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My puppy ate too much, is lethargic and shivering. Call vet or wait?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Toy Poodle | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 2 days old | 2 lbs

Hi, my 9 week puppy ate too much and started to shiver but not cry. He’s been lethargic and has fallen asleep. Should I take him to the vet or monitor him at home?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Tomasz Wnuk

Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on April 7th, 2020

You can monitor him at home for the next 2-3 hours as long as he is not extremely bloated. Eating too much kibbles is more dangerous that eating wet food but I assume that at his age he ate some wet food only ?
Some dogs are very thirsty after eating too much food but please do not offer him a lot of water as this may cause further stomach distension.
So, your puppy may be sleepy and lethargic for a the next couple of hours then he should get better. However, if he looks in pain and the abdomen is hard and very bloated you should contact your local vets to get help.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 17th, 2019

    Although bloat can be potentially very serious, as long as she is mobile, not painful and not exhibiting any non-productive vomiting/empty wretching it should work its way out. Some gentle laxatives such as medical grade liquid paraffin mixed in soft food or cat hairball paste can be helpful. Try to encourage drinking also to stimulate digestion. I would expect some diarrhoea and possibly mild vomiting but any shivering, wretching or respiratory distress is a medical emergency. Dry kibble is especially concerning as it continues to swell after being eaten.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

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