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My dog has yellow gums, won't eat/drink, and is weak. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 11 months and 18 days old | 60 lbs

My dog it's peeing a dark yellow, his gums are yellow, he won't eat or drink. He can't stand for long what is wrong with him? ?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 20th, 2016

Peeing a dark yellow is a sign of dehydration, while yellow gums indicate jaundice. This can be caused by toxins, hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), massive damage to the liver, or systemic infection among other causes. It is a medical emergency that Poncho has yellow gums, he won't eat or drink, and he can't stand for long. He is quite sick and he needs medical attention immediately. Please take him into an ER vet now.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Oh dear! These are very concerning signs. The yellow color is called jaundice, and is normally due to either severe liver disease, or an autoimmune disease called IMHA (auto-immune hemolytic anemia). Both of these are life-threatening illnesses that need immediate treatment for the best chance of survival. I would recommend taking Poncho to an emergency vet immediately - he/she can do blood work to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate treatment right away.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Tomasz Wnuk
Veterinarian
Published on April 15th, 2020
Yellow colour of the skin means that your dog is jaundiced. Jaundice is a result of liver, gallbladder or bile ducts diseases. It could also be because of infections or excessive damage of the red cells (seen in some autoimmune diseases). Your dog really needs to be seen by a vet as soon as possible. Please, try and take Lucas a vet as I don't think there is anything you can do at home to help him.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 27th, 2017
Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Yellow gums are a symptom of something pretty serious going on. Jaundice can result from liver disease or toxicity, or the destruction of red blood cells releasing bilirubin into the blood stream. Only your veterinarian can diagnose what is going on, & start Shawn on the proper treatment. I hope he is well soon. Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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