My dog is struggling to breathe and throwing up. Is it an emergency?

If she was vaccinated as a puppy, then it would be very unlikely for a dog this age to get distemper. However, what you are describing is concerning. Labored breath along with vomiting can indicate a severe disease that is affecting her heart and/or lungs. Either way, they are both emergencies, because these situations have the potential to be life-threatening if not treated soon enough. I recommend taking her to the emergency vet for this, because it may be too long to wait until normal business hours. The vets will be able to assess the severity of the problem, hopefully find the cause and give her the necessary treatment. I hope that helps and Kate gets better soon.

I sam so sorry that she’s not doing well. From what you describe, I’m very concerned about her and you need to seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Call your vet’s office even if they are closed—they likely have a recording for either how to contact the vet in case of an emergency, or information for the nearest vet clinic. There are many possible causes for what’s going on, but it sounds like at the very least she needs some IV fluids and some lab work and possible X-rays may be needed. I am so sorry there isn’t something I can suggest you do for her at home at this point, but if she’s just lying there, she seems cold, and her breathing is labored, you have got to get her to a vet. Any treatment you attempt to provide at home is only going to delay effectively addressing the problem. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, best of luck with her.

These symptoms can be caused by a variety of different problems, including heart disease, bloat (gastric dilatation and volvulus), liver disease, or internal bleeding. Many of these problems are extremely serious, so I would recommend taking Missy to your nearest emergency clinic immediately. The veterinarian there can do blood work and x-rays if needed to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate treatment.

Karma needs to be examined by a vet right away, especially if she is breathing heavy. She could have pancreatitis, gastritis/enteritis, infection, parasite, foreign body, etc. Your vet can do an examination, lab-work, and take an x-ray to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat. She may need an anti-vomiting medication, antibiotic, fluids, and other medications, depending on the cause. Please call your vet and have her examined so treatment can be started.

Hi, thanks for usnig Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry your dog is sick! It would be helpful to know your dogs age and if she is spayed. Also if she is having trouble urinating or defecating? Anytime an animal is not breathing normally it is an emergency. Sometimes the breathing can look abnormal when they are in pain or have a fever but there are more serious causes for trouble breathing that are life threatening: heart failure, pneumonia, pleural effusion, cancer. The abnormal breathing alone is a reason to take her to an emergency room now. If you mean she is straining to urinate and is NOT passing urine, that is also a life threatening problem and see should be taken to an open emergency room. Causes of being unable or urinate are most commonly from a bladder stone stuck in the urethra or a bladder tumor. When dogs strain to pee they can vomit and pant due to pain If she is straining to poop, then that likely means she has diarrhea and feels the urge to go but doesn't have any stool to pass. Since she is also vomiting she could have an upset stomach from: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infection, ate something gross, food change, new treat or table food, pancreatitis, toxin ingestion. If she is straining to poop then that can wait for your vet to open. Trouble breathing and urinating shouldn't wait. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!

If there is any abdominal enlargement or pain he needs to be assessed by a vet as an emergency - non-productive/white foamy vomit is very concerning in a dog which is eating as it can indicate an obstruction. A pancreatitis blood test may also be required depending on the results of the physical exam

Labored breathing and chronic vomiting are both very serious clinical signs especially when seen in concert with one another. If vomiting occurs during a labored breathing episode, Bachy could potentially aspirate the vomit and cause a serious case of pneumonia. I don't think this is something that should wait until the morning. You should give a call to your local ER vet and see what they think of the situation. They may recommend bringing him in for some oxygen therapy and diagnostic work up. I understand that you only just adopted him yesterday, but this is definitely the best possible thing to do for him at this moment.