My dog is vomiting, dehydrated, and won't keep water down. What to do?

In dogs, we can sometimes tell dehydration is present if we look at their gums and they seem dry or tacky instead of wet/covered in saliva. In some cases we can also see what is called "skin tenting" where if we pull up the extra skin between the shoulder blades and release it, it doesn't immediately snap back into place. These signs, however, occur with severe dehydration. If your dog was vomiting repeatedly for a day, he is likely dehydrated. He should go to the vet for an exam, fluids to rehydrate him, and an injection to help stop the vomiting. They may recommend testing (x-rays and bloodwork) to try to determine the cause of vomiting to more accurately recommend treatment.

If Pumba was in the trash last night, I would be very concerned that he ate something rotten or may have a foreign body obstructing his GI tract. It's very serious that he is quite weak and unbalanced, and that is not something that can be treated at home. He does have to see a vet, as the cause of the vomiting and severe lethargy. The nose being dry isn't a sign of illness, as a dog's nose can change temperature and moisture level just by being next to a heat source, but a dry tongue can indicate dehydration. If there was a home remedy, I would tell you, but in this case, there is no home remedy, and taking him to the vet is the only option. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com

You have to Hydro into a vet now. It's a medical emergency when a dog can't even keep down water, and leaving him in this condition without veterinary care is cruel. He could die from dehydration. Take him into a vet immediately.

I am sorry to hear that Rydor is so gravely ill. This sounds serious. I would highly recommend getting Rydor seen by a vet at this point because he is beyond the time frame that is ok to wait and see how things will work out. Typically any illness to this degree that goes beyond 24 hrs or so should be seen and medically treated because conservative treatments at home are likely to fail and will only result in a prolonging of vital treatment that he needs in order to get well. I am really concerned about a possible foreign body obstruction, bacterial infection, or organ malfunction. Rydor needs to be seen as soon as possible for a thorough exam, bloodwork analysis to diagnose his condition, and medications to help stabilize him. Until you can get him in you can try offering him small amounts of Pedialyte and Ensure using a syringe or small turkey baster. This can help prevent any further dehydration and hopefully provide some small nutritional support for him until he can be seen and properly treated. I sincerely hope for his speedy recovery from his underlying illness.

If your dog is lethargic and vomiting these two things in combination are reason to seek veterinary care, as your dog is likely dehydrated and may need fluid therapy via an IV catheter or subcutaneous fluids. If he has just started vomiting or has only vomited a couple times, you can try fasting him (nothing orally, no food or water) to let his stomach settle and then slowly reintroducing fluids and then a bland diet such as plain cooked white rice and boiled chicken breast. You can read more about this at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=353. If despite this he continues to vomit, he becomes weak, he has blood in his vomit or stool, or is painful in his abdomen then seek veterinary care. Drooling can be due to nausea, or irritation/inflammation in the mouth, or ingestion of a toxin. If you think a toxin ingestion is possible, seek veterinary care.

Dehydration isn’t usually painful. It makes dogs lethargic and they don’t want to eat or drink. If he’s in hat much pain I’d be concerned about an injury, pancreatitis or an intestinal obstruction. You are correct that he’s also at risk of dehydration if he’s not eating or drinking normally. I recommend a veterinary exam soon so he can recover quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Sammy.

I'm sorry to hear Wero isn't feeling well. Because he's not eating and drinking while spitting up, I worry that he will become dehydrated. He really need to see a vet for an exam and blood work. If his eyes are going side to side he could have what's called Vestibular disease which is inflammation of a nerve inside the ear. If so, there is no treatment for it, he just needs time. Offer him to watered down canned dog food to see if he can lap up the food for strength. You may try using a syringe to offer it. I'm sorry I can't offer more help. Good luck and kisses to Wero!