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Why is my old dog crying, not eating, drinking a lot, and throwing up?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 16 years and 9 months old | 8 lbs

My 16 yr old chihuahua who has always been healthy is crying a lot. He won't eat food and is constantly drinking water. He threw up a little water once and then the second time it was more like a clear mucus, what is going on?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 6th, 2016

It sounds like poor Taco is sick! This vomiting could be caused by a severe GI illness, eating something rotten, pancreatitis, foreign body, or even cancer (which is always a possibility in an old dog). Given his age and the fact that he can't keep down water, I would take him into a vet immediately. Old dogs can very easily become dehydrated, and it's important that he's seen by a vet now to prevent that since he's vomiting water. The vet can diagnose what is causing the vomiting, and can prescribe an appropriate treatment.
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