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My dog won't eat or drink and is throwing up. Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 10 days old | 3 lbs

Hi my dog won't eat or drink and is being sick can you help

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 18th, 2018

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry Prince isn't feeling well! Unfortunately, those are quite nonspecific symptoms, and could be consistent with almost any illness. If Prince isn't eating or drinking, and is vomiting, he really needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian. Your vet can determine quite a lot by a good exam, and will then be able to recommend any appropriate diagnostic tests to determine what's wrong. At the very least, your vet can help Prince feel better with supportive care to control his nausea, and give fluids to correct his dehydration. I worry especially with his young age and being such a little guy, he can become dehydrated quickly. I hope he feels better soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 6th, 2017
Hello, sorry to hear about Prince. These are vague signs that something is not right and he is feeling sick. By vague, I mean they are not indicative of something specific. In an 8 year old dog I would worry the most about having some sort of heart disease, dietary indiscretion, liver disease, kidney disease, or even cancer.

I think since this has been going on all week, he should be evaluated by a veterinarian today to look for what may be causing his clinical signs. Your veterinarian will likely need to obtain bloodwork, abdominal radiographs or an abdominal ultrasound, and chest radiographs.

I would also check his gums to ensure they are nice and pink. If they appear white or even yellow, this may be more of a reason to have Prince evaluated immediately.

Hope this helps and best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on October 6th, 2017
I’m sorry to hear Prince isn’t feeling well. Since this has been going on for several days already I would recommend that he be seen by a veterinarian. Based on findings from his physical exam, they may recommend an X-ray and/or blood work. An anti nausea medication may be recommended as well. Good luck to Prince, and I hope he improves soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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