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My dog threw up a toy, won't eat, and is sick. Should I go to the vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 11 months and 20 days old | 33 lbs

My dog threw up some of his stuffed toy he ate and now wont eat...he doesnt tense or show discomfort around the belly but doesnt want to eat...he shows signs of wanting to play and get bellyrubs but hasn't eaten in 24 hrs...he has drinken some water and seams out of it...his gums are pink and is just wanting to lay down and be left alone..should we continue to monitor and encourage eating some pumpkin and ground beef or take to a vet?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on July 23rd, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Vomiting and inappetence can occur from many conditions such as foreign body ingestion and obstruction, pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, among other possibilities. I am concerned that he could be showing signs of an obstruction which is something that requires therapy which sometimes includes surgery. I recommend that you have Jager evaluated by a veterinarian at this point for further assessment and treatment. This will likely require bloodwork and abdominal imaging in terms of diagnostics. Treatment would be based on findings. At the very least your veterinarian could start him on medications to make him feel better. In the meantime, keep water available at all times to try to prevent dehydration. Good luck and have a good night!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 29th, 2019
Hello,

I'd recommend taking Nala to her veterinarian as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, the signs of an intestinal obstruction requiring surgery are continuous vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and lack of interest in food. A young, healthy dog should always be hungry and wanting to play. An x-ray is generally the first test ordered in a dog that may have an obstruction.

I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on October 16th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Jager!

It would be very helpful to know how old she is. I would worry about pancreatic insufficiency in a Shepherd, a foreign body that is stuck, cancer or inflammatory bowel disease or a pyometra (infected uterus since not spayed). She needs an abdominal ultrasound with a specialist. It is time to go the next level and see an internal medicine specialist. She may ultimately need to have her belly explored to see what is going on. Months is a long time to not hold down food and is very serious. I would assume she is wasting away. I am very sorry Jager is so sick. I wish you the best
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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