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Why is my Lab mix sick with vomiting, diarrhea, and not eating?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 65 lbs

Labrador mix (approx 8 months old, we found 5 weeks ago) has not eaten or had much water in the last day or so. He has a noticeable lack of energy & change in demeanor. He threw up last night (clear/while mucus liquid; also had diarrhea. Today no change. We have a new addition into our home; a black Labrador mix puppy for only 5 days now we rescued. He and his dad are very close and at first we thought he was just being jealous, but know we aren’t so sure. Both dogs do have colds by the way.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 21st, 2018

I'm sorry Leo isn't doing well at the moment! Given that both dogs have respiratory infection, his symptoms could be due to that. Respiratory infections cause a dog to be lethargic as well as have a decrease in appetite. Vomiting can occur with a respiratory infection because a dog can cough a lot leading to that happening. Diarrhea, however, isn't typically seen with a respiratory infection, and that could be caused by intestinal worms. Puppies typically care them, and if Leo hasn't been dewormed lately, he could have gotten them from your new puppy. Finally, I'm not sure if Leo has been fully vaccinated or not, but if he hasn't, his symptoms could be caused by parvovirus or distemper. Both are highly contagious and very serious.

I don't think Leo is being jealous, I think he is legitimately ill. Because I can't see him in person to rule out something serious like parvo or distemper and because I don't know his vaccination status, I do think having him seen by a vet sooner rather than later is best. It's concerning he hasn't eaten or had much water in at least 24 hours, and it needs to be checked out by a vet. Please bring him into a vet today. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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