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Why is my dog lethargic, thirsty, and peeing longer after vomiting?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 4 years old | 75 lbs

My 4 yr old otherwise healthy St. Bernard mix started having troubling signs 5 days ago. 3 days of vomiting which stopped 2 days ago. Lethargy, increased thirst and longer urination but not more frequent. I have a vet appointment Tuesday; I just want diagnostic clarification, because I'm worried.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on January 20th, 2018

Increased thirst and lethargy are very vague signs and it would be impossible to hazard a guess as to the underlying cause without a full physical exam and possibly blood tests also. Fever, infections, kidney disease and diabetes would be amongst some of the common causes but there are many other possibilities!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Christie Long, DVM
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on May 23rd, 2017
Certainly increased thirst and urination are signs of kidney disease, but they are also seen with diabetes, certain cancers, and certain kinds of liver disease. Vomiting can been seen with any of these conditions as well, but most commonly with kidney or liver disease. Blood work and a urinalysis will start to help sort this out, and determine the diagnosis as well as the appropriate treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on August 14th, 2019
I would recommend taking Amy in to the vet. It is hard to say if the urinating is related to the vomiting or not. Lots of things can cause vomiting in a dog, including dietary intolerance or indiscretion, food allergy, intestinal parasites, GI blockage, gastroenteritis, bacterial or viral infection, IBD, pancreatitis, kidney or liver disease, among others. If the inappropriate urination was related to bladder stones and one has blocked off the flow of urine, then vomiting can be a side effect of urinary obstruction. If you haven't seen Amy urinate in 12 hours, this is a medical emergency.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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