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My dog is sick, won't eat, and lethargic. What can I do without a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Male | unneutered | 10 months and 6 days old

My dog, all of a sudden, won't eat, has vomited once, and looks lethargic. I can't afford a vet at the moment, what can I do to help him ?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on November 7th, 2017

The cause of Bobby's sudden discomfort is pretty hard to determine without diagnostics or a physical exam. If going to the vet at the moment isn't an option, just make sure that his temperature is normal (rectal temp between 99.5 - 102.5), that his gums are pink / moist, and that his skin has relatively appropriate elasticity. This will give you a good idea of general stability. In terms of at home remedies, depending on the extent and nature of the vomit you might be somewhat limited. Obviously giving oral medications to an animal that is going to vomit them up is not very useful. If you feel that he can keep anything down, medications like pepsid and prilosec are good at treating upset tummies. The use of this plus a 24 hour fast might be the best thing to do for now. However, if matters continue to go in a downward trend, I would encourage you to find means to get Bobby in for an exam at the very least. Hope this makes sense.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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