My dog is throwing up foam, won't eat, and is shivering. What's wrong?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  I'm sorry to hear that your dog is so sick! From your description, I would be very worried that he has a serious problem. If he hasn't been fully vaccinated, my first concern would be that he may have parvo - this is a common illness in puppies under a year old, and causes vomiting, lethargy, and not eating as well as bloody diarrhea after the first day or two. Other possible causes of these symptoms would include a serious GI problem such as pancreatitis or an intestinal obstruction, or possibly ingestion of something toxic. Regardless of the underlying cause, these symptoms are very concerning and may indicate a life-threatening problem - Handsome needs to be seen by an emergency vet right away. He/she can do blood work and x-rays to help diagnose what's wrong, and will probably also start him on IV fluids and other supportive care including medication to stop the vomiting.

  

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• Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

  Veterinarian

  So sorry about your puppy. He needs to be examined by a vet right away. He could have an infection (parvo), parasite, or obstruction and your vet can run lab-work and take x-rays to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat. He may be dehydrated and need some fluids, as well as medications to control the vomiting. He sounds pretty sick so please call your vet or take him to the nearest veterinary emergency room.

  

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• Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on November 9th, 2016

  Poor Tiny! It does sound like he's quite sick. In a puppy this age, I would be very concerned that he may have parvo if he hasn't been fully vaccinated - this is unfortunately a very common illness in puppies, and often causes the symptoms you describe. He could also have an intestinal obstruction due to something he swallowed, or may have gotten into something toxic. All of these problems are very serious, so he needs to be seen by a vet right away. Your vet can test him for parvo and also do blood work or other testing if needed to diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate treatment. If he does have parvo, he will likely need to be hospitalized for IV fluids and supportive care for the best chance of survival.

  

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• Answered By David Darvishian

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 3rd, 2017

  Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Tommy. Vomiting, weakness, and shivering are all signs that he needs to be evaluated immediately. You should call your vet or if after hours, contact an emergency vet hospital and describe what is going on. Most likely, they will tell you to bring Tommy in for an evaluation. Likely possibilities include an infection/fever, intestinal parasites, foreign body, dietary indiscretion (eating something he shouldn't), pancreatitis, dietary intolerance/sensitivity, among many other causes. Your vet will do a physical exam and then advise blood tests, fecal tests, and most likely imaging studies (x-rays, ultrasound) to evaluate and diagnose what is going on. Again, I would get Tommy evaluated so both of you will feel better. I wish you good luck

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful