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My dog ate spicy food, is vomiting, lethargic, won't drink. What now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 9 years and 7 months old | 12 lbs

My dog ate something spicy. He's lethargic.. Vomiting.. Diarrhea.. Tongue hanging out mouth and won't drink water. What should I do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on October 31st, 2019

Poor pup! It sounds like he's quite sick. If he's vomiting, having diarrhea, and acting lethargic, this may be a more serious issue than a simple upset stomach - so I would recommend taking him to the vet today to be seen. Your veterinarian may recommend some basic lab work to see how serious the problem is, and can get him started on supportive care such as fluids and medication to control the vomiting and diarrhea.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 1st, 2019
It sounds like this chicken has upset Sophee's stomach tonight. I can give you a home remedy to see if that helps. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in her normal diet. If she vomits in the absence of food, she vomits the bland diet, develops diarrhea, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, she will need to see a vet right away. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on October 2nd, 2017
It could be Dingus ate something rotten or could have a GI illness. I would withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If the vomiting continues in the absence of food, he vomits the bland diet, develops diarrhea, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on May 21st, 2017
Oh no, that was naughty of Bart to eat that spicy chicken! It sounds like it upset his stomach, and that would also cause him to be a little lethargic. I can give you a home remedy to try to see if that helps. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If the vomiting continues in the absence of food, he vomits the bland diet, develops diarrhea, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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