perfect sidekick for Paris Doggie Ware.

Final Thoughts for Dog Owners

If your dog suddenly stops eating or starts vomiting, trust your instincts. Even if they seem “mostly normal,” small changes in behaviour can be early warning signs.

Act early, monitor closely, and don’t hesitate to contact your vet if something feels off.

And when your dog is recovering, comfort matters more than ever.

At Paris Doggie Ware, we stock dog clothing to keep your dog warm, secure, and comfortable, whether they’re out exploring or resting at home.