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Why is my dog throwing up white foam, shaking, and acting lethargic?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 11 months and 4 days old | 8 lbs

My dog is throwing up white foam and is shaking like he is cold amd with no energy what can i do to help him

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 10th, 2019

It is recommended to take LIttle Bear to the veterinarian to be evaluated. There are many different causes of vomiting. He may have a gastrointestinal upset, Pancreatitis, Foreign Body, etc. Your veterinarian will be able to do a complete physical examination and determine if any and what diagnostics are needed. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 18th, 2017
If he is vomiting and is weak then he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. He could have an infection, parasite, obstruction, pancreatitis, endocrine disease, etc. It sounds like he could be dehydrated and your vet can give him fluids to re-hydrate him. He may also need an anti-vomiting injection, antibiotic, antacid, and gastrointestinal protectant to help.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on May 18th, 2018
This is bilious vomiting. It it frequently due to a "sour stomach" when a dog does not eat for extended periods of time. Try offering Cooper a small meal just before bedtime. If this does not help or if he has other symptoms (lethargy, decreased appetite, diarrhea, etc.), then have him examined by your veterinarian to diagnose illness or infection.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 26th, 2020
Any continued abnormal symptoms (longer than 24 hours) warrants a vet exam. I cannot tell you what is wrong with him just by your description as those symptoms are very vague. Vomiting and not wanting to eat can be from almost anything. Common things in puppies that can cause this are:

* intestinal parasites (worms)
* intestinal obstruction
* parvovirus
* pancreatitis

I suggest you get him examined by your vet as soon as you can.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 3rd, 2017
Poor puppy. He may have an acid reflux problem. Get him examined by your vet just to ensure he is healthy otherwise, and then discuss with your vet about trying him on a short course of antacids to see if there is any improvement.
You can also feed him smaller and more frequent meals, especially right before bedtime. You see most of these pets will vomit up foam because the stomach is empty and overloaded with acid, which then causes vomiting of clear liquid. I hope your puppy Oscar feels better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Why is my dog vomiting white foam, shaking, lethargic, and diarrhea?

Hi, and thanks for your question. These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs) may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my dog sometimes get lethargic, shake, and then throw up?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. There are many causes of vomiting and the shaking is probably him getting ready to vomit. Many times the diet is responsible for any abnormal GI symptoms. I would recommend switching to a different food altogether and consider adding in a probiotic such as Purina Fortiflora. If this does not help, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine him so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bear! He is probably uncomfortable if he keeps getting up and rearranging himself. With the vomiting it makes me think his belly hurts and he is nauseous and that is why he can't rest comfortably or eat. Possible causes of vomiting, not eating and an uncomfortable belly are: pancreatitis, a foreign body that is stuck, inflammation of the stomach or intestines from viral or bacterial infections or from eating something that doesn't agree with him. I recommend that you take Bear to your Vet as soon as you can. Based on their physical exam they may want to do blood work and X-rays of his belly. Based on the results they will know how best to get him better! I hope this helps and good luck!

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

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My dog is shaking after vomiting and diarrhea, what should I do?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Teddy! Teddy is shaking after he vomits and has diarrhea (?) is because he either doesn't feel good or is scared. People and babies do the same thing after they vomit. The best thing is to find out why the vomiting is happening if it is often. If it isn't often and after the vomit episode Teddy is fine then the shaking is a normal part of vomiting. Causes of vomiting and diarrhea are: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections. ate something gross outside that is upsetting his stomach, foreign body ingestion (something is stuck and needs surgery), toxin ingestion or food allergy or sensitivity. If this the vomiting is abnormal and/or a new thing and it continues I recommend taking Teddy to the Vet for an exam. I hope this helps and I wish you and Teddy the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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