Why Do Dogs Always Throw Up On Carpet & Rugs An Investigation

We hold this truth to be self-evident: that if a pet needs to throw up, it is going to find a rug, carpet, or other upholstered item to do it on. Without fail, whenever our dogs and cats start to retch, they always do that uncomfortable, tail-tucked shuffle over to the rug to finish the process. It’s why the sound of them gagging gets us up and running so fast to try and prevent stuffing the damn Ruggable into the washing machine later (it never fits). So what gives? Why do dogs always throw up on carpet and rugs — cats too — when there are literally so many better options? Obviously they don’t know what goes into cleaning fabric, but it’s weird that they all seem drawn to it when nature calls, right?

Why do dogs always throw up on the carpet?

“For the same reason why pets always seem to get sick on Sundays: because it’s so inconvenient to us. This is what they live for,” jokes Stephen Quandt, a certified feline behaviorist. He says there’s no real objective data about why dogs and cats both tend to take their barfing to the rug, so we can only theorize.

Dr. Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian at Waggel, says pets definitely aren’t trying to be naughty when the beeline it to the carpet to puke. “This behavior is more instinct and comfort than naughtiness. Rugs and carpeting provide traction when walking, and it makes the animals feel more secure when they’re vomiting or sick. Slippery surfaces like tile are not good to walk on, and even though they’ll be OK otherwise, when an animal is sick, they will seek out spaces that are safer.”

This sort of begs the question: Does throwing up make our pets feel…scared? Anxious? Barfing is kind of the worst. “For the majority of pets, vomiting is not emotional, but physical. They are not like people who will replay the incident. Some dogs will seem uncomfortable before or after — pacing, salivating, or looking for reassurance — and this is more a response to discomfort than fear,” says Warner.

Should you move your pet when you know they’re about to barf?

OK, so maybe they chose the rug, but could we just…scoot a little to the left? Please?

“I don’t think it’s comforting to handle your pet or attempt to move them while they’re in the process of vomiting,” Quandt says. “But you could put something under them like some paper towels to catch the contents. True confession: the first time we took our cats outside into my parents backyard, Felix ate a ton of grass and when we got them inside, I could see him start the heave and I knew he was about to expel a lot of warm, greasy grass so I kept my hands under his mouth and caught it.” (Quandt is more comfortable with vomit than I am.)

“If you can calmly move your pet to a cleaner, easier-to-clean surface, then it’s fine, as long as you don’t give them too much stress or physically force them,” says Warner. “The most important thing is to keep the situation as quiet and steady as possible — any sudden movements or interruption will make it worse or cause anxiety.”

When should you take your pet to the vet for vomiting?

One upchuck isn’t an emergency, Warner says, as long as the animal is otherwise fine and behaving normally. If they’re vomiting continuously, the contents contain blood, or them seem lethargic or in pain, it’s time to call their doctor. Vomiting can be a sign of an underlying condition, so if you’re concerned, it’s OK to call anyway, just to be safe, says Quandt.

Be sure to look around at home for anything they may have gotten into (eating out of the trash is a common culprit, Warner says). This can help your vet determine the best course of action.