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My dog is throwing up, not eating, and won't move. Is he sick?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Male

My dog started throwing up and won't eat. He also won't move and is just laying there. What's wrong?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on July 16th, 2016

If your dog is vomiting, not eating and extremely lethargic, these are very concerning signs. I would be worried that he may have a serious problem such as an intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, or even parvovirus depending on his age. I would recommend having him seen by a vet right away - he/she can palpate his belly to check for any abnormalities, and may also need to do blood work and x-rays to determine the problem. Caramelo will likely need IV fluids for dehydration and may need to be hospitalized for further treatment depending on what's wrong.

198Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 29th, 2017
The fact that G is lethargic is concerning, as it can be a sign of dehydration, low blood sugar, or severe pain. Vomiting and lethargy can be caused by an obstruction, pancreatitis (which is inflammation of the pancreas and can be extremely painful and even life-threatening), a twist in the intestinal tract, or a toxicity. All of these conditions require immediate veterinary care, so I recommend having G seen as soon as possible.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 4th, 2018
Seeing that Rusty is an old dog and not eating and not drinking enough and afraid to move, this is very concerning and he needs to be examined by a veterinarian. These are serious, but very unspecific signs of illness and your dog will need a hands-on exam as well as some blood tests to get to the bottom of this.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog is throwing up, lethargic, won't eat, but drinks water.

He should be examined by a vet to determine the cause, especially if he is lethargic. He could have an infection, parasite, pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver disease, endocrine disease, obstruction/foreign body. Your vet can run labwork and take xrays to help diagnose and prescibe medications to treat. He may need fluids to prevent dehydration and medications to control the vomiting.

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My dog is throwing up, shaking, and not eating. When to see a vet?

I hate to hear that Pantufla is not feeling well! Just like humans, there are many many causes of vomiting and some of the causes can be very serious. Any pet vomiting beyond 24 hours should be examined by the veterinarian. Any pet who is vomiting more than twice in a day or not holding down water also needs to be examined by the veterinarian. I am concerned that the shaking you are seeing indicates abdominal pain which is very worrisome for an intestinal blockage or pancreatitis. I recommend to have Pantufla examined today. It is better to play it safe than sorry. Here is a link about vomiting which may have helpful information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/vomiting-in-dogs/ I hope your pup feels better quickly!

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My dog is lethargic, not eating, and not moving. Is he very sick?

These are signs that he is either in a great deal of pain, or is very sick. There could be many possible causes of this, so it's difficult to say what exactly this means, or how easily this can be treated, but it's worth a visit to the vet. The vet will be able to help narrow-down the cause and at-least give treatment to make him feel better. Given his current condition, I reccomend he go to the vet within the next 24 hours. I hope that helps and Bobby gets better soon.

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My dog is vomiting and sleeping a lot. Why is she so sick?

There are many causes for [vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/vomiting-1/) and lethargy in dogs. Your dog could have a severe GI illness, [pancreatitis](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/canine-pancreatitis), a foreign body causing an [obstruction](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/bowel-obstruction-in-dogs), or may have eaten something rotten. I recommend withhold food for 12-24 hours, and then feeding her a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken and white rice in small amounts for several times a day. After a couple of days of the bland diet, you can slowly add back in her normal diet. If she continues to vomit in the absence of food, vomits the bland diet, stops drinking water and vomiting water, has diarrhea, and/or becomes very lethargic, you need to take her into your vet immediately.

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

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!

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My dog is lethargic, not eating, and throwing up. Should I worry?

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